Alabama rot, otherwise known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is a disease that affects dogs.
It damages the blood vessels in the skin and kidneys, which causes visible sores on the skin and can lead to severe organ dysfunction and ultimately kidney failure.
The cause of the disease is currently unknown, though research is on-going. Since December 2012, a small number of cases have been seen throughout the UK.
Most reports come from pet owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, and most cases are reported during winter and spring.
Generally, cases are rare in the summer months compared to the colder months.
What might you see:
Unexplained redness
Sores (a defect in the skin)
Swollen skin
Your dog licking their paws more than usual
Additional signs that may be seen if kidney problems develop:
Vomiting.
A change in behaviour such as not eating or being excessively tired.
These later signs can develop a few days after the skin sores have appeared or at the same time.
If you’re concerned that your dog may be suffering, you should contact your vet immediately.
The number of cases reported in the UK is extremely low, so there’s little reason to be worried.
Thousands of dogs are walked in the countryside every day, and it’s important to remember that only a very small number of dogs have been affected.
The threat is very low, and while there may be an environmental trigger, we can’t confirm that some areas are safer than others.
List of cases – https://www.alabama-rot.co.uk
