---
title: "Alabama Rot in Dogs UK"
description: "Alabama rot (CRGV) in UK dogs — seasonal Nov–May risk, skin sores, kidney failure signs, wash mud off after walks, and when to seek urgent vet care."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/alabama-rot-dogs-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/alabama-rot-dogs-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-07-10"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Alabama Rot in Dogs UK

**Alabama rot (CRGV) is a rare UK disease causing skin sores and kidney failure in dogs.** Most cases occur **November to May**. Wash mud off after woodland walks and see your vet urgently if unexplained skin lesions appear — early treatment improves survival. If kidney signs develop out of hours, use the Vets Now clinic finder.

## What is Alabama rot (CRGV)?

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.

## Seasonal pattern in the UK

Most UK cases cluster between **November and May** — the wetter, cooler months when dogs encounter more mud on walks.

| Period | Risk level | Notes |
|--------|------------|-------|
| **November–May** | Higher | Peak reporting season |
| **June–October** | Lower | Cases still occur |
| **After heavy rain** | Elevated | Mud exposure increases anywhere |

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.

## How dogs develop CRGV

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](/health/when-to-see-emergency-vet-uk).

## Which dogs are affected?

- **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.

## Reducing risk on UK walks

There is no proven way to prevent CRGV completely. Practical steps:

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.

## Diagnosis and treatment

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.

## CRGV vs other skin conditions

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](/health/why-is-my-dog-licking-paws)
- Hot spots and bacterial skin infections — see [hot spots on dogs](/health/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.

## Reporting and research

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.

## When to see a vet urgently

Seek **same-day veterinary care** if:

- New unexplained skin sores, ulcers, or swellings appear — especially on legs or paws
- Your dog walked in muddy woodland in recent days
- Lethargy, vomiting, or appetite loss follows skin changes
- Your dog seems painful on legs or reluctant to walk

Phone your vet and describe the skin lesion with timing and recent walk locations. Early action is the best tool available until a confirmed cause and prevention method are identified. Out of hours with collapse or severe illness: [Vets Now](https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/).

## FAQs

### What is Alabama rot in dogs?

Alabama rot — also called CRGV (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy) — is a rare but serious disease causing skin lesions and kidney failure in dogs. The cause is not fully confirmed but may be linked to muddy woodland environments.

### When is Alabama rot season in the UK?

Most UK cases are reported between November and May, during wetter months. Cases occur year-round but peak in winter and spring. Wash your dog's legs and belly after muddy walks.

### What are the first signs of Alabama rot?

Unexplained skin sores or swellings — often on legs, paws, face, or belly — not caused by a known injury. Within days, kidney failure may follow with lethargy, vomiting, and reduced appetite.

### How can I reduce Alabama rot risk on UK walks?

Wash mud off your dog after woodland walks, check skin for new sores, and seek urgent vet care if unexplained lesions appear. There is no proven vaccine — early veterinary treatment of skin signs is critical.

## Sources

- [Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists — Alabama rot](https://www.andersonmoores.com)
- [PDSA — Alabama rot in dogs](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Alabama rot](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [BVA — Dog health](https://www.bva.co.uk)

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Last modified: 2026-07-10