Is Your Dog At Risk? The Silent Killer Hiding in Plain Sight: Alabama Rot Unveiled!

What is Alabama Rot? The Dog Disease You Shouldn't Ignore!

First things first: Alabama Rot is the creepy-sounding nickname for something even more ominous—Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV). This freaky disease first appeared among greyhounds in the US in the late 1980s. It’s notorious for causing nasty skin lesions and, in the worst cases, kidney failure. Yep, it’s as bad as it sounds, and even though it's been around for a while, experts are still scratching their heads trying to figure it out.

Scary Symptoms You Can’t Miss

Keep your eyes peeled for these red flags: sores, swelling, or red patches on your dog’s legs, body, mouth, or even tongue. These creepy lesions are the first sign of trouble. If your furry friend starts acting lethargic, throws up, or loses their appetite shortly after these lesions appear, rush to the vet like there’s no tomorrow —kidney issues could be on the horizon!

How to Protect Your Pooch from This Terrifying Disease

Since no one really knows what causes Alabama Rot, prevention can be tricky. But here’s the scoop on keeping your dog safer:

• Muddy Paws? Wash 'em off after walks, especially if you've been trekking through wet and wooded areas.

• Spot Check: Regularly inspect your dog for any mysterious sores or lesions.

• Vet Visits are Vital: Any signs of illness post-adventure? Time for a check-up!

The Alabama Rot Scene: US vs. UK

In the US, where the disease was first identified, things are pretty quiet, with no major surveillance efforts in place. On the other hand, the UK is currently on high alert. Since the beginning, over 324 cases have been tracked so far, 15 of them in 2024. This might seem like a small number, but it is just a cautionary tale to be aware of this problem.

Thanks to groups like Anderson Moores and the Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF), Brits stay updated with all the latest research and safety tips through their live map.

To our UK readers, at the time of writing this article, the following areas are being affected by this disease:

• Stafford

• Carey, Herford

• Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

• Marlborough, Wiltshire

• Shillingstone, Blandford Forum

• Finchampstead, Berkshire

• Camberley, Surrey

• London

Must-Know Resources for Worried Dog Parents

Wanna dive deeper into the world of Alabama Rot? Check out these awesome resources: