Alabama Rot - A dangerous disease

What is Alabama Rot?

Alabama Rot also known as Cutaneous and Reneal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV)  is a disease that affects dogs by blocking and damaging the blood vessels in their skin and kidneys. Dogs affected will usually develop painful ulcers or sores on their paws, legs, mouth or belly and can eventually develop kidney failure, which is usually fatal.

What can cause Alabama Rot?

The cause of the disease is currently unknown, though research is ongoing. Most reports come from pet owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, in muddy and woodland areas. Most cases are reported during winter and spring. Generally, cases are rare in the summer months compared to the colder months.

The disease has reportedly affected around 191 dogs in the UK between November 2012 and October 2019, with initial cases found in the New Forest area. While it’s still very rare, reports of Alabama rot seem to be on the increase, which could be because more dogs are becoming affected, or because vets and owners are more aware of the condition.

Symptoms of Alabama Rot

You would notice skin lesions, sores and ulcers, usually around the paws and lower legs. The dog will lick their paws and legs more than usual. They can also appear on the dog’s face, mouth, tongue and lower body. Usually, this will cause hair loss around the area.Other signs are reduced or loss of appetite, drinking more and the dog seeming to be lethargic.

After 3 to 4 days, signs of kidney failureand vomiting will be the next signs of the disease spreading.

If you find any of the above signson your dog, contact your vet immediately. The earlier the disease is caught and treated, the higher the chance of recovery.

Treatment for the Disease

Sadly, most dogs that develop Alabama Rot don’t survive, but some can fight off the disease and live with minimal damage if it’s caught early. Your vet will assess the symptoms and through the examination will recommend the best treatment plan.

There are no tests to confirm if your dog is infected with Alabama Rot, this can only be done once the dog is dead.

In August 2018, the Royal Veterinary College announced a breakthrough treatment called plasmapheresis, which filters the blood of toxins before returning it back into the body. Out of six affected dogs that received this pioneering treatment, two made a full recovery, marking the first time that severely affected dogs survived the disease.

Preventing Alabama Rot in your Ridgeback

Some evidence shows that Alabama Rot can be transferred via mud, hence it is important to rinse off your dogs paws, legs and any other areas where your dog is covered in mud after your walk.

Currently the cases are low and you do not need to worry much but early detection and simple hygiene gives your dog the best chance of never catching it. Learn the signs and symptoms and know to contact the vet as quickly as possible. It is also recommend checking your dog regularly for sores, lumps and lesions. This way you know what is normal and what is not.

Areas in the UK Alabama Rot was reported

When Alabama Rot was first noticed, most of the cases reported were around the New Forest area. Since then, affected dogs have been found throughout the UK. Vets 4 Pets created a database withal reported cases and you can check your location to see if there

are any cases of Alabama Rot recorded.

See Website Vets for Pets