The health threat to our dogs from Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV) also known as “Alabama Rot” is significant, especially as Dog Walkers are more likely to walk off the beaten track than dog owners. We must be especially vigilant. We have been advised that the disease (CRGV) does not appear to pass between dogs.
Background
Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy was first identified amongst greyhounds in the state of Alabama in the 1980s, hence it’s nickname Alabama Rot. It was initially thought to only affect Greyhounds. After this first flare up, the number of reported cases dwindled and as no clinical research was carried out, the disease was almost relegated to history. As no one has been able to determine what causes the disease, it is now only recognisable by its collection of clinical symptoms. See Alabama Rot Symptoms below. Worryingly instances of Alabama Rot are on the rise in the UK and the cause remains unknown.
Alabama Rot in the UK
Since 2012 in the UK there have been 98 confirmed, 22 unconfirmed and 35 suspected cases of Alabama dog rot in dogs. The most serious outbreak was in the New Forest region of Hampshire but there have also been reported cases in several other counties, with the most recent cases reported Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire, Devon, Dorset, Cheshire, Warwickshire, Greater Manchester and Worcestershire. {Source: Country File Report 10/MAY/2017}
In January 2014, the outbreak in England was identified as having the same or similar histological and clinical findings as Alabama rot, although a wide range of breeds were affected.
CRGV appears to have no age or sex predilection; however, to date the most commonly affected breeds are Labradors, English Springer Spaniels and Whippets.
Alabama Rot Symptoms
In the cases identified so far the dogs suffer from skin lesions which are a symptom of the disease rather than being traumatic wounds from an injury. Typically the skin lesions have been below the knee or elbow. They may present as a focal swelling, a patch of red skin or a defect in the skin (like an ulcer). Over the subsequent two to seven days the affected dogs have developed clinical signs of kidney failure which can include vomiting, reduced appetite and tiredness.
It is important to remember that only a very small number of dogs have been affected. Most skin lesions will not be caused by this disease and most cases of kidney failure will have another cause.
Information for Vets
Anderson Moores have had numerous TV and Radio appearances to draw attention to CRGV and they have collated much information.
Veterinary Information Sheet provided by Anderson Moores.
Advice Sheet for Vets (http://www.andersonmoores.com/about/article.php?u=Y3JK949AZTP77HT2CR3G) LINK NOW DEFUNCT provided by Anderson Moores.
Anderson Moores are Veterinary Specialists, located near Winchester, who provide the quality surgical and medical care for cats and dogs from across Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex and beyond.
Information for Dog Owners
Forestry Commission in England have provided a PDF factsheet for Dog Owners about Alabama Rot (https://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/Alabama-Rot-2014_03_10_for-owners.pdf/$file/Alabama-Rot-2014_03_10_for-owners.pdf) LINK NOW DEFUNCT.