Alabama rot, properly called cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is a rare disease of unknown cause that damages the blood vessels in a dog’s skin and kidneys. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) describes it as rare but potentially fatal. Most skin sores in dogs have far more ordinary causes, but an unexplained sore deserves a prompt call to your vet.
At a glance
- What it is: a rare disease that causes skin sores and can lead to sudden kidney failure.
- Who it affects: many breeds have been affected, and the BVA says over 90% of cases are identified between November and May.
- Urgency: contact your vet about an unexplained skin sore; as soon as possible if your dog is also unwell.
- Vet needed? Yes. Only a vet can tell what a sore is.
Signs to look for
The BVA says the skin sores usually appear on the lower legs, but can show up on the body, face or inside the mouth. Blue Cross lists skin lesions or ulcers, red or swollen skin, and more paw licking than usual, though paw licking can just as easily be allergies or a sore pad. Kidney failure signs, such as tiredness, not eating and vomiting, tend to follow. The BVA says sores usually come about three days before kidney failure, and Blue Cross gives a range of one to ten days. Not every dog with a sore goes on to have kidney problems.
The reassuring part: the BVA stresses that a skin sore is far more likely to have another cause, such as an injury or infection, and that kidney failure without a skin sore can have many more common causes. If a sore is stubborn, our guide to skin infections in dogs may help you ask the right questions.
Causes and risk factors
The cause is still unknown. The BVA says over 90% of cases happen between November and May, which may hint at an environmental trigger, and the Kennel Club notes speculation about mud or water. The BVA also mentions early research pointing to a possible bacterium, but that is unconfirmed.
Many breeds have been affected. A Royal Veterinary College study in Veterinary Record compared 101 UK cases with over 446,000 other dogs and found hound and gundog breeds had higher odds than terriers, with Flat-Coated Retrievers, Hungarian Vizslas and Whippets among the breeds with the highest odds compared with crossbreeds. The authors caution that this may partly reflect where breeds are popular, and the BVA similarly says hounds and gundogs appear more likely to be affected. Blue Cross says there is no sign of it spreading between dogs.
When to call your vet
Blue Cross advises contacting your vet immediately if sores, lesions or ulcers appear on the legs, paws or face. The BVA says to take your dog to your vet for an unexplained sore, and as soon as possible if a dog with a new skin lesion is also unwell, for example vomiting. If you don’t have a regular practice, use our guide to finding the best vets near you. For general worry about a poorly dog, see our sick dog symptoms guide. If in doubt, speak to your vet.
- 1. Notice
An unexplained skin sore, often on the lower legs - 2. Speak to your vet
Contact your vet about the sore, as soon as possible if your dog is also unwell - 3. Vet examines
Blood and urine tests if a sore looks suspicious - 4. Options
Treatment options your vet may discuss: pain relief, hospital care - 5. Ongoing care
Wash feet after walks and check your dog daily for sores
How vets diagnose it
Blue Cross says a vet can run blood and urine tests if a skin lesion looks suspicious. The BVA says vets may suspect the disease from the sores and blood test changes, but a definite diagnosis is only possible after death, by examining kidney tissue under a microscope.
What vets generally do about it
The BVA says dogs with suspected CRGV need intensive management at a practice or referral centre. Blue Cross says most dogs need pain relief, antibiotics if sores become infected, and hospital care if the kidneys are affected. It adds that earlier diagnosis and treatment improve the chance of recovery and that the disease is not always fatal, though the BVA acknowledges many dogs with kidney failure do not survive. Your vet decides the plan.
Living with it and prevention
The BVA says no preventive measures are well supported by research, but washing your dog after walks, especially the feet, is a reasonable precaution. The Kennel Club suggests keeping dogs away from very muddy areas and checking their bodies regularly. Blue Cross suggests checking your dog daily for lumps, bumps and sores. These are common-sense habits rather than proven protection. Our guide to how long dogs live has more on everyday health.
Related conditions
- Kidney disease in dogs
- Skin infections in dogs
- Dog allergies, a common reason for paw licking
- Vomiting in dogs
- Back to the dog illnesses A to Z
Specialist help
alabama-rot.co.uk is a dedicated site with veterinary expertise from Anderson Moores, the specialist practice that tracks UK cases. It has a live, searchable case map and owner information, so you can see the current figures rather than a number that goes out of date.
Sources
- British Veterinary Association: Alabama Rot, what dog owners need to know (J. Walker, Anderson Moores)
- Blue Cross: Alabama rot in dogs
- The Kennel Club: Alabama rot warning to dog owners
- Stevens et al., Veterinary Record 2018 (RVC): Signalment risk factors for CRGV in UK dogs
- Alabama Rot (Anderson Moores): case map and owner information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alabama rot in dogs?
It is a rare disease of unknown cause, properly called CRGV, that damages blood vessels in the skin and kidneys. It can be fatal, but most skin sores have other causes, so speak to your vet about any unexplained sore.
Is Alabama rot contagious?
Blue Cross says there is no indication that it spreads between dogs or to other pets, and it is unusual for more than one dog in the same area to be affected.
Can I stop my dog getting Alabama rot?
The BVA says no preventive measures are well supported by research, though washing your dog after walks, especially the feet, is a reasonable precaution. Speak to your vet if you are worried.
When should I take my dog to the vet about a sore?
The BVA says to take your dog to your vet for an unexplained skin sore, and as soon as possible if your dog is also unwell, for example vomiting. Blue Cross says to contact your vet immediately about sores on the legs, paws or face.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, speak to your vet. Written by Georgiana & Figo, who are dog owners, not vets. Have a look around Calmshops for everyday dog essentials.
