Page 55 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

Cutaneous & Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (Alabama Rot) – what you
need to know...
by Lt Sally Stott
CRGV, also known as Alabama Rot, is a rare disease generally characterized by
non-healing wounds or lesions
of unknown origin and acute kidney failure. The disease
is still surrounded by a lot of unknown factors. The geographical distribution of the disease is increasing, and recently there has been a lot of dedicated research
at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialist Hospital into the topic,
in this short article I will endeavour to summarise their key findings for those working with our MWDs.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Over 90% of CRGV cases occur between November and May, so from June to October it is highly unlikely that a dog will present with this disease.
• Over 80% of CRGV lesions
will appear below the knee
or elbow, and many of the
rest will be on the muzzle
or tongue. It is important
to stress that there is no set appearance of the lesion it can range from an open, ulcerated area to a small patch of hair loss.
• Most cases of lesions that are CRGV will progress to acute kidney injury within 10 days – signs include increased drinking and urination, lethargy, poor appetite and vomiting.
• Less than 1% of cases present with systemic signs in absence of a lesion.
WHAT TO DO:
• If your dog develops a non- healing lesion below the knee or elbow, of an unknown
cause between the months of November – May, you should call your vet.
• There is no evidence that it is contagious to other dogs, nor are humans affected, therefore there is no need to worry about in contact animals or people.
• Causes have been theorized but none confirmed, so there is no particular activity or trigger to be avoided.
• It is important to know that this disease is very rare,
in 2020 there were only 47 confirmed cases in the entirety of the UK.
• It is often confused initially with dermatitis or an interdigital foreign body, however it is always important to explore other potential causes as the likelihood of a skin lesion being CRGV are incredibly low.
• Unfortunately with CRGV cases if acute kidney injury develops within 10 days then the mortality rate is almost 100%.
• There is no specific treatment, only symptomatic support,
a recommended SOP for Veterinarians is available from the Defence Animal Training Regiment.
In summary CRGV is an extremely rare, but severe disease. It is important to remember that most lesions or illnesses will have an entirely different cause, however if you are concerned at all please contact a VO or VT for information.
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