Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
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- MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Knobbed acrosome defect(KAD)
This is a structural malformation of the reproductive system in male dogs, specifically affecting the cap-like structure, called the acrosome, on the head of the sperm. The abnormal shape of this cap prevents the sperm from properly binding to and fertilizing a female's egg. While the dog remains completely healthy, this defect leads to male infertility.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Lameness
Lameness is not a single genetic disease, but rather a general sign of abnormal movement caused by pain, injury, or structural changes in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. It occurs when a dog alters its normal walking pattern to protect an injured or uncomfortable body part. Because it is a broad clinical symptom, it can stem from many different underlying physical issues.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Laryngeal paralysis, RAPGEF6-related(LP)
This condition is an inherited disorder of the respiratory system where the nerves controlling the larynx (voice box) degenerate due to a genetic variant in the RAPGEF6 gene. Because these nerves fail, the vocal cords cannot open properly during inhalation, which restricts airflow into the lungs. The genetic risk factor has complex inheritance, meaning not every dog with the variant will develop the disease.
View details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Leber congenital amaurosis(LCA)
Leber congenital amaurosis is an inherited eye disease where the light-sensitive cells in the retina, located at the back of the eye, do not function correctly from birth. This genetic defect prevents visual signals from being properly transmitted to the brain. It is an autosomal-recessive condition, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Leishmaniasis, susceptibility/resistance to
This genetic trait determines how a dog's immune system responds to Leishmania parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. Dogs with genetic susceptibility have an immune response that fails to control the parasite, allowing it to spread and damage multiple organ systems, particularly the skin, kidneys, and spleen. Resistant dogs possess immune systems that can effectively suppress the parasite and prevent severe disease.
View details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Lethality, BTBD17-related
This genetic condition is caused by a mutation in the BTBD17 gene, which disrupts normal embryonic development. It affects multiple vital organ systems during the early stages of growth, leading to a severe failure to develop properly. This disruption is so critical to life that the affected puppies cannot survive to term or past the first few days of life.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Leukocyte adhesion deficiency, type III(LAD III)
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type III (LAD III) is an inherited disorder affecting both white blood cells and platelets, which are crucial components of the immune and blood-clotting systems. In affected dogs, a genetic defect prevents these cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, meaning white blood cells cannot reach infections and platelets cannot form clots. This dual defect leads to both severe, recurrent infections and a dangerous inability to stop bleeding.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemUnknown
Leukodystrophy, CYTB-related
This is a severe hereditary disease of the nervous system caused by a defect in a mitochondrial gene, which is responsible for cellular energy production. This defect leads to the progressive breakdown of myelin, the protective fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibers in the brain. Without this protective coating, the brain cannot properly transmit electrical signals to the rest of the body.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Leukodystrophy, TSEN54-related(LEP)
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord, caused by a genetic mutation. It disrupts the development and maintenance of the myelin sheath, which is the protective fatty coating that insulates nerve fibers. Without this insulation, the nervous system cannot properly transmit signals to the rest of the body.
View details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ligneous conjunctivitis(PLGD)
Ligneous membranitis is a severe inherited disorder affecting the eyes and mucous membranes, caused by a lack of plasminogen, which is a protein responsible for breaking down clot-forming proteins. Without enough plasminogen, tough, wood-like deposits build up on moist tissues, particularly the eyes. This results in chronic, severe inflammation of the eye membranes.
View details - ModerateHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Limb movement, synchronic, EFNB3-related
This is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder of the nervous system caused by a genetic mutation in the EFNB3 gene. The mutation prevents the normal crossing of nerve pathways in the spinal cord, which normally allows the left and right sides of the body to coordinate independently. Instead, signals are sent to the limbs in parallel, causing them to move at the same time rather than alternately.
View details - HighSkin & coatComplex
Linear IgA disease
This is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the skin, where the dog's immune system mistakenly produces IgA antibodies that attack proteins in the basement membrane zone, which is the boundary layer between the outer and inner skin. This attack weakens the skin layers, leading to blister formation. Diagnosis is typically confirmed using a skin biopsy test called direct immunofluorescence (DIF) to detect these specific antibody deposits.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia, RELN-related(LCH)
This is a severe, inherited brain disorder primarily documented in White Swiss Shepherd Dogs, where the brain does not develop normally. A mutation in the RELN gene causes lissencephaly, which means the surface of the brain remains smooth instead of forming normal folds, and cerebellar hypoplasia, which is an underdeveloped cerebellum (the part of the brain controlling movement). This combination severely disrupts the dog's nervous system and coordination.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Litters (dam per year)
This entry represents a breeding management and welfare parameter regarding the number of litters a female dog carries per year, rather than an inherited disease. Producing litters too frequently without adequate rest periods prevents the female's body and reproductive system from fully recovering. This can lead to severe physical depletion, affecting her overall metabolic and immune health.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Litters (Kennel per year)
This is not a medical condition or genetic disorder, but rather an administrative statistic tracking the number of litters registered to a specific kennel within a calendar year. It is used by breed clubs to monitor breeding activity and ensure responsible breeding practices. Because it is a record-keeping metric, it does not affect any organ system or biological mechanism in the dog.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Litters (total per dam)
This is a breeding statistic that tracks the total number of litters a female dog produces over her lifetime. It serves as a welfare monitoring tool to protect the female's reproductive system and overall physical health from the strain of excessive pregnancies. Monitoring this metric helps prevent physical exhaustion and long-term wear on the dog's body.
View details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Long hair(LH)
This is a natural genetic variation affecting the FGF5 gene, also known as the L-locus, which controls the hair growth cycle in a dog's skin. Instead of signaling the hair follicle to stop growing at a standard length, this variation allows the growth phase to continue, resulting in longer fur. It is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit the variant from both parents, and it is a normal physical characteristic rather than a medical disease.
View details - SevereHeartAutosomal dominant
Long QT syndrome, KCNQ1-related(LQTS)
Long QT syndrome (KCNQ1-related) is an inherited heart condition that affects the cardiac electrical system. It delays the time it takes for the heart muscle to recharge its electrical system after each beat. This delay can disrupt the normal heart rhythm, potentially leading to dangerous, irregular heartbeats.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Lundehund Syndrome (Norwegian Lundehund)(LS)
Lundehund syndrome is an inherited gastrointestinal disease caused by an autosomal-recessive genetic mutation. It leads to chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining, which prevents the body from properly absorbing nutrients. This inflammation causes a condition called protein-losing enteropathy, where essential proteins leak out of the bloodstream and into the digestive tract.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Lymphangiosarcoma
Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lymphatic vessels, which are part of the body's immune and fluid-drainage system. These tumor cells multiply rapidly, destroying nearby healthy tissues and frequently spreading to other parts of the body.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Lymphoma(LSA)
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is the network of vessels and organs responsible for filtering fluids and fighting infections. In affected dogs, white blood cells called lymphocytes multiply uncontrollably and accumulate in tissues like the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. This disrupts the normal function of the immune system and other vital organs.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Lysosomal storage disease, ARSG related(ARSG)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder, also known as Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 4A (NCL4A), where a deficiency in the enzyme arylsulfatase G prevents cells from breaking down waste products. Over time, these waste materials build up inside lysosomes, which are the recycling centers of the cell, particularly damaging the nerve cells in the brain. This accumulation leads to progressive cell damage and degeneration throughout the nervous system.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Lysosomal storage disease, CNP-related(LSD)
This hereditary metabolic disorder is caused by a genetic defect that prevents cells from properly breaking down cellular waste. This waste builds up inside the cells, particularly in the brain and nervous system, leading to progressive damage. Over time, this accumulation disrupts normal neurological functions.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildHeartAutosomal dominant
Macrothrombocytopenia(MTC)
Macrothrombocytopenia is a harmless, inherited blood condition where a dog has fewer but much larger blood platelets, also known as thrombocytes. Platelets are specialized cell fragments in the circulatory system that help the blood clot to stop bleeding. Despite the lower overall platelet count, the larger size of these cells compensates for the difference, allowing the blood to clot normally.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Macular Corneal Dystrophy(MCD)
Macular corneal dystrophy is an inherited eye disorder where abnormal metabolic byproducts build up within the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye. This accumulation causes progressive, cloudy spots to form on both eyes, gradually reducing their transparency. Over time, this buildup impairs the dog's ability to see clearly.
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