If your dog has an unexplained sore or ulcer, contact your vet promptly—especially if your dog seems unwell. Alabama rot is very rare, and most sores have another cause, but the disease can injure the kidneys after skin lesions appear. It is formally called cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV); its cause is unknown and it can be life-threatening.
What are the symptoms of Alabama rot in dogs?
CRGV can damage small blood vessels in the skin and kidneys. Skin changes may appear before signs of kidney injury, but their appearance alone cannot identify the disease.
Skin sores and ulcers
Look for an unexplained sore, ulcer, area of redness or swelling, or a defect in the skin. Lesions are often found on the toes, pads, paws, feet or lower legs. They have also been reported on the face, muzzle, tongue, flank, belly and chest. A lesion may resemble a small cut, bruise or sting. Most skin ulcers are not CRGV. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the RSPCA describe these signs and locations.
Signs of possible kidney injury
As kidney injury develops, a dog may become lethargic, eat less, feel nauseated, vomit, drink more than usual or urinate less. RVC says kidney failure typically develops within 1–9 days of owners first noticing lesions. Do not wait for these signs before contacting a vet about an unexplained ulcer.
#1 Best Overall
- HELPS SUPPORT HEALTHY SKIN - Formulated with powerful ingredients to help soothe red, scaly, greasy, or smelly skin while adding moisture to support skin health
- USE WITH SHAMPOO – Works best when used between washes of our Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo as a complete routine to help maintain healthy skin and coat
- VET-RECOMMENDED – This paraben-free, non-irritating cat and dog spray helps alleviate your pet's skin and coat that may be affected by environmental stressors
- FOR DOGS AND CATS – Intended for topical use only, spray on pets over 12 weeks of age. The pleasant smell and soothing, effective relief of symptoms will make you and your pets happy
- EFFECTIVE & AFFORDABLE – Our products are created with powerful ingredients at an affordable price. We know dogs and cats are more than just pets because we are pet parents too
How is Alabama rot diagnosed?
There is no simple definitive test for routine use in a living dog. RVC says CRGV cannot be confirmed without a kidney biopsy. Its confirmed-case count is based on dogs that died and received a post-mortem diagnosis; surviving dogs may be diagnosed from a consistent pattern of clinical signs.
A vet may examine the lesion and assess kidney function with blood biochemistry and urinalysis. Depending on the dog’s condition and the level of suspicion, the vet may recommend repeat tests to look for changes. An initial kidney test can provide a baseline for comparison. These tests help assess kidney status and guide care; they do not make a skin sore proof of CRGV, and other causes are more likely for most lesions. See the RVC owner FAQ and its clinical article.
Rank #2
- CLINICALLY PROVEN RESULTS: DOUXO S3 is proven to show results in as soon as 7 days.
- ANTISEPTIC CHLORHEXIDINE DOG MOUSSE FOR YEAST AND BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTIONS – LEAVE-ON, RINSE-FREE: Formulated for dogs with bacterial or yeast skin infections – DOUXO S3 PYO leave-on mousse provides an antiseptic cleansing while hydrating the skin.
- #1 TOPICAL BRAND RECOMMENDED BY VETS: Confirmed by veterinary and scientific expertise. DOUXO provides the best and the safest care for your pet.
- ENRICHED WITH OPHYTRIUM: Contains 0.5% Ophytrium, a purified, natural ingredient that helps soothe irritated skin and support skin hydration.
- FREE FROM soaps, sulphates, parabens, colorants, nanoparticles, and phthalates.
Can Alabama rot be treated?
There is no specific cure, in part because the cause of CRGV remains unknown. Treatment is directed by a veterinarian and depends on the dog’s condition. It may include wound care and monitoring kidney function; dogs with kidney problems may need hospital supportive care and, in severe cases, specialist referral.
Therapeutic plasma exchange is a specialist option, not a proven cure
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), also called plasmapheresis, may be considered in selected circumstances. The RVC’s clinical article says available data are insufficient to determine whether it is truly effective, so it should not be presented as established treatment or a standard option for every dog.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- DUAL-ACTION CHLORHEXIDINE & KETOCONAZOLE SPRAY: Vetnique Dermabliss is a vet-formulated, no-sting spray that targets bacteria and yeast in one alcohol-free formula, made for pet parents managing hot spots, paw chewing, and yeasty flare-ups between baths.
- 2% CHLORHEXIDINE + 1% KETOCONAZOLE: Two vet-trusted actives in one bottle. Chlorhexidine cleanses skin and targets odor-causing bacteria behind itchy hot spots, while ketoconazole tackles the yeast behind paw licking and that musty, doggy smell.
- NO-STING RELIEF FOR HOT SPOTS & PAW CHEWING: Soothe irritated skin without the burn. Spray onto hot spots, itchy paws, skin folds, and belly rashes for clean, comfortable skin between baths, ideal for wrinkly pups like bulldogs, frenchies, and pugs.
- ALCOHOL-FREE & GENTLE, SAFE FOR CATS TOO: Aloe vera cools irritated skin on contact instead of burning. Gentle enough for daily use on paw pads, ear flaps, skin folds, and wrinkly faces, and safe for cats and dogs. Air dry, no rinsing needed.
- VET-FORMULATED SKIN CARE, MADE IN THE USA: From the Vetnique team behind Glandex and Oticbliss. Pair with Dermabliss Chlorhexidine Shampoo and antimicrobial wipes for a complete at-home skin routine, vet founded, vet formulated, and made in the USA.
Medication decisions belong with the vet
Some pain medicines, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be a concern if acute kidney injury develops. The RVC advises avoiding NSAIDs where there is clinical concern about CRGV. Do not give human medicines or stop or change a prescribed treatment without speaking to your vet.
What affects the outlook?
According to RVC, dogs whose disease remains limited to skin sores may recover, while dogs that develop kidney failure have a poor prognosis. In March 2024, RVC reported approximately 30% survival among dogs clinically diagnosed at its Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. That referral-centre figure is not a universal survival rate; an individual dog’s outlook depends on veterinary assessment and disease progression.
Rank #4
- ANTISEPTIC SKIN CARE: Vet-recommended dog ointment helps heal cuts, scrapes, redness and minor skin irritations.
- GERM BARRIER: Wound care dog ointment provides a barrier to keep germs out and supports the skin's natural recovery process
- EASY TO USE: Easy to squeeze tube for quick application on cuts, scrapes, bites, abrasions and skin irritation.
- VET RECOMMENDED: Affordable first aid relief that is trusted by veterinarians
- TRUSTED FOR OVER 70 YEARS: Try our entire line of products, including dog Hot Spot Spray, Medicated Itch Relief Shampoo, and General Ear Care, dedicated to keeping your best friend happy and healthy
Can Alabama rot be prevented?
No proven method guarantees prevention because the cause is unknown. Cases have been reported more often in winter and spring and among dogs walking in muddy woodland areas, but this association does not prove that mud or woodland causes CRGV. Cases have been reported around the UK, and RVC currently recommends no particular areas to avoid.
After a wet or muddy walk, rinsing mud from your dog’s feet and legs and checking the skin is reasonable hygiene. RSPCA recommends washing mud off, especially after woodland walks; RVC says there is no evidence that bathing prevents CRGV, though it may help owners spot a lesion sooner. A towel or paw-washing cup can help with cleanup, but neither is a disease-prevention measure. No supplement, diet, shampoo or route choice has been established as preventive.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- A HEALING CLEAN : Yes, it’s shampoo for dogs! Yes, it’s shampoo for cats! And yes, it’s shampoo that cleans & heals! It soothes irritated skin, providing itch relief for cats, & dogs. An effective shampoo for dogs with allergies & cats, it promotes a shiny coat, reduces inflammation, & helps heal hot spots. This cat & dog antibacterial shampoo also reduces smelly odors associated with bacteria & fungus. Basically, our cat & dog shampoo for yeast & itching is 16 ounces of a better clean routine.
- FROM THE INSIDE OUT: Made with a veterinary strength formula, our shampoo for dogs with itchy skin & cats is made with soothing aloe & without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, & artificial colors. Our shampoo with chlorhexidine & ketoconazole for dogs & cats is a gentle, safe & effective way to help heal skin issues while keeping your pet comfortable & clean.
- THE PET, PET WASH: You know our cat & dog shampoo for sensitive skin provides relief for itchy skin, soothes irritated & inflamed skin, targets smelly odors, & promotes a shiny coat. But did you know that’s it’s the #1 chlorhexidine shampoo on Amazon*? Don’t wait to give your pet the healing wash they deserve. *Based on Stackline Atlas data (had to combine all grooming & other pet health supplies to capture entire market*L52W as of December 2024
- ON THE RIGHT SCENT: Not only does our medicated dog shampoo for itchy skin soothe irritation, promote a health coat & leave your pet feeling fresh & clean, it also has a light cucumber melon scent that helps with unpleasant odors from fungus & bacteria.
- THE HONEST DIFFERENCE: Our products are made with clean, science-backed ingredients for results you can trust, & with no fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, you'll have no doubt your dog is getting the best. Proudly supporting pets in need nationwide & using recycled plastic in our packaging, there's also no doubt that we're committed to doing our best. -- All products are made in the U.S.A. | NASC Member Company
Should I call the vet about a sore?
Yes. Contact your vet promptly about an unexplained ulcer or sore, even if your dog otherwise seems well. Seek urgent veterinary advice if your dog is unwell, becomes lethargic, loses appetite, vomits, drinks more or urinates less. The vet can decide whether examination and kidney monitoring are needed; do not rely on home observation instead of seeking advice.
How rare is Alabama rot in the UK?
Case figures depend on how cases are counted. RVC reported 318 confirmed UK cases between November 2012 and February 2024. Its definition covers dogs that died and received a post-mortem diagnosis, so the number of dogs that develop CRGV and survive is not fully known. Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists’ live tracker displayed 335 confirmed UK cases, including one in 2026, when accessed on 7 October 2026. The tracker excerpt does not explain how its confirmation criteria compare with RVC’s historical definition; neither count is an incidence rate.
CRGV has affected dogs of many breeds, sizes, ages and sexes in the UK; it is not limited to greyhounds. The UK government describes the disease as very rare and potentially life-threatening. These UK figures and observations should not be treated as global estimates. See GOV.UK guidance, the RVC FAQ and the Anderson Moores tracker.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
