Alabama Rot, also described as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV) is a disease that in recent weeks has appeared in the media and lots of our clients have had questions about its prevalence in the area.

CRGV is caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidney. This can lead to the development of skin lesions and kidney failure. The disease can be fatal with the latter but it is important to note that not all dogs will develop kidney involvement. 

Advice regarding prevention and avoidance of the disease is very difficult as the exact cause remains unknown. Researchers believe that there must be some form of an ‘environmental trigger’ but despite lots of research this is yet to be identified or proven.

The most important thing is to be vigilant for signs of the disease developing. This includes unexplained skin lesions; sores, redness or ulceration typically of the limbs, feet, face and mouth. Signs of acute kidney injury can range from excessive thirst and urination to non specific signs such as lethargy and reduced appetite. If you are concerned about your pet in any of these ways then we recommend a veterinary consultation.

So far, there have been no confirmed cases of Alabama rot in Delamere Forest. The disease was confirmed in Mobberley last year and most recently in Crewe. For more details please refer to the CRGV confirmed cases map.

Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists are conducting lots of the much needed research on CRGV. They provide recent case confirmations on their Facebook page and helpful CRGV information sheets which we would encourage you to read.