Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- 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 - ModerateHead / nervous systemUnknown
Shaker dog syndrome(GTS)
Shaker dog syndrome is an inflammatory condition affecting the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements. This inflammation, believed to be an immune-mediated response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous tissue, leads to uncontrollable full-body tremors. The exact underlying cause of this brain inflammation remains unknown.
Affects 5 breedsView details - SevereHeartComplex
Sick sinus syndrome(SSS)
Sick sinus syndrome is a disorder of the heart's electrical system, specifically affecting the sinoatrial node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker. This malfunction causes the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or with long pauses, disrupting normal blood flow to the body. An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) is typically performed alongside electrical monitoring to rule out other structural heart diseases before proceeding with treatment.
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 - 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 4 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView 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 - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Complex vertebral malformation(CVM)
Complex vertebral malformation is a congenital condition where the bones of the spine, known as vertebrae, do not develop properly during fetal growth, sometimes resulting in abnormally shaped bones like "butterfly vertebrae." This structural defect affects the skeletal system and can put pressure on the spinal cord, which is the main nerve pathway running down the back.
Affects 4 breedsTested via: RadiographView 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 - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Dermoids
A dermoid is a benign, congenital growth where normal skin tissue, which can include hair follicles and glands, mistakenly develops in abnormal locations on the eye. This typically affects the cornea, which is the clear outer surface of the eye, or the conjunctiva, the pink membrane lining the eyelids. Because this misplaced skin tissue often grows hair, it causes constant irritation to the eye's surface.
Affects 4 breedsView details - MildSkin & coatUnknown
Histiocytoma
A histiocytoma is a non-cancerous (benign) skin growth that originates from Langerhans cells, which are part of the dog's immune system. These cells normally help protect the skin, but they can sometimes overgrow to form a small, harmless lump. In the vast majority of cases, these tumors are completely benign and will shrink and disappear on their own.
Affects 4 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 4 breedsView 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 - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Achromatopsia-3, CNGB3-related(ACHM)
Achromatopsia-3 is an inherited eye disorder affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the cone photoreceptors—the cells responsible for detecting bright light—from functioning properly. Consequently, affected dogs experience severely impaired vision in bright daylight, while their vision remains normal in dim light.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome(CMS)
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) is an inherited genetic disorder that disrupts the communication between nerves and muscles. This breakdown in the neuromuscular system prevents signals from reaching the muscles properly, leading to rapid muscle fatigue and weakness. Unlike some other muscle-weakness disorders, this is a congenital condition present from birth and is not caused by an autoimmune system malfunction.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (Briard)(CSNB)
This inherited eye condition affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It specifically impairs the rod cells, the photoreceptors responsible for vision in low-light environments. Because the condition is stationary, the visual impairment does not worsen over the dog's life, and daytime vision remains mostly normal.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView 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 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Fanconi syndrome(FS)
Fanconi syndrome is an inherited kidney disorder affecting the renal tubules, which are the tiny filtering tubes within the kidneys. Instead of reabsorbing vital nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and electrolytes back into the bloodstream, these damaged tubules allow them to be lost in the urine. This leads to a severe depletion of essential compounds that the dog's body needs to function properly.
Affects 3 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
GM1 Gangliosidosis(GM1)
GM1 gangliosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease that primarily affects the nervous system. It occurs when a deficiency in a specific enzyme, beta-galactosidase, prevents the body from breaking down certain fatty sugar compounds. Over time, these compounds build up to toxic levels inside cells, causing progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord.
Affects 3 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 3 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Histiocytosis(MH)
Histiocytosis is a severe disorder of the immune system where specific white blood cells, called histiocytes, multiply abnormally. These cells normally help protect the body, but their uncontrolled growth can lead to tumors or tissue damage in various organs, including the skin, lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes. Depending on the form, it can be localized to the skin or spread aggressively throughout the body's internal systems.
Affects 3 breedsView details
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