My Pet Folio

CRGV (Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy), known as Alabama Rot, is a rare but serious disease in the UK. It causes damage to blood vessels in the skin and kidneys. The cause is unknown, but it is often linked to walking in muddy woodlands.

Signs:

Skin Lesions: Unexplained red sores, ulcers, or swelling, usually on lower legs, paws, chest, or belly.
Kidney Failure Symptoms (develop later): Vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite, not urinating.

Action Steps:

Wash your dog's paws and legs thoroughly after muddy walks (precautionary).
Check for unexplained sores or ulcers.
If you find a sore, contact your veterinarian. Early caught skin lesions may not progress to kidney failure, but monitoring is essential.

Important Warning

Alabama Rot is rare, but awareness is important. Most skin sores are not Alabama Rot, but any unexplained lesion on a dog, especially after a woodland walk, should be checked by a vet.