Alabama Rot - does your wound history stack up?

Amelia Sherwood RVN highlights some of the signs and symptoms associated with this unusual disease.

​Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV) or “Alabama rot” as it has become more commonly known as, has presented in cases all over the UK over the past 6 years, with the majority of cases presenting during Winter – Spring months.

CRGV most commonly presents as unexplained redness, sores or swelling of the skin. These may appear on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth. These wounds are the first sign of this disease and can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites.

Owners of dogs with these lesions often report a recent history of walks in the woodland in wet and muddy conditions. This has suggested to clinicians that the disease is triggered by an environmental factor, although no specific causes have been established to date.
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Amelia Sherwood RVN. Clinical Development Manager. VWL.

Determining the prevalence of this idiopathic condition has been difficult due to the non-specific histopathological changes seen in biopsy samples of suspected CRGV lesions. (https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/alabama-rot-update-on-uk-cases/) therefore diagnosis must be based on a combination of patient history, blood samples and urinalysis.

The pattern of disease starts with dermal lesions which can rapidly progress (in a matter of days) to acute kidney injury (AKI). Progression is rapid and the results often prove fatal.

From a wound management perspective, although still a rare condition, CRGV should be considered and investigated where the history may fit the bill. Managing the lesions alone will not be sufficient to control the progression of the disease and deterioration may be rapid.

Due to the lack of research into the cause of CRGV the only guidelines to aid prevention of this condition are to ensure any mud and dirt is sufficiently washed off dogs after walks and potentially avoid woodland areas.
Owner education is key and provision of an in-house owner fact sheet is advisable. A pro-active method of education will aid in awareness and possible prevention of cases of this disease.

Click here for an example kindly provided by Afon Veterinary Centre.​

For more information on Alabama Rot including diagnoses and treatment we recommend the following article.  https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/alabama-rot-update-on-uk-cases/

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