CONDITION
Alabama Rot (CRGV)
Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), commonly known as Alabama rot, is a rare but serious condition causing skin lesions and kidney damage, with cases primarily reported in the UK during wet winter months.
Why this matters now
Alabama rot cases in the UK cluster predominantly between November and May, with wet, muddy walking conditions appearing to be a common factor. The condition can affect dogs of any breed, age, or size, though certain areas report higher case numbers. The cause remains unidentified despite ongoing research.
The condition typically begins with unexplained skin lesions, often on the legs, paws, or face. These may initially resemble cuts, stings, or other minor injuries. In some dogs, the disease progresses over days to affect the kidneys, causing acute kidney injury. This progression does not occur in all dogs with suspected skin lesions, but when it does, it can be severe.
Signals & patterns
Early signals
Unexplained skin sores
Lesions typically appear as red, ulcerated areas, often on the lower legs, paws, chest, or muzzle without known trauma.
Swelling around lesions
The tissue surrounding skin sores may appear puffy or oedematous.
Licking at affected areas
Dogs may show attention to developing lesions before they become obviously visible.
Recent muddy walks
Many affected dogs have a history of walking in wet, muddy woodland areas in the preceding days.
Later signals
Reduced appetite
Declining interest in food may indicate systemic effects as the condition progresses.
Lethargy
Generalised weakness and reduced activity can accompany kidney involvement.
Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may develop as kidney function becomes impaired.
Reduced urination
Decreased urine production suggests developing acute kidney injury.
Click to read about the biological mechanisms
How this is usually investigated
Investigation focuses on identifying the characteristic skin lesions, monitoring for kidney involvement, and excluding other causes of similar signs.
Clinical examination
Blood tests
Urinalysis
Blood pressure measurement
Skin biopsy
Kidney biopsy
Options & trade-offs
Management centres on intensive supportive care, particularly for dogs developing kidney involvement, as no specific treatment for the underlying process exists.
Wound care for skin lesions
Cleaning, protecting, and monitoring skin sores while watching for progression
Trade-offs: Important for preventing secondary infection; lesions alone may heal; does not prevent kidney involvement.
Intravenous fluid therapy
Aggressive fluid support to maintain kidney perfusion and support function
Trade-offs: Essential for kidney protection; requires hospitalisation; can cause fluid overload if kidneys fail.
Plasma exchange or transfusion
Blood product therapy attempted in some severe cases
Trade-offs: Theoretical benefit in thrombotic microangiopathy; limited availability; variable outcomes reported.
Kidney dialysis
Haemodialysis to support dogs through acute kidney injury
Trade-offs: Can sustain life while kidneys potentially recover; limited availability; expensive; requires specialist centre.
Supportive medications
Anti-nausea drugs, appetite stimulants, and gastrointestinal protectants
Trade-offs: Improves comfort; supports nutrition during recovery; addresses symptoms rather than cause.
Common misconceptions
"Alabama rot is common and dogs frequently die from it"
The condition remains rare, with typically fewer than 200 confirmed cases annually in the UK despite millions of dogs walking in muddy conditions.
"All dogs with skin lesions after muddy walks have Alabama rot"
Many conditions cause skin sores, and most lesions following muddy walks have other explanations; Alabama rot remains one of many possibilities.
"Washing dogs after walks prevents Alabama rot"
While sensible for general hygiene, no preventive measures have been proven effective as the cause remains unknown.
Related conditions
Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs
Alabama rot causes acute kidney injury through damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, while chronic kidney disease involves progressive decline in kidney function over a much longer timeframe. Both conditions can affect waste filtration and fluid balance, though through different mechanisms and time courses.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats
The renal damage seen in Alabama rot shares some overlapping features with chronic kidney disease in cats, particularly in terms of glomerular involvement and reduced filtration capacity. However, Alabama rot typically presents acutely in dogs, whereas chronic kidney disease in cats develops over months to years.
Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs
Both Alabama rot and atopic dermatitis can cause skin lesions in dogs, though the underlying mechanisms differ substantially—vasculopathy and tissue death in Alabama rot versus immune-mediated inflammation in atopic dermatitis. The skin changes in Alabama rot tend to be more focal and ulcerative, often affecting the limbs.
Lymphoma in Dogs
Lymphoma and Alabama rot both involve the immune and inflammatory systems, though lymphoma is a cancer of lymphatic tissue while Alabama rot is a vasculopathy. In some cases, skin lesions or systemic illness may prompt consideration of both conditions during the diagnostic process.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia and Alabama rot can both present with signs of systemic illness and reduced activity, though pneumonia primarily affects the respiratory system through infection or inflammation of the lungs. In advanced cases of Alabama rot, reduced kidney function and general unwellness may occur alongside the characteristic skin lesions.
Dog owners noticing unexplained skin lesions, particularly during winter months after muddy walks, may wish to monitor these closely. Understanding that most skin sores have benign explanations while remaining alert to signs of systemic illness can help guide appropriate responses.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026 · Dr Alastair Greenway MRCVS