Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- SevereSpineAutosomal recessive
Degenerative Myelopathy (Bernese Mountain Dog variant) SOD1(DM-2)
This is a severe, progressive disease of the spinal cord and nervous system specifically affecting Bernese Mountain Dogs. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the SOD1 gene that leads to the gradual breakdown of the nerve pathways that send signals from the brain to the limbs. As these pathways deteriorate, the dog slowly loses the ability to coordinate its movements.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighHeartAutosomal dominant
Delayed postoperative hemorrhage(DEPOH)
Delayed postoperative hemorrhage (DEPOH) is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system. In affected dogs, the normal blood clots that form to seal surgical wounds break down prematurely. This leads to unexpected bleeding hours or days after a surgical procedure has completed.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Dental-skeletal-retinal anomaly(DSRA)
Dentale-skeletale-retinale Anomalie (DSRA) is a severe, inherited systemic disease that affects multiple organ systems, specifically the teeth, bones, and the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the normal development and structure of these essential tissues. This disruption prevents the skeleton, teeth, and eyes from forming and functioning properly.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Epidermal dysplasia
Epidermal dysplasia, also known as Westie Armadillo Syndrome or hyperplastic dermatosis, is an inherited skin disorder where the outer layers of the skin do not develop or mature properly. This defect compromises the skin's natural protective barrier, making it highly vulnerable to secondary yeast and bacterial infections. The condition primarily affects the integumentary (skin) system, leading to chronic, severe inflammation.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Clinical examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency(EPI)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a digestive disorder where the pancreas fails to produce enough essential enzymes to break down food. Without these enzymes, the dog's digestive system cannot absorb nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition. Diagnosis is typically confirmed using a specific blood test called the canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) serum test.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Factor XI deficiency(FXID)
Factor XI deficiency is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the circulatory system. It occurs when the body does not produce enough Factor XI, which is a specific protein crucial for helping the blood clot properly. Without enough of this protein, the normal chemical chain reaction that stops bleeding is disrupted.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Fitness Test ("Pug" Test)(BOAS-Test)
This is a standardized physical exercise test, such as the VDH-Fitnesstest or Respiratory Function Grading Scheme, used to evaluate the respiratory system of flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs. It measures how well a dog breathes during and after exertion to detect Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which is a chronic narrowing of the upper airways. The test is primarily used to ensure only dogs with healthy, functional airways are selected for breeding.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Clinical examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Fucosidosis(FUCO)
Fucosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease, which means the dog's body lacks a specific enzyme needed to break down certain complex sugars. Without this enzyme, these sugars build up to toxic levels inside cells, causing severe and progressive damage to tissues, particularly the brain and nervous system.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Gangliosidosis, GM2, type I (B variant)(GM2)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder where a deficiency in the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase A causes harmful fatty substances to build up in the central nervous system. This buildup leads to progressive and irreversible damage to the brain and spinal cord cells. Because the cells cannot properly break down these waste products, the nervous system gradually stops functioning.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
German Shepherd footpad disorder
This is an inherited skin condition that specifically affects the footpads of German Shepherds. It is caused by an autosomal-recessive genetic mutation that disrupts the normal development of keratin, which is the protective protein layer that keeps the paw pads tough and resilient. Without this proper outer layer, the skin on the pads remains fragile and prone to damage.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighSkin & coatComplex
German Shepherd pyoderma(GSP)
German Shepherd pyoderma is a severe, deep-seated bacterial infection of the skin, which is the body's primary protective barrier. It is believed to stem from an inherited immune system dysfunction or an underlying allergy that prevents the dog's natural defenses from controlling normal skin bacteria. Because this is a complex, multi-gene condition, there are currently no genetic tests available to screen for it.
Affects 1 breedView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy(GSE)
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy is an inherited condition where the dog's immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in certain grains. This reaction causes chronic inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, which is the organ responsible for absorbing nutrients. Over time, this damage prevents the gut from properly absorbing essential vitamins and minerals from food.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Glycogen storage disease type II(GSD II)
Glycogen storage disease type II is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body lacks a vital enzyme needed to break down glycogen, which is a stored form of sugar used for energy. Without this enzyme, glycogen builds up to toxic levels inside the cells of the muscles and major organs. This accumulation gradually damages and destroys these tissues, particularly affecting the skeletal muscles and the heart.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Glycogen Storage Disease type IIIa (Curly Coated Retriever)(GSD IIIa)
Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIa is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body lacks a key enzyme needed to break down glycogen, which is a stored form of sugar used for energy. Without this enzyme, glycogen builds up to harmful levels in the liver and muscle tissues. This accumulation progressively damages these organs and prevents them from functioning properly.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
GM2 Gangliosidosis, type II (Sandhoff disease or variant 0)(GM2)
This is an inherited lysosomal storage disease affecting the nervous system, caused by a lack of vital enzymes. Without these enzymes, fatty substances called gangliosides build up to toxic levels inside the cells. This accumulation progressively damages the dog's brain and nerve cells.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHeartComplex
Hemangiosarcoma(HSA)
Haemangiosarcoma is a severe cancer that develops from the cells lining the blood vessels, most commonly affecting the spleen, liver, or heart. Because the tumor weakens these vessel walls, it frequently leads to dangerous internal bleeding. When the heart is involved, veterinarians typically use a cardiac ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram, to identify tumor masses in the right atrium.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Cardiac examView details - SevereSpineAutosomal recessive
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy(ENM)
Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy (ENM) is a severe genetic disease affecting the spinal cord that occurs specifically in the Kooikerhondje. It causes the progressive destruction (necrosis) of nerve tissue in the spinal cord, which blocks vital signals between the brain and the limbs. This damage to the nervous system is irreversible.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - MildHipsUnknown
Hüft- und Ellenbogengelenke (Kontrollröntgen für Rüden)
This is not a disease or pathological condition, but rather a mandatory health screening requirement for the hip and elbow joints of active male stud dogs. Established by the German Shepherd Association (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde e.V.), this screening evaluates the skeletal system to ensure the joints are healthy. It is specifically required for male dogs before they reach their 31st mating.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Hyperekplexia, GLRA1-related(SD)
Hyperekplexia, also known as startle disease, is a severe hereditary neurological disorder affecting the nervous system. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the GLRA1 gene, which disrupts glycine receptors that normally help calm nerve activity. Without these functioning receptors, the dog's nervous system becomes unsafely overexcited by sensory inputs. This specific genetic variant is found in Miniature Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Immunoproliferative (Basenji) enteropathy/lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis(IPE)
This is a severe, chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, particularly affecting Basenjis. It occurs when the dog's immune system abnormally attacks the lining of the small intestine, preventing the body from properly absorbing nutrients and leading to a dangerous loss of proteins. A definitive diagnosis is typically confirmed through an intestinal biopsy, which remains the gold standard clinical exam for this condition.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Clinical examView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Improper Coat/Furnishing(IC)
Improper Coat is a harmless genetic variation affecting the hair follicles and coat development. In breeds that typically have wire or curly coats, this autosomal-recessive trait prevents the growth of longer, characteristic facial and leg hair, known as furnishings. It is a purely cosmetic condition that does not impact the dog's physical health or internal organ systems.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa(JEB)
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa is a severe genetic skin disorder where the structural connection between the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, and the deeper layer, the dermis, is unstable. Because these layers do not bind together properly, even minor friction or contact causes them to separate. This separation results in widespread, painful blistering and skin shedding across the body.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHeartAutosomal recessive
Juvenile Cardiomyopathy and Mortality (Belgian Malinois)(CJM)
Juvenile Cardiomyopathy and Mortality (CJM) is an inherited heart muscle disease caused by a genetic mutation in the YARS2 gene that affects Belgian Shepherd puppies. This condition disrupts the normal structure and function of the heart muscle, preventing it from pumping blood effectively to the rest of the body. Because it is an autosomal recessive disorder, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)(JLPP)
Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (JLPP) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the nerves and muscles of the throat and limbs. A genetic mutation impairs the signals sent from the brain to the larynx (voice box) and peripheral nerves, leading to progressive paralysis. This makes it difficult for the dog to breathe, swallow, and control its movement.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (Rhodesian Ridgeback)(JME)
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and nervous system. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. This disruption in normal brain signaling results in sudden, involuntary muscle twitches, which are referred to as myoclonus.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details
Frequently asked questions
What is the HonestDog dog diseases database?
Our database brings together hereditary and common canine conditions with symptoms, inheritance patterns, testing methods, and the breeds where each matters most.
How do I find the right test for a condition?
Search by disease name, abbreviation or symptom, then filter by test type, body region or severity. Each detail page lists recommended tests and affected breeds.
Why do health tests matter for breeders?
Health tests help catch hereditary conditions early and support responsible breeding. Many breed clubs require or recommend specific tests as part of their screening.
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