Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- SevereSpineComplex
Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy(CVCM)
Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy, commonly known as Wobbler syndrome, is a condition affecting the spine where the spinal cord in the neck becomes pinched. This compression is caused by malformed neck vertebrae or slipping discs between the bones. Over time, the constant pressure damages the nerve pathways that carry signals from the brain to the limbs.
Affects 16 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - SevereHeartX-linked
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system, where the body lacks specific proteins needed for coagulation, which is the process of blood clotting. Because the blood cannot clot properly, even minor injuries can lead to prolonged internal or external bleeding. This condition is inherited through an X-linked genetic trait, meaning it primarily affects male dogs.
Affects 16 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Osteochondritis dissecans(OCD)
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental skeletal disorder affecting the joints, where a piece of cartilage fails to turn into bone properly. This abnormal cartilage can crack and detach from the underlying bone, creating a loose flap or fragment that floats in the joint space. This leads to painful inflammation and joint damage, most commonly in the shoulders, elbows, or knees.
Affects 16 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Primary hypothyroidism
Primary hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland, located in the neck, fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. This hormone deficiency is usually caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the gland or by the gradual replacement of thyroid tissue with fat. Because these hormones regulate how the body uses energy, a shortage slows down the dog's entire metabolism.
Affects 16 breedsView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) abnormalities - "cherry eye"
A prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland, commonly called 'cherry eye,' occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid slips out of its normal position. This gland is responsible for producing a significant portion of the eye's protective tear film. When the connective tissue holding it in place weakens, the gland protrudes, appearing as a red, fleshy mass in the inner corner of the eye.
Affects 16 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Urolithiasis
Urolithiasis is the formation of mineral stones within the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and connecting tubes. These solid crystal clusters develop when minerals in the urine clump together instead of dissolving. Over time, these stones can irritate the sensitive lining of the urinary system or completely block the flow of urine.
Affects 16 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Chronic hepatitis(CH)
Chronic hepatitis is a long-term, progressive inflammation of the liver, which is the organ responsible for filtering toxins and processing nutrients. This ongoing inflammation damages the liver tissue over time and can eventually lead to liver failure. It is often caused by genetic predispositions that lead to abnormal copper buildup in the liver, or by abnormal immune system responses.
Affects 15 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Familial Nephropathy(JEB)
Familial Nephropathy (FN) is an inherited kidney disease caused by a genetic defect in collagen, which is a vital structural protein. This defect damages the kidneys' filtering units, preventing them from properly removing waste products from the blood. Over time, this leads to progressive and irreversible kidney failure.
Affects 15 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Globoid cell leukodystrophy (galactocerebrosidosis)(GCL)
Globoid cell leukodystrophy is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the nervous system, caused by a deficiency in an essential enzyme. This deficiency leads to the buildup of harmful substances that destroy myelin, which is the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Without this protective covering, the nerves cannot transmit signals properly, resulting in progressive neurological decline.
Affects 15 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereSpineComplex
Intervertebral disc disease(IVDD)
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative condition affecting the spine, where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae harden and rupture. When these discs herniate, meaning they bulge or burst, they press against the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. This compression disrupts the nervous system, causing pain and potentially blocking signals between the brain and the limbs.
Affects 15 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Merle coat pattern(M)
The merle coat pattern is caused by an autosomal-dominant mutation in the PMEL gene, which affects pigment-producing cells in the skin, eyes, and inner ears. When a dog inherits two copies of this gene, a condition known as double merle, it disrupts the normal development of these sensory organs. This genetic defect can lead to severe structural abnormalities in both the auditory and visual systems.
Affects 15 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateMouth & teethComplex
Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra(LTV)
Übergangswirbel, also known as lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV), is a congenital skeletal malformation where a vertebra at the junction of two spinal sections—usually the lower back and the pelvis—develops abnormally, sharing characteristics of both areas. This anatomical variation can cause instability or uneven pressure in the lower spine. It is frequently identified during standard hip dysplasia screening radiographs, which evaluate the same pelvic region.
Affects 14 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - HighHeartComplex
Mitral valve dysplasia(MVD)
Mitral valve dysplasia is a congenital heart defect where the mitral valve, which acts as a one-way gate on the left side of the heart, does not form correctly. This malformation prevents the valve from closing tightly, allowing blood to leak backward instead of pumping efficiently to the body. Over time, this leakage strains the heart muscle, which can lead to heart enlargement and eventual heart failure.
Affects 13 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - SevereHeartPolygenic
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)(PDA)
Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect where a normal fetal blood vessel connecting the aorta and the pulmonary artery fails to close shortly after birth. This failure allows blood to continuously recirculate through the lungs instead of flowing to the rest of the body, putting severe, permanent strain on the heart muscle. Over time, this volume overload causes the left side of the heart to enlarge and weaken.
Affects 13 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Sebaceous Adenitis(SA)
Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammatory skin disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the sebaceous glands, which are the glands responsible for producing natural skin oils. Without these oils, the skin loses its protective moisture barrier, leading to severe dryness and damage to the hair follicles.
Affects 13 breedsView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Cone-rod dystrophy 3 (crd3)(crd3)
This is an inherited eye disorder caused by a genetic mutation that affects the Glen of Imaal Terrier. It causes the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors, which are the light-sensitive cells in the retina at the back of the eye. Specifically, both the cones (responsible for bright light and color vision) and the rods (responsible for dim light vision) break down, leading to permanent vision loss.
Affects 12 breedsTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Hereditary Footpad Hyperkeratosis (Irish Terrier & Kromfohrländer)(HFH)
Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis, also known as palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, is an inherited skin disorder caused by an autosomal-recessive genetic mutation. It affects the outer layer of the skin on a dog's paw pads, causing an overproduction of keratin, which is the tough protective protein found in hair and nails. This leads to abnormally thick, hard, and inelastic pads that easily crack and split.
Affects 12 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Portosystemic hepatic encephalopathy(PSS)
This is a neurological condition caused by liver dysfunction, typically occurring when abnormal blood vessels bypass the liver. Because the liver cannot filter toxins from the bloodstream, these harmful substances build up and directly affect the brain. This lack of proper filtration leads to central nervous system dysfunction.
Affects 12 breedsView details - SevereSpineAutosomal recessive
Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy(SLEM)
Spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM), also known as Shaking Puppy Syndrome (SPS), is an inherited disease of the central nervous system. It causes the protective myelin sheath, or white matter, in the brain and spinal cord to break down and develop a sponge-like texture. This degeneration severely disrupts the transmission of nerve signals throughout the dog's body.
Affects 12 breedsView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Brachyury(NBT)
Brachyury is a congenital condition affecting the skeletal system where a dog is born with an unusually short or completely absent tail. It is caused by an autosomal-dominant genetic mutation in the T-box gene, which plays a key role in embryonic skeletal development. This mutation alters how the tail vertebrae form before birth, resulting in a naturally bobbed tail.
Affects 11 breedsTested via: Radiograph, DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cerebellar Ataxia(CA1)
Cerebellar Ataxia is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance. Due to an autosomal-recessive genetic mutation, nerve cells in this brain region progressively degenerate. This gradual loss of cells prevents the brain from properly controlling the body's movements.
Affects 11 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Cystinuria(Cyst-1a)
Cystinuria is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the kidneys, where the body fails to reabsorb an amino acid called cystine. Instead of being filtered back into the bloodstream, cystine builds up in the urine. Over time, this high concentration causes the amino acid to crystallize, forming painful stones in the bladder and urinary tract.
Affects 11 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Exposure keratopathy syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon)(EKS)
This condition involves chronic damage to the cornea, which is the clear protective outer layer of the eye. It occurs when the eyelids cannot fully close to moisten the eye, often due to protruding eyeballs, incomplete eyelid closure, or an abnormally large eyelid opening. Without proper moisture, the delicate surface of the eye becomes dry, inflamed, and vulnerable to injury.
Affects 11 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemComplex
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition affecting the brain and nervous system, commonly referred to as water on the brain. It occurs when cerebrospinal fluid, the natural protective liquid surrounding the brain, builds up abnormally inside the brain's cavities, known as ventricles. This accumulation creates harmful pressure on the surrounding brain tissue, which can impair normal brain function.
Affects 11 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis(NCL)
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects the nervous system. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain and eyes are unable to properly recycle cellular waste, leading to a harmful buildup of these materials that permanently damages the tissues.
Affects 11 breedsView details
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