Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- ModerateMouth & teethAutosomal recessive
Amelogenesis Imperfecta (Italian Greyhound)(AI)
This is an inherited genetic disorder affecting the dental system, specifically the development of tooth enamel. Due to a genetic mutation, the protective outer layer of the teeth (enamel) does not form properly or is completely missing. This leaves the softer, underlying layers of the teeth exposed, making them fragile and highly sensitive.
Affects 5 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighHeartComplex
Atrial septal defect(ASD)
An atrial septal defect is a congenital heart condition where a hole exists in the wall, called the septum, that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. This opening allows blood to flow abnormally between these chambers, which can gradually place extra strain on both the heart and the lungs.
Affects 5 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - ModerateHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Episodic Falling(EF)
Episodic Falling is an inherited neurological disorder where the nervous system fails to properly regulate muscle tone. When triggered by excitement, stress, or exercise, the muscles in the limbs temporarily tighten and cramp. This causes the dog to lose control of its movement, although they remain fully conscious throughout the episode.
Affects 5 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Familial goitre(CHG)
Familial goitre is an inherited disorder of the endocrine system where the thyroid gland is unable to produce essential thyroid hormones. This genetic defect causes the thyroid gland in the neck to enlarge significantly as it tries to compensate for the hormone deficiency. Without immediate treatment, this lack of hormones severely disrupts normal growth and body functions.
Affects 5 breedsView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Hairlessness
This is a genetic condition known as ectodermal dysplasia, which affects the development of the outer layer of tissue in a developing embryo. This impairment specifically impacts the skin, hair follicles, and teeth, preventing them from forming normally. As a result, affected dogs are born with little to no coat and often have missing or malformed teeth.
Affects 5 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome)(HAC)
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder affecting the endocrine system, where the adrenal glands chronically produce too much of the stress hormone cortisol. This overproduction disrupts the dog's normal metabolism, fluid balance, and immune system function. It is typically caused by a benign tumor in either the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands themselves.
Affects 5 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Immunoglobulin A deficiency(IgAD)
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency is an immune system disorder where the body does not produce enough IgA, which is a key antibody that protects mucosal surfaces. This weakens the local defense system of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, making the dog more vulnerable to infections and chronic inflammation in these areas.
Affects 5 breedsView details - UnknownGeneral / metabolic
Lockennachweis (Barbet)
This is not a disease or medical condition, but rather a genetic test used to verify the coat characteristics of the Barbet breed. It identifies the presence of the autosomal-dominant gene variant (KRT71) responsible for the breed's characteristic curly hair structure. Breeding clubs, such as the VBBFL e.V., use this verification to ensure dogs meet breed standards for coat type.
Affects 5 breedsView details - MildEyesAutosomal recessive
Multifocal Retinopathy 1(CMR1)
Multifocal Retinopathy 1 is an inherited eye condition affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form beneath this layer, leading to localized areas of retinal detachment. Despite these structural changes, the overall health of the eye is rarely compromised.
Affects 5 breedsTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), ADAMTS17-related(POAG)
Primary open angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disorder where fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly, causing pressure to build up. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve and retina, which are the structures responsible for sending visual information to the brain. Over time, this pressure buildup leads to progressive and irreversible vision loss.
Affects 5 breedsView details - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Acral lick dermatitis (lick granuloma)(ALD)
Acral lick dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder where a dog compulsively licks a specific area, usually on its lower limbs, leading to self-inflicted wounds. This behavior is often triggered by a mix of psychological factors like boredom or anxiety, and physical issues like joint pain or allergies. Over time, the constant licking damages the skin barrier and prevents the area from healing.
Affects 4 breedsView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cerebellar hypoplasia(CH)
Cerebellar hypoplasia is an inherited neurological condition where the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movement, fails to develop fully. This underdevelopment is autosomal-recessive, meaning a puppy must inherit the gene from both parents to be affected. Because it only impacts physical coordination, the dog's cognitive abilities, intelligence, and awareness remain completely normal.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateMouth & teethAutosomal dominant
Craniomandibular osteopathy ("lion jaw")(CMO)
Craniomandibular osteopathy, often called "lion jaw," is a temporary bone disease affecting the skull and jaw of growing dogs. It causes abnormal, non-cancerous bone growth on the lower jawbone and surrounding joints. This swelling is painful and can restrict normal movement of the jaw during the puppy's development.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: DNA test, RadiographView details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome(CC)
This is an inherited genetic disorder that simultaneously affects a dog's eyes, skin, and coat. It is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the normal development of the tear glands and the outer layer of the skin. This leads to a severe lack of tear production, known as dry eye, alongside abnormal hardening of the skin cells.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Hereditary Cataract(HC)
Hereditary cataract is an inherited eye disorder characterized by the progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens. This clouding prevents light from passing through to the retina, which gradually impairs the dog's vision and can lead to complete blindness. The condition is primarily inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Affects 4 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)(HA)
Addison's disease is a hormonal disorder where the outer layer of the adrenal glands, known as the adrenal cortex, fails to produce enough essential hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps the dog's body manage stress and metabolism, while aldosterone regulates the balance of water and vital minerals. Without these hormones, the body cannot properly control its internal fluid levels or respond to daily physical stress.
Affects 4 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome(IGS)
Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome is an inherited metabolic disorder where a dog's digestive system cannot absorb vitamin B12 from food. This inability to absorb the vitamin leads to a chronic deficiency, which impairs normal red blood cell production in the bone marrow and disrupts the nervous system.
Affects 4 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Lafora disease(Lafora)
Lafora disease is an inherited brain disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of starch-like compounds inside the nerve cells. This accumulation gradually damages the central nervous system, preventing the brain from functioning normally. Over time, this leads to progressive neurological decline and recurrent seizures.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type I (Irish Setter)(CLAD-I)
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type I is a severe inherited immune system disorder where white blood cells cannot properly stick to and migrate into infected tissues. Because these defensive cells cannot reach the site of an infection, the body is unable to fight off bacteria and other pathogens. This leads to widespread, uncontrolled infections throughout the body.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Lysosomal storage diseases(LSD)
Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited metabolic disorders where a dog's cells lack the specific enzymes needed to break down cellular waste. Without these enzymes, waste products build up inside the cells and cause severe, progressive damage to organs, particularly the brain and nervous system.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighHeartComplex
Myxomatous mitral valve disease(MMVD)
Myxomatous valve degeneration is a chronic heart disease where the heart valves, most commonly the mitral valve, gradually thicken and lose their normal shape. This structural change prevents the valves from closing tightly, causing blood to leak backward through the heart chambers. Over time, this backflow forces the heart to work much harder, eventually leading to congestive heart failure.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - ModerateMouth & teethComplex
Panosteitis(Pano)
Panosteitis is a temporary, painful inflammation affecting the outer surface and inner marrow cavity of the long bones in a dog's legs. This skeletal condition involves an abnormal buildup of bone tissue inside the marrow cavity during periods of rapid growth. It is a benign, or non-cancerous, condition that does not cause permanent damage once it resolves.
Affects 4 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Pituitary dwarfism(PD)
This is a congenital metabolic disorder where the pituitary gland, a small hormone-producing gland at the base of the brain, fails to develop properly. As a result, the body cannot produce enough growth hormone and other essential hormones. This lack of hormones severely impacts the dog's overall development and organ function.
Affects 4 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia 2 (Belgian Malinois)(SDCA2)
Spongiform Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SDCA2) is an inherited neurological disease affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which controls movement and balance. In affected dogs, the brain tissue develops microscopic, sponge-like holes, disrupting the normal transmission of nerve signals. This leads to a severe loss of motor coordination and control.
Affects 4 breedsView details - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Acanthosis Nigricans(AN)
Acanthosis Nigricans is a chronic skin disorder where the body produces excess pigment and skin cells, leading to dark, thickened patches of skin, especially in the armpits and folds. In dogs, particularly Dachshunds, this is often a genetically predisposed condition where the skin's normal shedding and pigment processes are disrupted. This thickening and darkening can eventually cause hair loss in the affected areas.
Affects 3 breedsView details
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