Information for owners on Alabama Rot (Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy [CRGV])

Recently we have had a few owners contact us concerned about Alabama Rot (Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy [CRGV]) mainly fueled by a range of social media posts and online articles. We are more than happy to discuss queries of this nature with owners if concerned. We have been asked where can owners find reliable online information about this disease. This note aims to provide just that! We must stress that although CRGV can be very serious and even fatal it is thankfully still relatively uncommon. Whilst Alabama Rot can be very serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure remains low (122 confirmed cases across the UK between November ‘12 and Jan’18). That said, it is a worrying disease for all dog owners. So please read the below information.

Anderson Moores Veterinary specialists are heavily researching this disease, they confirm cases and are searching for a cause. The cause of Alabama Rot is not yet known however investigations are ongoing. Including emerging research that is looking into whether a particular bacteria called Aeromonas hydrophila could be a contributing factor for the disease. If you would like to look for reliable information online it can be found on the Anderson Moores website

There is also a map available that shows locations of confirmed cases in partnership with AndersonMoores. Whilst there were reports of a suspected case in Sidbury last year this case was not officially confirmed and Sidmouth currently does not feature on the map of confirmed cases.

Many owners have contacted us for advice on where to walk their dogs or where to avoid. As there is currently no evidence on the exact cause. We would encourage pet owners to carry on as normal but take precautions such as washing their dogs off after walking in muddy woodland and to be on their guard against any unusual ulcerated lesions on your dogs body, particularly on the paws,legs, body, face, tongue or mouth; as these are often the first sign of this disease. Especially if these symptoms are combined with others such as lethargy, weakness, vomiting, and not eating. It is important to remember that most of the time a skin problem will NOT be caused by CRGV; however, the lesions caused by Alabama Rot can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if you have any concerns about your pet please make an appointment to come a see one of our vets.

Jurassic Vets