Alabama Rot is a fatal disease that affects dogs and while the number of cases in the UK is low, it has been seen in south London before.

The disease impacts their blood vessels, skin and kidneys, causing visible sores on the skin and can lead to severe organ dysfunction and ultimately kidney failure.

According to Anderson Moores vet specialists, the UK has now seen 287 confirmed cases in total, with 8 cases in 2022.

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While research is ongoing, the cause of Alabam Rot (also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy/ CRGV) is currently unknown. 

According to the RSPCA, most reports come from dog owners who walk their pups in the countryside and are reported during spring and winter. 

There have been eight cases of Alabama Rot reported in south London:

Dulwich, UK - December 2017

Tooting, UK - February 2018

Southfields, Wimbledon, UK - March 2016

Putney, UK - April 2016

Wimbledon, UK - December 2019

Richmond, UK - February 2021

New Malden, UK - January 2021

Surbiton, UK - April 2021

Symptoms of the disease include:

  • Skin sores
  • Visible swelling
  • Red patch
  • Skin defects
  • Changes in appetite
  • Drinking more
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy

To avoid your dog suffering from Alabama Rot, the RSPCA recommends washing off any mud after a wet or muddy walk, especially through any woodland. 

However, there have been very few cases in the UK so the RSPCA suggests that dog owners should not be worried.