Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Blood group system/dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1(DEA 1)
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen 1 (DEA 1) is a major blood group system in dogs, determining whether a dog has specific proteins on the surface of their red blood cells. This inherited trait is passed down in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a dog only needs one copy of the gene to be DEA 1-positive. Knowing a dog's blood group is essential for matching blood donors and recipients to prevent the immune system from attacking transfused blood.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Blood group system/dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 5(DEA 5)
DEA 5 (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen 5) is a naturally occurring blood group system in dogs, defined by a specific protein marker on the surface of red blood cells. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning a dog only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to express this blood type. This is a normal genetic variation rather than a disease, and it does not harm the dog's circulatory system.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Blood group system/dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 6(DEA 6)
DEA 6 is a naturally occurring blood group system in dogs, determined by whether a specific marker called an antigen is present on the surface of the red blood cells. This is a normal genetic variation rather than a disease, affecting the cardiovascular and immune systems during medical procedures. Knowing a dog's blood type is important to prevent the immune system from attacking donor blood during a transfusion.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Blood group systems, generic(DEA)
Blood group systems represent the natural protein and sugar structures found on the surface of a dog's red blood cells, most notably the Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) system. This is a normal genetic trait of the circulatory and immune systems rather than a disease. Knowing these markers is essential because the immune system will recognize foreign blood types as invaders.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Body weight
This is a genetic evaluation of a dog's expected adult size and weight rather than a disease. Multiple genes influence the development of the skeletal and muscular systems, determining how large the dog will grow. Understanding these genetic markers helps predict the dog's natural physical frame and mature body mass.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Brachydactyly
Brachydactyly is an inherited skeletal condition characterized by abnormally short toe bones, known as phalanges, in the paws. This developmental malformation is caused by an autosomal-recessive genetic trait affecting the skeletal system. It generally only impacts individual digits and does not impair the overall function of the dog's limbs.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Brachygnathia
Brachygnathia is a skeletal condition where the lower jaw is abnormally short compared to the upper jaw, commonly referred to as an overbite. This structural misalignment of the skull bones prevents the upper and lower teeth from meeting properly. Over time, this mismatch can affect how the dog chews and how the teeth wear down.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS)
Budd-Chiari syndrome is a severe condition affecting the circulatory and liver systems, where the veins that drain blood from the liver become narrowed or blocked. This obstruction prevents blood from leaving the liver normally, causing a painful backup of blood and increased pressure in the abdominal blood vessels, known as portal hypertension. Over time, this congestion can lead to progressive liver damage.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - HighSkin & coatComplex
Bullous pemphigoid(BP)
Bullous pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the skin. In this condition, the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the proteins that bond the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, to the deeper layer underneath, known as the dermis. This microscopic separation causes the skin layers to split apart and form fluid-filled blisters.
View details - ModerateSkin & coatUnknown
Calcinosis circumscripta
Calcinosis circumscripta is a skin condition where firm, localized calcium deposits build up in the tissues under the skin, most commonly over pressure points or joints. This abnormal accumulation is typically triggered by localized tissue damage, repetitive irritation, or inflammation. It primarily affects the subcutaneous tissue, which is the deepest layer of the skin.
View details - ModerateMouth & teethUnknown
Calvarial hyperostotic syndrome(CHS)
Calvarial hyperostotic syndrome is a rare bone disorder affecting the skeletal system of young dogs, specifically causing abnormal, non-cancerous thickening of the skull roof, known as the calvarium. This bone overgrowth occurs during the rapid growth phase, leading to localized inflammation and pressure on surrounding tissues.
Tested via: RadiographView details - MildEyesAutosomal recessive
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 3(CMR3)
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 3 (CMR3) is an inherited eye disorder affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts normal fluid transport within the eye, resulting in small, blister-like detachments of the retina. These localized detachments are generally stable and do not progress to full blindness.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Canine Multiple System Degeneration (Kerry Blue Terrier)(CMSD)
Canine Multiple System Degeneration, also known as Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy, is a severe inherited neurological disease that affects the brain. It causes the progressive premature death of nerve cells, particularly in the cerebellum, which is the area responsible for coordinating movement. Because it is an autosomal-recessive condition, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateHeartAutosomal recessive
Canine Scott Syndrome (German Shepherd)(CSS)
Canine Scott Syndrome is an inherited blood clotting disorder that affects the cardiovascular system, specifically the function of platelets, which are the blood cells responsible for stopping bleeding. In affected dogs, these platelets fail to properly bind the proteins needed to form a stable clot after an injury. This impairs the body's natural ability to stop bleeding, even though the overall number of platelets in the blood is normal.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
CARMIL2-related immunodeficiency(PIPS2)
This is an inherited disorder of the immune system caused by a genetic mutation in the CARMIL2 gene, which impairs the function of T-cells (a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections). Without properly functioning T-cells, the dog's body cannot effectively defend itself against common environmental bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This leaves the animal highly susceptible to persistent and recurrent infections.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Carpal subluxation
Carpal subluxation is an inherited skeletal condition affecting the wrist joint, or carpus, of a dog's front legs, where the bones fail to align properly and slip out of place. This instability is caused by an X-linked genetic defect, meaning it is carried on the X chromosome and primarily affects male dogs. The misalignment leads to chronic strain, inflammation, and progressive damage within the joint.
View details - ModerateEyesComplex
Caruncular trichiasis
Caruncular trichiasis is an eye condition where fine hairs abnormally grow from the caruncle, which is the small pink nodule located in the inner corner of the eye. Because of their position, these hairs rub directly against the cornea, the sensitive clear surface of the eyeball. This constant friction causes mechanical irritation and chronic inflammation of the eye.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Catalase Deficiency (Beagle)(CAT)
Catalase deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder where the dog's body lacks the catalase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down harmful hydrogen peroxide. Without this enzyme, hydrogen peroxide builds up and causes oxidative stress, a form of chemical damage to cells. This tissue damage is most prominent in the dog's mouth and gums.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Cataract, CPT1A-related
This condition is an inherited eye disorder linked to a defect in the CPT1A gene, which is involved in cellular fat metabolism. The genetic variation causes the lens of the eye to lose its natural transparency and gradually become cloudy. This cloudiness prevents light from passing through the lens to the back of the eye, progressively impairing the dog's vision.
View details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Cataract, FYCO1-related
This inherited eye condition is a form of cataract, which is a progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the FYCO1 gene that disrupts the normal cellular structure and clarity of the lens. This prevents light from passing through to the back of the eye, gradually impairing the dog's vision.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Caudal articular process dysplasia(CAPD)
This is a congenital malformation of the rear joint partners, known as the caudal articular processes, of the spinal vertebrae. These bony projections normally help lock the spine together, but their abnormal development leads to spinal instability. Over time, this instability can cause chronic compression and damage to the spinal cord.
View details - ModerateKneesComplex
Caudal cruciate ligament disease(CaCLR)
This condition involves damage or a tear to the caudal cruciate ligament, which is a band of tough tissue inside the knee joint that helps keep the shin bone from sliding too far backward. When this ligament is compromised, the knee joint becomes unstable, causing pain and leading to progressive joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis. It primarily affects the musculoskeletal system of the dog.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cavitating leukodystrophy
Cavitating leukodystrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the myelin sheath, which acts as the protective insulation around nerve fibers, degenerates and breaks down. This destruction leaves behind fluid-filled cavities in the brain tissue, disrupting the transmission of nerve signals.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Central core myopathy(CCM)
Central core myopathy in Great Danes is an inherited muscle disorder that is now classified as a form of Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM). It is caused by a mutation in the BIN1 gene, which disrupts the internal structure of skeletal muscle cells and prevents them from contracting normally. This structural defect leads to generalized muscle weakness and dysfunction across the body.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cerebellar atrophy, EMC1-related
This is an inherited neurological disease affecting the cerebellum, which is the brain's coordination center. It is characterized by granuloprival cerebellar cortical degeneration, a process where essential nerve cells in this part of the brain progressively waste away. This degeneration severely disrupts the dog's ability to control and coordinate its voluntary movements.
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