Alabama Rot in Dogs UK — CRGV Symptoms, Season & Mud Advice

According to Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists — the UK's leading referral centre tracking this disease — cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is commonly known as Alabama rot. It causes damage to blood vessels in the skin and kidneys.

The disease was first identified in the United States and appeared in the UK in 2012. Since then, cases have been reported across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland — often linked to walking in muddy woodland and heathland.

CRGV remains rare — thousands of dogs walk in muddy areas daily without illness. However, it is serious when it occurs. Kidney failure develops in many affected dogs, and outcomes depend heavily on how quickly treatment starts.

The exact cause is not confirmed. Research continues into environmental triggers, including possible links to muddy terrain and seasonal patterns.

According to Anderson Moores case data and PDSA guidance, most UK cases cluster between November and May — the wetter, cooler months when dogs encounter more mud on walks.

There is no single "Alabama rot map" that guarantees safety. Cases have appeared in both rural and urban-adjacent woodland. Any dog walking on muddy paths could theoretically be at risk — but the absolute risk remains low.

The disease typically follows two stages:

Stage 1 — Skin lesions

Unexplained skin sores, swellings, or ulcers appear — often on:

• Legs and paws
• Face and muzzle
• Belly and chest
• Lower back

Lesions may look like bites, stings, or minor wounds but lack a clear cause. They are not always painful initially. Hair loss around the lesion is common.

Stage 2 — Kidney failure

Within one to nine days (sometimes longer), acute kidney injury develops. The damaged blood vessels in the kidneys stop filtering waste effectively.

Signs of kidney failure include:

• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Increased thirst or reduced urination
• Bad breath (uremic smell)

Kidney failure is life-threatening without intensive veterinary treatment. Dogs that reach this stage need urgent hospital care — see when to see an emergency vet UK.

According to Blue Cross and Anderson Moores:

• Any breed, age, or size can be affected
• No breed predisposition has been firmly established
• Both sexes are affected
• Healthy, active walking dogs are among reported cases

CRGV is not contagious between dogs. Multiple dogs in one household do not typically develop it together unless they share the same environmental exposure.

There is no proven way to prevent CRGV completely. Practical steps recommended by UK vets and charities:

1. Wash mud off your dog's legs, belly, and paws after woodland or heath walks — especially November to May
2. Check skin daily for new sores, swellings, or unexplained wounds
3. Avoid known high-case areas if you prefer — Anderson Moores publishes case location maps, though any muddy area may carry theoretical risk
4. Seek vet care immediately for unexplained skin lesions — do not wait for kidney signs
5. Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention current — unrelated to CRGV but supports overall health

Washing removes mud that may harbour unknown environmental triggers. It also helps you spot skin changes early.

There is no specific blood test that confirms CRGV before kidney damage. Vets diagnose based on:

• Characteristic skin lesions without other explanation
• Progressive kidney changes on blood and urine tests
• History of recent muddy walks

Treatment includes:

• Intensive fluid therapy — IV fluids to support kidneys
• Pain relief for skin lesions
• Monitoring of kidney values — often in referral hospitals
• Antibiotics only if secondary infection is present — CRGV itself is not bacterial

Anderson Moores and other referral centres manage severe cases. Early presentation with skin signs only offers the best chance of recovery before kidney failure develops.

Survival rates improve when treatment begins at the skin lesion stage. Once kidney failure is established, outcomes are poorer — but some dogs recover with aggressive care.

Not every sore on your dog's leg is Alabama rot. Common alternatives include:

• Cuts and abrasions from thorns or stones
• Insect bites and stings
• Interdigital cysts and paw allergies — see why is my dog licking paws
• Hot spots and bacterial skin infections — see hot spots on dogs
• Foreign bodies (grass seeds)

However, any unexplained lesion after muddy walks — especially November to May — should be checked promptly. Mention CRGV concern to your vet.

Anderson Moores maintains the UK's primary CRGV case database. Vets report suspected cases to support research into cause and prevention.

Dog owners cannot diagnose CRGV at home. If your vet suspects the disease, they may refer to a specialist centre and contribute to national monitoring.