CONDITION

Alabama Rot (CRGV)

Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), commonly known as Alabama rot, is a rare but serious condition causing skin lesions and kidney damage, with cases primarily reported in the UK during wet winter months.

Why this matters now

Alabama rot cases in the UK cluster predominantly between November and May, with wet, muddy walking conditions appearing to be a common factor. The condition can affect dogs of any breed, age, or size, though certain areas report higher case numbers. The cause remains unidentified despite ongoing research.

The condition typically begins with unexplained skin lesions, often on the legs, paws, or face. These may initially resemble cuts, stings, or other minor injuries. In some dogs, the disease progresses over days to affect the kidneys, causing acute kidney injury. This progression does not occur in all dogs with suspected skin lesions, but when it does, it can be severe.

Signals & patterns

Early signals

Unexplained skin sores

Lesions typically appear as red, ulcerated areas, often on the lower legs, paws, chest, or muzzle without known trauma.

Swelling around lesions

The tissue surrounding skin sores may appear puffy or oedematous.

Licking at affected areas

Dogs may show attention to developing lesions before they become obviously visible.

Recent muddy walks

Many affected dogs have a history of walking in wet, muddy woodland areas in the preceding days.

Later signals

Reduced appetite

Declining interest in food may indicate systemic effects as the condition progresses.

Lethargy

Generalised weakness and reduced activity can accompany kidney involvement.

Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting may develop as kidney function becomes impaired.

Reduced urination

Decreased urine production suggests developing acute kidney injury.

Click to read about the biological mechanisms

How this is usually investigated

Investigation focuses on identifying the characteristic skin lesions, monitoring for kidney involvement, and excluding other causes of similar signs.

Clinical examination

Purpose: Identifies characteristic skin lesions and assesses overall condition
Considerations: Lesion appearance and location provide important clues; systemic signs suggest progression.

Blood tests

Purpose: Assesses kidney function through urea and creatinine levels
Considerations: Serial testing monitors for developing kidney injury; early changes may precede clinical signs.

Urinalysis

Purpose: Evaluates kidney function and identifies protein loss or blood in urine
Considerations: Can detect kidney damage before blood values become abnormal.

Blood pressure measurement

Purpose: Hypertension can accompany kidney disease and affect prognosis
Considerations: Provides additional information about renal status.

Skin biopsy

Purpose: Histopathology can confirm thrombotic microangiopathy in lesions
Considerations: Provides definitive tissue diagnosis; helps exclude other conditions; requires sedation or anaesthesia.

Kidney biopsy

Purpose: Confirms renal involvement pattern in severe cases
Considerations: Invasive procedure; typically only performed post-mortem for research purposes.

Options & trade-offs

Management centres on intensive supportive care, particularly for dogs developing kidney involvement, as no specific treatment for the underlying process exists.

Wound care for skin lesions

Cleaning, protecting, and monitoring skin sores while watching for progression

Trade-offs: Important for preventing secondary infection; lesions alone may heal; does not prevent kidney involvement.

Intravenous fluid therapy

Aggressive fluid support to maintain kidney perfusion and support function

Trade-offs: Essential for kidney protection; requires hospitalisation; can cause fluid overload if kidneys fail.

Plasma exchange or transfusion

Blood product therapy attempted in some severe cases

Trade-offs: Theoretical benefit in thrombotic microangiopathy; limited availability; variable outcomes reported.

Kidney dialysis

Haemodialysis to support dogs through acute kidney injury

Trade-offs: Can sustain life while kidneys potentially recover; limited availability; expensive; requires specialist centre.

Supportive medications

Anti-nausea drugs, appetite stimulants, and gastrointestinal protectants

Trade-offs: Improves comfort; supports nutrition during recovery; addresses symptoms rather than cause.

Common misconceptions

Misconception:

"Alabama rot is common and dogs frequently die from it"

Reality:

The condition remains rare, with typically fewer than 200 confirmed cases annually in the UK despite millions of dogs walking in muddy conditions.

Misconception:

"All dogs with skin lesions after muddy walks have Alabama rot"

Reality:

Many conditions cause skin sores, and most lesions following muddy walks have other explanations; Alabama rot remains one of many possibilities.

Misconception:

"Washing dogs after walks prevents Alabama rot"

Reality:

While sensible for general hygiene, no preventive measures have been proven effective as the cause remains unknown.

Dog owners noticing unexplained skin lesions, particularly during winter months after muddy walks, may wish to monitor these closely. Understanding that most skin sores have benign explanations while remaining alert to signs of systemic illness can help guide appropriate responses.

Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS