Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- HighHipsPolygenic
Hip dysplasia(HD)
Hip dysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones rub and grind against each other, wearing down the protective cartilage. Over time, this chronic friction causes joint instability, painful inflammation, and progressive arthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear of the joint.
Affects 377 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)(PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.
Affects 229 breedsView details - HighElbowsPolygenic
Elbow Dysplasia(ED)
Elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the musculoskeletal system where the three bones forming the elbow joint do not fit together properly. This misalignment causes abnormal friction and wear on the joint cartilage, eventually leading to painful, chronic joint inflammation and arthritis. It is a complex genetic condition influenced by multiple genes.
Affects 223 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - HighEyesComplex
Cataract(HC)
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.
Affects 205 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ectropion / Entropion
These are structural eyelid abnormalities affecting a dog's eyes. In cases of entropion, the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub painfully against the surface of the eyeball. In ectropion, the eyelid sags or rolls outward, leaving the sensitive inner lining of the eye exposed and unprotected.
Affects 178 breedsView details - ModerateKneesPolygenic
Patellar Luxation(PL)
Patellar luxation, also known as a luxating patella, is a physical condition affecting the knee joint where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove. This misalignment interferes with the mechanical movement of the hind leg and can cause the joint to lock. Over time, this abnormal friction can lead to painful joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis.
Affects 178 breedsView details - SevereSpineAutosomal recessive
Degenerative Myelopathy(DM)
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves slowly breaks down. This deterioration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles of the hind limbs. Over time, this lack of signal transmission leads to a complete loss of muscle control in the back legs.
Affects 124 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Ocular anomalies
Ocular anomalies are a group of congenital malformations, meaning they are present from birth, that affect various structures of the dog's eye such as the retina, lens, or cornea. These developmental defects alter the normal structure of the visual system, potentially impacting how light is focused or how the eye functions. The condition is complex and can range from minor physical irregularities to severe structural changes.
Affects 100 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - UnknownGeneral / metabolic
DNA-Identitätsnachweis
This is not a hereditary disease, but rather a DNA profiling service used to establish a dog's unique genetic identity. It analyzes specific genetic markers to verify parentage and provide a permanent, tamper-proof identification record. This profile does not affect any organ system or indicate any health issues.
Affects 94 breedsView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Retinal Dysplasia(RD)
Retinal dysplasia is a congenital condition affecting the eyes, where the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) does not develop properly during growth in the womb. This abnormal development leads to structural defects like folds or gaps in the retinal layers. Because the retina is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain, these imperfections can impair normal vision.
Affects 83 breedsView details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Lens luxation(PLL)
Lens luxation is an inherited eye disorder where the lens slips out of its normal position because the supporting fibers holding it in place weaken or break. When the lens shifts, it can block the natural drainage of fluid within the eye. This blockage causes a rapid, painful buildup of pressure called glaucoma, which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
Affects 79 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemComplex
Epilepsy(IE)
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain and nervous system where abnormal electrical activity causes sudden, temporary disruptions in normal brain function. These disruptions lead to repeated seizures, which are involuntary changes in body movement, sensation, or behavior. Because the underlying cause is often complex, the brain's electrical signaling remains permanently prone to these sudden misfires.
Affects 71 breedsView details - UnknownGeneral / metabolic
Wesensbeurteilung
Wesensbeurteilung is not a medical disease, but rather a standardized temperament and character evaluation used to assess a dog's behavior. It evaluates traits like self-confidence, stability, and social compatibility in everyday situations. This assessment is commonly required by breeding clubs to ensure only mentally sound dogs are bred.
Affects 68 breedsView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma(POAG)
Primary open-angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disease where the natural fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly. This fluid buildup causes a gradual increase in pressure within the eyeball, which eventually damages the optic nerve, the connection between the eye and the brain. Without management, this pressure leads to permanent blindness.
Affects 66 breedsView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Corneal dystrophy(CD)
Corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye disorder where abnormal, opaque materials like fats or calcium build up in the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. This accumulation typically affects both eyes and is non-inflammatory, meaning it does not cause immediate swelling or redness. Over time, these deposits can disrupt the smooth surface of the eye.
Affects 60 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - ModerateEarsComplex
Congenital deafness(CHSD)
Congenital deafness is a hereditary hearing loss present from birth that affects the inner ear's sensory cells, preventing sound signals from reaching the brain. It is often linked to specific genetic variants, such as those associated with certain coat patterns like merle or piebald, or breed-specific conditions like Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD). This genetic defect causes the vital blood supply to the inner ear to fail, leading to the permanent degeneration of the hearing nerve cells.
Affects 52 breedsTested via: OtherView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Hyperuricosuria(HUU)
Hyperuricosuria is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the renal system, specifically how the kidneys process uric acid. Due to a genetic mutation, excess uric acid is excreted into the urine rather than being broken down. This high concentration can cause the acid to crystallize, leading to the formation of painful bladder or kidney stones, also known as uroliths.
Affects 51 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is an eye condition where extra eyelashes grow from the meibomian glands, which are the oil glands along the edge of the eyelid. These abnormal hairs point inward and rub directly against the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. This constant friction causes mechanical irritation and can damage the sensitive ocular surface.
Affects 50 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)(CEA)
Collie Eye Anomaly is an inherited developmental defect affecting the eye, specifically the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) and the choroid (the underlying layer of blood vessels). This genetic condition causes these structures to develop abnormally before birth. It is primarily seen in herding breeds and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
Affects 49 breedsView details - MildEyesUnknown
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM)(PPM)
Persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) occur when tiny blood vessels that nourish the eye's lens before birth fail to break down and disappear as they normally should. This leaves behind delicate strands of tissue that stretch across the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the pupil. In some cases, these strands can attach to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, or the lens.
Affects 49 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland, located in the neck, fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential for regulating the body's metabolic rate, which is the speed at which cells convert nutrients into energy. When hormone levels are too low, the dog's entire metabolism slows down, affecting multiple organ systems.
Affects 48 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism is a developmental condition of the male reproductive system where one or both testicles fail to descend normally into the scrotum. Instead, the undescended testicle remains trapped inside the abdomen or in the groin area. This failure to descend is a physical development issue rather than an active illness, but it alters how the reproductive organs develop.
Affects 43 breedsView details - ModerateMouth & teethComplex
Dental abnormalities
Dental abnormalities refer to congenital or acquired malformations of the teeth and jaw structure, affecting the skeletal and digestive systems of the mouth. This includes malocclusions, which are misalignments where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, as well as missing or extra teeth. These structural issues can interfere with normal chewing and cause teeth to rub painfully against the sensitive tissues of the mouth.
Affects 42 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Von Willebrand's disease(vWD)
Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It is caused by a deficiency or malfunction of the von Willebrand factor, a specific protein that helps blood platelets stick together to plug damaged blood vessels. Without enough of this functional protein, the clotting process is delayed, which can lead to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.
Affects 41 breedsView details - SevereHeartComplex
Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe disease of the heart muscle where the heart's chambers become stretched and enlarged. This stretching thins the heart walls, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. Over time, this decreased pumping ability can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.
Affects 37 breedsTested via: Cardiac exam, DNA testView details
