Alabama rot (cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV))

In recent years a new disease affecting dogs has been recognized in the UK. Cases most commonly appear between November and May, suggesting a possible winter seasonality. It has been reported in many counties across the UK. The disease was first recognized in America in the 1980s where it was called 'Alabama rot' (or 'Greenetrack disease', after the state and greyhound racing track where it was first seen.

The correct name for Alabama Rot is cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (abbreviated to CRGV), a term which describes the disease process. The disease causes damage to the blood vessels (vasculopathy) of the skin and kidney (cutaneous and renal) tissues. Any dog can be affected. As yet the cause of the disease has not been identified although many theories have been suggested.