Alabama rot - behind the headlines

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is a disease that is characterised by sores/lesions usually on the bottom part of dog’s legs.

What is it?

It is often associated with sudden onset kidney failure but the cause of the disease remains unknown. It is sometimes called Alabama rot after a disease first recognised in Greyhounds in Alabama, USA in the 1980s; CRGV bears a number of similarities to Alabama rot. CRGV has received a lot of media attention recently so you may have heard or read about it over the past few years.  

How many dogs has it affected?

Since November 2012, more than 150 dogs from 37 counties across the UK have been diagnosed with CRGV. Currently the disease can only be definitively diagnosed after death by looking at kidney tissue under the microscope, although your vet can have a high index of suspicion for the disease on the basis of the skin lesions and some blood test changes.

What are the signs?

In affected dogs, skin sores typically appear an average of 3 days before the development of kidney failure; although in some dogs, kidney failure can occur up to 10 days later. The signs of kidney failure can include tiredness, not eating, vomiting and a change in drinking. Although the sores are most often on the legs, they can sometimes be seen on the body or face. Some dogs only get skin sores/lesions without ever getting blood test changes.

A range of breeds have been identified with CRGV in the UK and some of the more commonly affected breeds include the English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever and Hungarian Vizsla. There does not appear to be a particular age or sex of dog that is more likely to develop the disease.

When and where have cases been confirmed in the UK?

There appears to be a seasonal distribution, with most cases being identified between November and May. On this basis, it is possible there is an environmental trigger; however, this is unlikely to be the full story and it is possible that certain dogs are predisposed to developing the disease. If you would like to see if any cases have been confirmed near where you live, this information is available online.

Although concerning, it is important to stress that this disease remains rare. If your pet has a skin sore then it is likely that this has another cause (such as an injury or infection). In the event your dog has/develops kidney failure, then there are many more common causes than CRGV.

Dogs suspected to be suffering from CRGV need intensive management at your local veterinary practice or a referral centre. Unfortunately, a large number of dogs that develop kidney failure from this disease do not survive; however, there are a number of suspected survivors (remembering the disease can only be confirmed on kidney tissue analysis, hence the use of the term suspected) and the outlook is not hopeless.

Is there anything we can do to prevent it?

Given the cause is unknown, it is hard to give any preventative advice that has any scientific research to support it. Some people have suggested washing dogs after a walk.

Research into CRGV is ongoing and updates on case number and research will be provided on Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists’ website or Facebook page. A national charity, the Alabama Rot research fund, has been set up to try and raise funds for research into this condition.

If you see an unexplained skin sore on your dog then the first thing to do is take your dog to your veterinary practice. Remember, the disease is rare and the sore/lesion is unlikely to be the result of CRGV.

More information

• BVA statement: Owners should be aware of Alabama rot symptoms, urge vets
• Vet Record article Increased need to find the cause of Alabama rot
• Vet Record article More cases of Alabama rot confirmed in UK