The Disease That Has Stumped Vets for Over a Decade
Since the first confirmed UK cases in 2012, Alabama rot has claimed the lives of hundreds of dogs across Britain. Despite extensive research, the underlying cause remains unknown. What veterinary scientists do know is that the disease — formally called cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, or CRGV — attacks blood vessels in the skin and kidneys, and it can kill within days of the first visible signs. For dog owners, understanding what to look for may be the difference between life and death.
What Alabama Rot Actually Does
The disease causes tiny blood clots to form within blood vessels, damaging tissue from the inside out. In the skin, this produces ulcerated lesions — often initially mistaken for cuts or insect bites. In the kidneys, the same clotting process triggers acute kidney injury, which is the primary cause of death in affected dogs.
The original disease was identified in greyhounds in Alabama in the 1980s and linked to E. coli contamination. The UK strain appears to behave differently, and no bacterial or toxin link has been confirmed. Research is ongoing, but the cause remains elusive.
Recognising the Signs Early
Speed is critical. The earlier Alabama rot is identified, the better the chance of supportive treatment buying time for recovery — though the prognosis for dogs that develop kidney failure remains poor.
Skin Lesions
The most visible early sign is an unexplained sore, ulcer, or area of skin damage, typically found below the knee or elbow. These lesions are not caused by any visible injury and may appear red, swollen, or open. They are often found on the paws, lower legs, and occasionally the face or mouth.
Signs of Kidney Involvement
- Vomiting, particularly repeated or persistent
- Lethargy and sudden loss of energy
- Reduced or absent appetite
- Increased thirst and urination, or the opposite — reduced urination
Kidney signs typically appear two to seven days after skin lesions. If your dog develops unexplained skin sores and then becomes unwell, contact your vet immediately — do not wait.
UK Cases: Patterns and Hotspots
Alabama rot cases in the UK are tracked by Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, which maintains an updated map of confirmed cases. Cases have been confirmed across England, Scotland, and Wales, with clusters notable in the South West, the New Forest, and parts of the Midlands. Cases are most frequently reported between November and May, with a marked correlation to wet, woodland walking environments.
No single woodland, breed, or dog size has been definitively identified as higher risk. Cases have occurred in dogs of all ages and breeds. However, the seasonal and environmental pattern suggests that something in wet woodland — potentially a microorganism, toxin, or water-borne agent — plays a triggering role.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is currently no specific diagnostic test for Alabama rot. Diagnosis is made by ruling out other causes of skin lesions and kidney failure. Blood and urine tests will assess kidney function and look for signs of abnormal clotting. Skin biopsies can reveal the characteristic vessel changes, but results often come after the critical treatment window.
Treatment is supportive rather than curative. Dogs with kidney failure require hospitalisation, intravenous fluids, and intensive monitoring. Some dogs recover with aggressive supportive care; many do not. Studies suggest that approximately 80% of dogs that develop kidney failure from CRGV do not survive.
What Owners Can Do
Because the cause is unknown, there is no proven preventive measure. However, the following steps are prudent given current evidence:
- Wash your dog's paws and legs thoroughly after woodland walks, particularly in wet conditions
- Check the Anderson Moores case map regularly and exercise extra vigilance if walking in or near confirmed areas
- Inspect your dog's lower limbs for any unexplained sores after every walk
- Seek veterinary attention immediately if you find an unexplained skin lesion — do not assume it is minor
- Keep your vet informed of recent walking locations if your dog becomes unwell
The Research Continues
UK researchers have investigated fungal toxins, water contamination, and seasonal pathogens as possible causes. None has been definitively confirmed. The working hypothesis that wet woodland walking is a common exposure route has driven the seasonal and environmental pattern recognised today, but the precise trigger remains unknown.
Alabama rot is rare — with confirmed cases numbering in the dozens per year across the whole of the UK — but its severity demands attention. Consult your vet without delay if anything looks suspicious, and trust your instincts as an owner. Early action is your dog's best chance.