Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Aneuploidy, trisomy, sex chromosome XXX(XXX)
This is a genetic condition where a female dog is born with three X chromosomes instead of the normal two. This extra genetic material primarily affects the development and function of the reproductive system. The condition is diagnosed using a laboratory test called karyotyping, which analyzes the dog's physical chromosomes.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Aneuploidy, trisomy, sex chromosome XXY(XXY)
This is a genetic condition where a male dog is born with an extra sex chromosome, resulting in an XXY genetic makeup instead of the normal XY. This chromosomal abnormality primarily affects the reproductive system, preventing the normal development of the testicles. Because of this genetic difference, affected male dogs are unable to produce viable sperm.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition affecting the spine where the joints and ligaments between the vertebrae gradually harden into bone, a process called ossification. In veterinary medicine, this term is historically grouped with spondylosis deformans, which causes similar bony bridges to form along the backbone. This progressive fusion reduces the flexibility of the spinal column and can pinch nearby nerves.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Anodontia
Anodontia is a rare developmental disorder of the dental tissue that results in the complete failure of any teeth to form in the mouth. Because the dog is born without the genetic instructions to grow teeth, neither baby teeth nor adult teeth will ever develop. A dental X-ray is the gold standard diagnostic tool used to confirm true anodontia and ensure the teeth are not simply trapped under the gums.
View details - HighEyesComplex
Anterior segment dysgenesis(ASD)
Anterior segment dysgenesis is an inherited eye condition where the front structures of the eye, including the clear outer cornea, the colored iris, and the lens, fail to develop properly before birth. This abnormal development can block the natural drainage pathways of the fluid inside the eye. When this fluid cannot drain, pressure builds up within the eyeball, which can damage the dog's vision.
View details - HighEyesUnknown
Aphakia
Aphakia is a rare eye condition where a puppy is born without the lens in one or both eyes. The lens is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, which is necessary for clear vision. Because this lens is missing, the eye cannot focus light properly, and the condition is often accompanied by other eye abnormalities like abnormally small eyeballs.
View details - SevereHeartUnknown
Arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy(ALVC)
This is a severe heart disease where the muscle tissue of the left ventricle, which is the heart's main pumping chamber, is gradually replaced by fat and fibrous scar tissue. This replacement disrupts the heart's normal electrical signals, leading to irregular and potentially dangerous heartbeats known as arrhythmias.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Arthritis(OA)
Arthritis is a chronic condition of the skeletal system characterized by the painful inflammation and progressive breakdown of the protective cartilage within the joints. As this cartilage wears away, the bones rub directly against each other, causing pain and structural damage. This condition can stem from age-related wear, joint malformations, or abnormal immune system responses.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Ascites
Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of free fluid within the abdominal cavity, which impacts the circulatory and digestive systems. Rather than a disease itself, it is a severe symptom of an underlying condition, such as heart, liver, or kidney dysfunction. An abdominal ultrasound is the gold standard method used by veterinarians to confirm the presence of this fluid.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is a severe lung infection that occurs when a dog accidentally inhales foreign material, such as food, vomit, or saliva, into its respiratory tract. This foreign material damages the lung tissue and introduces bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection in the lungs. Diagnosis is typically confirmed using thoracic radiography, which is a chest X-ray used to visualize the affected lung fields.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency(AVED)
This is an inherited neurological and ocular disorder caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the body from properly transporting and using vitamin E. Without this essential nutrient, cells experience oxidative damage, leading to progressive degeneration of the nervous system and the retina of the eyes. In English Cocker Spaniels, this condition is also referred to as Retinopathy with Vitamin E Deficiency (RVED).
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Ataxia, spinocerebellar, ITPR1-related(SCA)
This is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, specifically causing the progressive breakdown of the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. Because of a genetic mutation, the brain cells in this region cannot communicate properly and gradually die off. This leads to a loss of voluntary muscle control over time.
View details - HighHeartComplex
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a rare cardiovascular condition in dogs where fatty plaques build up inside the arteries, narrowing the blood vessels and restricting blood flow. This typically develops as a secondary complication of underlying metabolic diseases like hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus, which disrupt how the body processes fats. Over time, the restricted blood flow can damage vital organs that rely on these blood vessels.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Atresia ani
Atresia ani is a congenital birth defect of the lower digestive tract where the anal opening is either completely closed or entirely missing. Because the normal exit path for stool is blocked, waste cannot leave the body, leading to a dangerous buildup in the intestines. This condition is present at birth and requires prompt medical attention to restore normal digestive function.
View details - HighHeartComplex
Atrial fibrillation(AF)
Atrial fibrillation is a serious heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat rapidly and chaotically instead of in a coordinated pattern. This irregular beating significantly reduces the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body. It is typically triggered by underlying structural heart diseases, which veterinarians evaluate using an ultrasound of the heart, known as an echocardiogram.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, FAS-related(ALPS)
This is an inherited disorder of the immune system where the body fails to properly regulate and remove excess white blood cells. Because these cells do not break down as they normally should, they accumulate and overload the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes and spleen. This buildup triggers severe autoimmune reactions, causing the dog's immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy tissues.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Autosomal fragile site chromosomal structural anomaly
This is a structural feature of a dog's chromosomes, which are the microscopic packages carrying genetic information inside cells. In a laboratory setting, specific areas on these non-sex chromosomes can show a tendency to break or appear fragile when exposed to certain chemicals. It is a cellular characteristic observed under a microscope rather than a disease affecting a physical organ system.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis(SCDO)
Autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis is a severe genetic disorder affecting the skeletal system, specifically the development of the spine and ribs. During embryonic development in the womb, the bones of the spinal column and the ribs fail to form properly. This leads to extensive malformations, resulting in a severely shortened and deformed back and rib cage.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
B-cell lymphoma susceptibility
This condition is a genetic predisposition to B-cell lymphoma, which is a severe cancer affecting the lymphatic system. In this disease, a specific type of white blood cell called B-lymphocytes, which normally help fight infections, begins to multiply uncontrollably. This abnormal growth disrupts the immune system and can spread to various organs throughout the body.
View details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Bald thigh syndrome(BTS)
Bald thigh syndrome is a cosmetic skin condition characterized by hair loss, or alopecia, primarily affecting the back of a dog's thighs. It is associated with complex genetic or hormonal factors that influence the hair follicles, though the underlying skin structure remains completely healthy. It is not an inflammatory or infectious disease and does not cause physical harm to the dog.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Bardet-Biedl syndrome 2(BBS2)
Bardet-Biedl syndrome type 2 is an inherited systemic disorder caused by a genetic defect that impairs the function of cilia, which are tiny, antenna-like structures on the surface of cells. Because these structures are crucial for cellular communication, their malfunction damages multiple organ systems at the same time. This particularly impacts the eyes and the kidneys.
View details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Bardet-Biedl syndrome 4(BBS4)
Bardet-Biedl syndrome type 4 is an inherited systemic disorder caused by a genetic defect in the cell's microscopic, hair-like structures called cilia. Because these structures are essential for normal cell communication, their dysfunction leads to widespread issues across multiple organ systems, particularly the eyes and kidneys. This type of disease is known as a ciliopathy, which simply means a disorder affecting these cellular appendages.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Becker muscular dystrophy(BMD)
Becker muscular dystrophy is an inherited muscle disorder caused by a deficiency in dystrophin, a crucial structural protein that protects muscle fibers from damage during contraction. Without enough functional dystrophin, the dog's skeletal muscles progressively weaken and break down over time. This genetic condition is X-linked, meaning it primarily affects male dogs.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. It is driven by the normal aging process and the continuous influence of the male hormone testosterone in intact, uncastrated dogs. As the gland swells, it can press against the surrounding tissues, particularly the urethra and rectum.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Bernard-Soulier syndrome, type C(BSS)
Bernard-Soulier syndrome, type C is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the cardiovascular and hematologic systems. It is caused by a genetic defect in blood platelets, which are the specialized cells responsible for forming clots to stop bleeding. Because these platelets cannot stick together properly, the body's natural wound healing and clotting processes are severely impaired.
View details
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