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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- SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal dominant
Phelan-McDermid syndrome(PMS)
Phelan-McDermid syndrome is a severe neurological condition affecting the brain and nervous system, caused by a defect in the SHANK3 gene that disrupts communication between nerve cells. In dogs, this is not a naturally occurring disease found in companion pets. It has only been described in scientific literature as a genetically engineered laboratory model used to study autism spectrum disorders.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Pheochromocytoma(PHEO)
A pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland, which is a small hormone-producing organ located near the kidneys. This tumor causes the gland to release excessive, uncontrolled amounts of stress hormones like adrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones normally regulate vital functions, but their overproduction severely disrupts the cardiovascular system and other organs.
View details - ModerateHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
PIGN-related paroxysmal dyskinesia(PxD)
Wheaten Paroxysmal Dyskinesia (WPxD) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain's ability to control voluntary muscle movements. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the PIGN gene, which temporarily disrupts normal nerve signaling in the brain during an episode. Between these sudden episodes of involuntary movement, the dog's brain functions normally and they show no signs of illness.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 deficiency, SERPINE1-related(PAI-1)
This is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting the blood circulatory system, specifically how the body stabilizes blood clots. It is caused by a deficiency in a protein called plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which normally stops clots from dissolving too quickly. Without enough PAI-1, the body breaks down blood clots prematurely, leading to impaired clotting.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Pneumothorax
A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and the chest wall, known as the pleural cavity. This accumulation of air destroys the normal negative pressure required for breathing, causing the lung to collapse. It can happen suddenly due to physical trauma, like an accident, or spontaneously if a small air sac in the lung ruptures.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polyarthritis(IMPA)
Polyarthritis is an immune-mediated disease affecting the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. In this condition, the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membranes, which are the protective linings that cushion and lubricate the joints. This abnormal immune response leads to widespread, painful inflammation in multiple joints throughout the body.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Polycystic mononephrosis
This is a rare congenital condition affecting the urinary system where a dog is born with only one kidney, a state known as unilateral renal agenesis, and that single kidney develops numerous fluid-filled cysts. Because there is no healthy second kidney to compensate, the progressive cyst growth damages the remaining kidney tissue, eventually leading to kidney failure. An abdominal ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool used to identify these structural changes.
View details - HighHeartUnknown
Polycythemia
Polycythemia is a condition involving an abnormal increase in red blood cells within the circulatory system, which causes the blood to become thick and sluggish. This thickening impairs normal blood flow and reduces the efficient delivery of oxygen to vital organs. It also increases the risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polyendocrine syndrome(APS)
Polyendocrine syndrome is a severe autoimmune disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly targets and destroys multiple hormone-producing (endocrine) glands, either at the same time or one after another. This can damage critical organs like the adrenal glands, thyroid, and pancreas, leading to a failure in hormone production. Because the disease is complex and multifactorial, there are currently no direct genetic tests available.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type II(PGA II)
Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome Type II, also known as APS 2 or Schmidt's syndrome, is a severe metabolic and endocrine disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks multiple hormone-producing glands. This typically targets organs like the adrenal glands, thyroid, and pancreas, which control vital metabolic processes. Because these glands are destroyed, the body can no longer produce the essential hormones needed to regulate daily functions.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Polyglucosan body myopathy, RBCK1-related(PBM)
This is an inherited muscle disorder where abnormal sugar molecules, known as polyglucosan bodies, build up inside the dog's muscle cells. This accumulation causes progressive damage to the skeletal muscles and can also affect the heart muscle. The condition is linked to a genetic mutation in the RBCK1 gene, which was recently characterized in Basset Hounds.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Polymelia
Polymelia is a rare congenital anomaly affecting the musculoskeletal system where an animal is born with extra, non-functional limbs. This developmental error occurs in the womb during embryonic growth, causing accessory legs to attach to areas like the shoulder, pelvis, or spine. Because it is a structural birth defect rather than an active disease, it does not spread or progress over time.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polymicrogyria and asymmetrical ventricular dilation(PMG)
This is a congenital brain malformation affecting the central nervous system, where the outer layer of the brain develops too many abnormally small folds. It is also characterized by an uneven enlargement of the fluid-filled cavities within the brain, known as asymmetric ventricular dilation. These structural abnormalities disrupt normal brain development and communication.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polymyositis
Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own skeletal muscles. This immune-mediated response leads to widespread inflammation and damage to muscle tissue throughout the body. Over time, this weakens the muscles responsible for movement and basic functions.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy, ARHGEF10-related(LPN1)
This hereditary condition affects the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. A genetic defect damages the myelin sheath, the protective outer covering of these nerves. This damage disrupts the electrical signals traveling between the brain and the muscles, leading to progressive weakness.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal dominant
Polyneuropathy, hypomyelinating, MPZ-related(HMP)
This is an inherited disorder of the nervous system caused by a genetic defect that prevents the proper formation of myelin, which is the protective insulating sheath around nerve fibers. Without this insulation, the nerves cannot properly transmit electrical signals from the brain to the muscles.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy, hypomyelinating, MTMR2-related(MTMR2-PN)
This is an inherited nervous system disorder where the protective outer coating, called the myelin sheath, surrounding the nerves is improperly formed. Without this protective layer, the nerves cannot properly transmit electrical signals from the brain to the muscles. This disruption leads to progressive muscle weakness and coordination issues throughout the body.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy, hypomyelinating, SH3TC2-related(HMP)
This is an inherited disorder of the peripheral nervous system where the protective outer coating, known as the myelin sheath, of the nerve fibers does not develop properly. Without this insulation, the nerves cannot transmit signals effectively from the brain to the muscles. This leads to progressive muscle weakness and coordination issues.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy, SBF2-related(MSP)
SBF2-associated polyneuropathy is an inherited disease of the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It damages the myelin sheath, the protective outer coating of nerve fibers that is essential for transmitting signals. Without this healthy coating, communication between the brain and the muscles progressively breaks down.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1)(PSSM1)
This is a genetic metabolic disorder affecting the muscles, where the dog's body abnormally stores excess sugar, called glycogen, inside muscle cells. Because the muscles cannot process this stored sugar properly, they suffer from an energy deficit and damage during physical activity. This damage to the muscle fibers is known as exertional rhabdomyolysis.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Polyuria(PU)
Polyuria is not a specific disease, but rather a clinical sign where the body produces and excretes an abnormally large volume of urine. This typically occurs due to a disruption in the kidneys' ability to conserve water or because of hormonal imbalances affecting fluid regulation. Because it is a symptom of various underlying health issues, it can involve multiple organ systems, particularly the urinary and endocrine systems.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemComplex
Posterior paresis
Posterior paresis is a progressive weakness or partial paralysis of a dog's hind legs, caused by damage to the spinal cord or motor nerves. It is classified as a clinical sign or physical trait rather than a distinct genetic disease, meaning it can have multiple complex causes and cannot be linked to a single genetic test.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Potassium Magnesium Phosphate Urolithiasis(KMgP)
This is an extremely rare condition where unusual mineral stones made of potassium magnesium phosphate form within the dog's urinary tract. These stones can irritate the lining of the bladder and kidneys, potentially obstructing the normal flow of urine. It is a complex condition with no currently available genetic tests.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Prekallikrein deficiency
Prekallikrein deficiency is an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a specific protein needed for the normal clotting process. This protein, called prekallikrein, helps activate the chemical reactions that stop bleeding. Despite its role in the circulatory system, this deficiency does not impair the dog's actual ability to form clots in real-world scenarios.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Priapism
Priapism is a reproductive system disorder characterized by a persistent, painful erection of the penis that occurs without sexual stimulation. It happens when blood becomes trapped in the erectile tissue due to impaired drainage or neurological dysfunction. If left untreated, the lack of proper blood flow can cause permanent tissue damage.
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