What is Alabama Rot (CRGV)?
Alabama Rot (or it's official name Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy 'CRGV') is a potentially fatal disease in dogs. It was first reported in America in the 1980s, where it was only considered to affect greyhounds. The disease was first recognised in the UK in 2012 and since then, cases have been reported in many counties across the UK.
How does the disease work?
The disease works by causing damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidneys. Tiny blood clots form in blood vessels which block them and can lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure) and can be fatal.
What causes CRGV?
It is not yet known what causes the disease or why some dogs suffer more than others. There is active research ongoing to try and understand more. We do know that the disease is more likely to develop in dogs between November and May, and when they walk in woodland areas following increased rainfall.
Is my dog likely to get infected?
CRGV can affect any dog, whatever age or breed. The breeds most affected have been Labradors, spaniels and Hungarian vizslas. Important note: Although CRGV can be very serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure is relatively low when compared with other diseases seen in dogs (282 confirmed cases across the UK between November 2012 and February 2022)
How do I stop my dog from getting CRGV?
As the cause is currently unknown, it is very difficult to give specific advice about prevention. However, it may be sensible every time you come home from a walk, to wash your dog down thoroughly, removing all dirt and mud that may be in their coat. And also educate yourself on the signs, so you can identify possible disease early, potentially giving your dog a better chance of survival.
Where should I walk my dog to avoid CRGV?
Cases of CRGV have been reported from across many different counties in the UK and we are not currently advising dog owners to avoid any particular locations. Although an environmental cause for this disease is considered possible, it has not been proven with testing to date.
How will I know if my dog gets CRGV - what are the symptoms?
Unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin (particularly on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth) are often the first sign of this disease. It is important to remember that most of the time a skin problem will NOT be caused by CRGV; however, the lesions in CRGV can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if in doubt it is better to seek veterinary advice. Even if the skin changes are caused by CRGV, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will recover fully. However if a dog does go on to develop kidney failure, signs to be concerned about would include lethargy, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst or decreased urination. FOR MORE DETAILS on symptoms to look out for, go to www.alabama-rot.co.uk/pet-owner/intro-page/symptoms-to-look-out-for/
What should I do if I think my dog has CRGV?
Contact your vet immediately. The earlier the disease is suspected, the sooner treatment can be started. Your vet will decide the best course of action for your dog, and this will involve management of the skin sores, and if it has developed, the sudden onset kidney failure. Dogs who develop kidney failure (which is called acute kidney injury) will need much more intensive management with referral to a specialist with on-site 24 hour care. In specific circumstances advanced supportive care options including plasma exchange and dialysis may be considered for dogs with CRGV. These are available at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC Small Animal Referrals).
Can dogs recover from CRGV?
Sadly, in most cases, dogs that develop sudden onset kidney failure do not survive Alabama rot. However, if the disease is identified early there may be an increased chance of a positive outcome. Therefore, it is very important to spot the symptoms early.
Is CRGV contagious?
Research to date shows no indication that it can be passed from dog to dog.
Is there a map showing cases of CRGV?
Yes, a map detailing all confirmed cases since 2012, is available at www.alabama-rot.co.uk/live-map-of-cases/
Why is a case not on the map?
The map only shows confirmed cases. It is managed by Anderson Moores. They are able to update the map if it has been confirmed that the cause of death was CRGV, which can only happen via a post mortem.
Who can carry out a post mortem to confirm CRGV?
A post mortem can be carried out on behalf of a vet using a suitable laboratory to confirm the diagnosis of CRGV. Anderson Moores offer a free of charge service to receive post mortem samples for diagnosis. They consequently hold a database of results to assist with research being carried out. Vets are therefore welcome to inform Anderson Moores to let them know about both suspected and confirmed cases, and to send them post mortem samples for diagnosis. If a member of the public wants their vet to find out more information on what has happened to their dog, they can ask their vet to send the clinical notes and any blood test and urine test results to Anderson Moores who can be contacted at [email protected]
Is CRGV the same illness as seasonal canine illness (SCI)?
No – these are 2 completely separate illnesses causing different signs. SCI causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy with no ulcerative skin lesions.
Does CRGV affect other animals or humans?
CRGV has not been seen in animals other than dogs. Owners of dogs affected by CRGV have not been affected by this illness.
Who do I contact if I have an idea as to the cause of CRGV?
Anderson Moores are veterinary specialists in the forefront of research being carried out. You can contact them at www.andersonmoores.com/contact-us/
What can I do to help?
Research into new diseases requires a lot of funding - to pay for the development of new diagnostic tests, the investigation into the causes of the disease and ultimately the development of effective treatments. The Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF) is a national charity aiming to raise awareness and funds for research. If you would like to help us fight the disease, please consider raising funds or making a donation.
Alabama Rot (or it's official name Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy 'CRGV') is a potentially fatal disease in dogs. It was first reported in America in the 1980s, where it was only considered to affect greyhounds. The disease was first recognised in the UK in 2012 and since then, cases have been reported in many counties across the UK.
How does the disease work?
The disease works by causing damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidneys. Tiny blood clots form in blood vessels which block them and can lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction (kidney failure) and can be fatal.
What causes CRGV?
It is not yet known what causes the disease or why some dogs suffer more than others. There is active research ongoing to try and understand more. We do know that the disease is more likely to develop in dogs between November and May, and when they walk in woodland areas following increased rainfall.
Is my dog likely to get infected?
CRGV can affect any dog, whatever age or breed. The breeds most affected have been Labradors, spaniels and Hungarian vizslas. Important note: Although CRGV can be very serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure is relatively low when compared with other diseases seen in dogs (282 confirmed cases across the UK between November 2012 and February 2022)
How do I stop my dog from getting CRGV?
As the cause is currently unknown, it is very difficult to give specific advice about prevention. However, it may be sensible every time you come home from a walk, to wash your dog down thoroughly, removing all dirt and mud that may be in their coat. And also educate yourself on the signs, so you can identify possible disease early, potentially giving your dog a better chance of survival.
Where should I walk my dog to avoid CRGV?
Cases of CRGV have been reported from across many different counties in the UK and we are not currently advising dog owners to avoid any particular locations. Although an environmental cause for this disease is considered possible, it has not been proven with testing to date.
How will I know if my dog gets CRGV - what are the symptoms?
Unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin (particularly on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth) are often the first sign of this disease. It is important to remember that most of the time a skin problem will NOT be caused by CRGV; however, the lesions in CRGV can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if in doubt it is better to seek veterinary advice. Even if the skin changes are caused by CRGV, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will recover fully. However if a dog does go on to develop kidney failure, signs to be concerned about would include lethargy, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst or decreased urination. FOR MORE DETAILS on symptoms to look out for, go to www.alabama-rot.co.uk/pet-owner/intro-page/symptoms-to-look-out-for/
What should I do if I think my dog has CRGV?
Contact your vet immediately. The earlier the disease is suspected, the sooner treatment can be started. Your vet will decide the best course of action for your dog, and this will involve management of the skin sores, and if it has developed, the sudden onset kidney failure. Dogs who develop kidney failure (which is called acute kidney injury) will need much more intensive management with referral to a specialist with on-site 24 hour care. In specific circumstances advanced supportive care options including plasma exchange and dialysis may be considered for dogs with CRGV. These are available at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC Small Animal Referrals).
Can dogs recover from CRGV?
Sadly, in most cases, dogs that develop sudden onset kidney failure do not survive Alabama rot. However, if the disease is identified early there may be an increased chance of a positive outcome. Therefore, it is very important to spot the symptoms early.
Is CRGV contagious?
Research to date shows no indication that it can be passed from dog to dog.
Is there a map showing cases of CRGV?
Yes, a map detailing all confirmed cases since 2012, is available at www.alabama-rot.co.uk/live-map-of-cases/
Why is a case not on the map?
The map only shows confirmed cases. It is managed by Anderson Moores. They are able to update the map if it has been confirmed that the cause of death was CRGV, which can only happen via a post mortem.
Who can carry out a post mortem to confirm CRGV?
A post mortem can be carried out on behalf of a vet using a suitable laboratory to confirm the diagnosis of CRGV. Anderson Moores offer a free of charge service to receive post mortem samples for diagnosis. They consequently hold a database of results to assist with research being carried out. Vets are therefore welcome to inform Anderson Moores to let them know about both suspected and confirmed cases, and to send them post mortem samples for diagnosis. If a member of the public wants their vet to find out more information on what has happened to their dog, they can ask their vet to send the clinical notes and any blood test and urine test results to Anderson Moores who can be contacted at [email protected]
Is CRGV the same illness as seasonal canine illness (SCI)?
No – these are 2 completely separate illnesses causing different signs. SCI causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy with no ulcerative skin lesions.
Does CRGV affect other animals or humans?
CRGV has not been seen in animals other than dogs. Owners of dogs affected by CRGV have not been affected by this illness.
Who do I contact if I have an idea as to the cause of CRGV?
Anderson Moores are veterinary specialists in the forefront of research being carried out. You can contact them at www.andersonmoores.com/contact-us/
What can I do to help?
Research into new diseases requires a lot of funding - to pay for the development of new diagnostic tests, the investigation into the causes of the disease and ultimately the development of effective treatments. The Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF) is a national charity aiming to raise awareness and funds for research. If you would like to help us fight the disease, please consider raising funds or making a donation.