Dog owners have been warned to be on alert as new cases of a rare but highly deadly disease are recorded in parts of the UK. Alabama Rot, also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), has caused the deaths of hundreds of dogs in the UK since 2012, with 19 cases detected last year.

The condition damages blood vessels in the skin and kidneys and causes painful skin lesions that can progress to acute kidney failure within days. While rare, the disease carries a mortality rate of 90% and can affect dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes.

Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, says: “Alabama Rot remains rare, but it is a serious condition that every dog owner should know about. Cases tend to peak between November and May, and we typically see more reports after prolonged wet weather when dogs are walking through muddy woodland areas.”

The disease, which was first identified in greyhounds in the US in the 1970s, was only detected in the UK in 2012 – but over 300 fatalities have since been recorded.

Despite ongoing research, the exact cause of Alabama Rot remains unknown but scientists suspect a seasonal trigger linked to muddy woodland environments.

It causes blood clots to form in the smallest blood cells in dog’s bodies, manifesting in unexplained sores or ulcers, swelling in the face, muzzle or abdomen, localised hair loss and excessive licking of a particular spot.

“The first sign is usually a skin sore that cannot be explained by an injury,” Dr Warner says. “These lesions often start as a patch of red skin or ulcer, and most commonly appear on the lower legs or paws, but can also develop on the face, tongue or belly.”

Infected dogs can develop kidney failure days after contracting the disease, with symptoms including severe lethargy or depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, changes in drinking habits and reduced urination.

While there is no watertight prevention method, Dr Warner recommends washing mud off your dog’s legs and paws after wet woodland walks, checking their skin regularly for unexplained sores and seeking prompt veterinary advice for any suspicious lesions.

“The overall risk remains low, and thousands of dogs walk safely in the countryside every day,” she adds. “But awareness is key. Knowing what to look for gcould make the difference between catching this early and missing crucial treatment time.”