(Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy)

In some cases the disease progresses to kidney failure, and this can be fatal even with veterinary intervention. If your dog develops a skin lesion and your vet is suspicious that it may be CRGV they will be able to advise you on the most appropriate management.

Your vet will decide if your dog needs antibiotics and if the area needs covering. Dogs developing kidney failure (or acute kidney injury) will need much more intensive management and your vet may recommend referral to a specialist in these cases.

There are many ways in which owners of all dogs can get involved to raise awareness of CRGV and to participate in and fundraise for ongoing research.

The Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF) is a National charity aiming to raise awareness and funds for Alabama Rot (CRGV) research: www.arrf.co.uk. The latest update on their site dated September 2018 tells us that the total number of confirmed cases in the UK is 169 since 2012. 46 cases have been reported in 2018.

Should you have any concerns about your pet’s health or more specifically Alabama Rot in dogs please call St Vincents Veterinary Surgery on 0118 9793200 to arrange an appointment with one of our team.

Michael Morrow owns and runs St Vincents Veterinary Surgery, an independent practice providing personal care to pets in and around Wokingham.

Alabama Rot symptoms can include sores or swelling of the skin (particularly on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth) and these are often the first sign of this disease