The public have been asked to be on full alert for a deadly disease that affects dogs most often in the months from November to May.
It’s known as Alabama Rot and has no known cure or effective treatment, and worryingly it is present in the UK today.
The six month danger zone covers the months when pets tend to be walked in woodland areas following increased rainfall but to date no cause or cure has been found for the disease.
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The disease can affect any breeds but those most affected and reported have been Labradors, Spaniels and the Hungarian Vizsla.
Alabama Rot - or it’s official name Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy CRGVA - forms tiny blood clots form blocking blood vessels, causing ulceration and kidney failure. A total of 22 cases have been reported UK wide in 2022 but to date none has been reported in Northern Ireland this year.
A total of 282 confirmed cases from across UK have been reported between November 2012 and February 2022.
Researchers at Alabama Rot Research Fund, a charity set up to try to eliminate the problem is today asking the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns to their vets without delay.
Dog owners are advised to wash mud off of their pets immediately after walks and regularly check paws and legs for any marks or lesions.
What is Alabama Rot?
It is a potentially fatal disease in dogs. Also known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy or CRGV, it is a disease that is characterised by sores or lesions, usually on the bottom part of a dog's legs. It is often associated with sudden onset kidney failure, but the cause of the disease remains unknown. It was first reported in America in the 1980s, where it was only considered to affect greyhounds. The disease was first recognised in the UK in 2012 and since then, cases have been reported in many counties across the UK.
How does the disease work?
The disease works by causing damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidneys. Tiny blood clots form in blood vessels which block them and can lead to damage of the affected tissue. In the skin, this causes ulceration; however, in the kidney it can lead to severe organ dysfunction - or kidney failure - and can be fatal.
What causes CRGV?
It is not yet known what causes the disease or why some dogs suffer more than others. There is active research ongoing to try and understand more. We do know that the disease is more likely to develop in dogs between November and May or June, and when they walk in woodland areas following increased rainfall.
Is my dog likely to get infected?
It can affect any dog, whatever age or breed. The breeds most affected have been Labradors, Spaniels and Hungarian Vizslas. It can be very serious but the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure is relatively low when compared with other diseases seen in dogs.
How do I stop my dog from getting CRGV?
As the cause is currently unknown, it is very difficult to give specific advice about prevention. However, it may be sensible every time you come home from a walk, to wash your dog down thoroughly, removing all dirt and mud that may be in their coat. And also educate yourself on the signs, so you can identify possible disease early, potentially giving your dog a better chance of survival.
Where should I walk my dog to avoid CRGV?
Cases of CRGV have been reported from across many different counties in the UK and we are not currently advising dog owners to avoid any particular locations. Although an environmental cause for this disease is considered possible, it has not been proven with testing to date.
How will I know if my dog gets CRGV - what are the symptoms?
- Unexplained redness
- Skin sores
- Swollen skin
- Your dog licking their paws more than usual
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst
- Decreased urination.
- A change in behaviour such as not eating or being excessively tired
Unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin particularly on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth are often the first sign of this disease. It is important to remember that most of the time a skin problem will not be caused by CRGV; however, the lesions in CRGV can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if in doubt it is better to seek veterinary advice. Even if the skin changes are caused by CRGV, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will recover fully.
What should I do if I think my dog has CRGV?
Contact your vet immediately. The earlier the disease is suspected, the sooner treatment can be started. Your vet will decide the best course of action for your dog, and this will involve management of the skin sores, and if it has developed, the sudden onset kidney failure. Dogs who develop kidney failure will need much more intensive management with referral to a specialist with on-site 24 hour care. In specific circumstances advanced supportive care options including plasma exchange and dialysis may be considered for dogs with CRGV. These are available at the Royal Veterinary College.
Can dogs recover from CRGV?
In most cases, dogs that develop sudden onset kidney failure do not survive Alabama Rot. However, if the disease is identified early there may be an increased chance of a positive outcome. Therefore, it is very important to spot the symptoms early.
Is CRGV contagious?
Research to date shows no indication that it can be passed from dog to dog.
Is there a map showing cases of CRGV?
Yes, a map detailing all confirmed cases since 2012, is available here.
Why is a case not on the map?
The map only shows confirmed cases. It is managed by Anderson Moores. They are able to update the map if it has been confirmed that the cause of death was CRGV, which can only happen via a post mortem.
Who can carry out a post mortem to confirm CRGV?
A post mortem can be carried out on behalf of a vet using a suitable laboratory to confirm the diagnosis of CRGV. Anderson Moores offer a free of charge service to receive post mortem samples for diagnosis. They consequently hold a database of results to assist with research being carried out. Vets are therefore welcome to inform Anderson Moores to let them know about both suspected and confirmed cases, and to send them post mortem samples for diagnosis. If a member of the public wants their vet to find out more information on what has happened to their dog, they can ask their vet to send the clinical notes and any blood test and urine test results to Anderson Moores who can be contacted at medicine@andersonmoores.com
Is CRGV the same illness as seasonal canine illness?
No – these are two completely separate illnesses causing different signs. SCI causes vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy with no ulcerative skin lesions.
Does CRGV affect other animals or humans?
CRGV has not been seen in animals other than dogs. Owners of dogs affected by CRGV have not been affected by this illness.
Who do I contact if I have an idea as to the cause of CRGV?
Anderson Moores are veterinary specialists in the forefront of research being carried out. You can contact them at www.andersonmoores.com/contact-us/
What can I do to help?
Research into new diseases requires a lot of funding - to pay for the development of new diagnostic tests, the investigation into the causes of the disease and ultimately the development of effective treatments. The Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF) is a national charity aiming to raise awareness and funds for research. If you would like to help us fight the disease, p lease consider raising funds or making a donation.
ARRF's research goals
- To improve CRGV disease surveillance and case recording nationally and, if possible, internationally.
- To attempt to identify any possible environmental trigger(s) or causal organism(s). This may ultimately provide an opportunity for development of targeted treatment.
- To develop a diagnostic testing strategy which will yield a firm diagnosis before death.
- To better define prognostic indicators to guide treatment.
- To identify possible genetic abnormalities in dogs affected by the disease compared to healthy dogs.
- To further forge links between human and veterinary medicine with regards to thrombotic microangiopathy - the underlying microscopic change in CRGV.
- To continue to fund a PhD student(s) to research exclusively into CRGV.
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