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Alabama rot in dogs: signs, causes and treatment

Key takeaways

  • If your dog has unexplained skin sores or ulcers, especially after a muddy or wooded walk, contact your vet as soon as possible, don’t wait to see if it gets worse.
  • The first signs are usually skin lesions on the legs, face, or underbelly, and Alabama rot is rare but potentially fatal.
  • Watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy too, these can signal kidney involvement and need urgent attention.
  • The exact cause is unknown, though muddy or wooded areas may be linked, so washing dogs after muddy walks is a sensible precaution.

What is Alabama rot?

Alabama rot, also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), is a potentially fatal condition affecting dogs. Although identified in the US during the 1980s, the disease has resurfaced in the UK since 2012, leading to a growing number of cases.

What should I do if I think my dog has Alabama rot?

If you notice any unexplained skin sores, ulcers, or lesions on your dog, especially after a muddy or wooded walk, contact your vet as soon as possible. Early treatment gives your dog the best chance of survival, so don’t wait to see if the lesion gets worse or if other symptoms develop.

What are signs and symptoms of Alabama rot in dogs?

The initial sign of Alabama rot in dogs is often skin lesions that appear as red sores or ulcers, typically on the legs, below the elbow or knee. In some cases, lesions can also appear on the face or underbelly.

These lesions might be followed by symptoms of kidney failure, including vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. These symptoms can take several days to develop, making early detection and quick action critical.

Is Alabama rot contagious?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that Alabama rot is contagious between dogs. The disease does not appear to spread from animal to animal, nor is there evidence suggesting it can pass to humans or other animals such as cats or rabbits.

How do dogs get Alabama rot?

The exact cause of Alabama rot remains unknown, complicating prevention efforts. There is speculation that dogs may contract it from toxins found in muddy, wooded areas, suggesting an environmental trigger might be involved.

Washing dogs after muddy walks is advisable, though it is a precautionary measure rather than a scientifically proven prevention.

A dog's paw shows a swollen, reddish-purple sore, resting on a textured carpet.
The first sign of Alabama rot is often unexplained redness, a skin sore or lesion
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When is Alabama rot most prevalent?

Most cases happen more frequently during winter and spring than in summer and autumn,

Are all breeds at risk from Alabama rot?

Alabama rot has affected various breeds, including Labradors, English Springer Spaniels, and Whippets, showing that it does not discriminate by size or breed.

What locations are most affected by Alabama rot?

Outbreaks of Alabama rot have been recorded across the UK, with notable outbreaks in Hampshire, Greater Manchester, and Scotland.

How is Alabama rot diagnosed and treated?

Unfortunately, diagnosing Alabama rot can be challenging. Definitive diagnosis often requires analysis of kidney tissue post-mortem.

Treatment involves early and aggressive veterinary care, focusing on managing symptoms and supporting kidney function. If you notice any suspicious lesions on your dog, consult a vet immediately.

What is the future outlook and research for Alabama rot?

Research into Alabama rot is ongoing, with scientists investigating possible infectious and environmental triggers. Despite over a decade of study, no definitive cause has been found. There’s currently no vaccine, and none can be developed until the cause is identified.