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 recessive
Laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy, CNTNAP1-related(LPPN3)
This is an inherited neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation affecting the peripheral nervous system, which controls the muscles and limbs. It leads to progressive laryngeal paralysis, meaning the vocal cords and airway cannot open properly, alongside widespread nerve damage. This combination severely impairs both the dog's ability to breathe and their coordination.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Lipid malabsorption, ACSL5-related(ILM)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder of the digestive system, primarily affecting the Australian Kelpie breed, where the intestines cannot properly absorb or process dietary fats. It is caused by a specific genetic deletion involving the ACSL5 gene, which is essential for fat metabolism. Without this functioning gene, the body cannot utilize fats from food, leading to severe nutritional deficiencies.
Affects 1 breedView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is an inherited disorder of the lymphatic system, which is the network of vessels responsible for draining excess fluid from body tissues back into the bloodstream. Because these vessels are underdeveloped or malformed, lymph fluid builds up in the tissues instead of draining properly. This accumulation leads to localized swelling, most commonly in the limbs.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM)(MMM)
Masticatory muscle myositis is an autoimmune disease where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the specialized muscle fibers used for chewing. This targeted attack causes severe inflammation and swelling in the muscles of the jaw and head. If left untreated, the ongoing inflammation can lead to permanent scarring and loss of muscle tissue.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Mucopolysaccharidosis I(MPS I)
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body lacks a specific enzyme needed to break down complex sugar molecules. Without this enzyme, these sugars build up inside cells, causing progressive damage to multiple organ systems, including the bones, joints, and central nervous system.
Affects 1 breedView details - MildEyesAutosomal recessive
Multifocal Retinopathy 2 (Coton de Tulear)(CMR2)
This is an inherited eye condition affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form under the retina, leading to localized areas of detachment. Despite these structural changes, the condition is mild and rarely impairs the dog's vision.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Multiple system degeneration, SERAC1-related(CMSD)
This is a severe, inherited disorder of the nervous system caused by a genetic mutation in the SERAC1 gene. The mutation disrupts cellular lipid metabolism, which is the process cells use to break down and use fats. This disruption leads to progressive damage to nerve cells in both the brain and the spinal cord.
Affects 1 breedView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Muscular hypertrophy (double muscling)
This condition is caused by a genetic mutation in the myostatin gene, which normally limits muscle growth. Without this limiting signal, the skeletal muscle system develops excessive, highly pronounced muscle mass. It is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to show the physical trait.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Musladin-Lueke Syndrome(MLS)
Musladin-Lueke Syndrome (MLS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder that primarily affects Beagles. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to an abnormal buildup of collagen, which is the main structural protein in the body's supportive tissues. This buildup causes the skin, joints, and muscles to become abnormally stiff and hard.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuroaxonal dystrophy, RNF170-related(NAD)
This is a severe inherited disorder of the nervous system caused by a genetic mutation. It leads to abnormal swellings along the nerve fibers, which disrupt the transmission of signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 4A (American Staffordshire Terrier)(NCL-4A)
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 4A (NCL-A) is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects the nervous system, particularly the brain. It occurs when a genetic mutation prevents cells from breaking down cellular waste products called lipofuscins, leading to a harmful buildup of these fatty pigments. Over time, this accumulation causes progressive damage and destruction of brain cells.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, 7(NCL7)
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 7 (NCL7) is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when a genetic mutation prevents cells from properly breaking down cellular waste, causing these waste products to build up and damage nerve cells in the brain. This buildup leads to the progressive loss of normal brain and nerve function.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Nodular dermatofibrosis and renal cystadenocarcinoma(RCND)
This is an inherited condition that affects both the skin and the kidneys. It causes non-cancerous, firm lumps of connective tissue (nodules) to form under the skin, while simultaneously causing fluid-filled sacs (cysts) and cancerous tumors to grow in the kidneys. Over time, these kidney abnormalities damage the organ's ability to filter waste from the blood.
Affects 1 breedView details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
None
This result indicates that no genetic anomalies or physical malformations were detected in the evaluated category. It represents a completely normal finding, meaning the dog's relevant organ systems and anatomical structures are expected to develop and function typically. There are no hereditary defects identified here that would impact the dog's general health.
Affects 1 breedView details - ModerateHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia(PD)
Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a neurological disorder affecting the brain's motor control pathways, which regulate voluntary movement. During an episode, the brain temporarily fails to control muscle activity correctly, leading to involuntary movements while the dog remains fully conscious. This is an inherited condition passed down in an autosomal-recessive pattern, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Affects 1 breedView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Paw pad hyperkeratosis, GJB6-related(HFH)
This genetic condition is caused by a mutation in the GJB6 gene, which affects the skin on a dog's paws. It leads to an overproduction of keratin, the tough protective protein that makes up the outer layer of the paw pads, causing them to become abnormally thick and hard.
Affects 1 breedView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Pelger-Huet anomaly(PHA)
The Pelger-Huet anomaly is a harmless, inherited variation affecting the white blood cells, specifically a type of immune cell called granulocytes. In affected dogs, the nuclei of these cells do not segment or mature into their typical multi-lobed shape, though they continue to function completely normally. This condition is usually discovered by chance during routine blood tests and does not harm the dog's immune system.
Affects 1 breedView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Polydactyly
Polydactyly is a genetic condition where a dog is born with extra toes on one or more of its paws. This variation affects the skeletal system and is inherited in an autosomal-dominant pattern, meaning a puppy only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to develop it. It is a harmless anatomical variation rather than a disease, and is even a standard trait in some breeds.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy 1 (Leonberger, Saint Bernard)(LPN1)
Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 (LPN1) is an inherited neurological disorder that causes progressive damage to the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. This damage disrupts the electrical signals traveling between the brain and the muscles, leading to muscle weakness and coordination issues.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal dominant
Polyneuropathy 2 (Leonberger)(LPN2)
Leonberger Polyneuropathy type 2 (LPN2) is a severe, inherited disease of the nervous system where the peripheral nerves—the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the muscles—gradually degenerate. This degeneration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles, particularly affecting the limbs and the larynx, or voice box. Because it is inherited in an autosomal-dominant pattern, a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene to be at risk of developing the condition.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy, RAB3GAP1-related(JLPP)
This is a severe, inherited neurological disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, which controls movement and breathing. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the RAB3GAP1 gene that disrupts normal nerve function and communication. Over time, this disruption leads to progressive damage to the nerves throughout the body.
Affects 1 breedView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Pontocerebellar hypoplasia, AMPD2-related(PCH)
This is a severe, inherited brain disorder where the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement, and the brainstem fail to develop properly. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to structural underdevelopment in these critical areas of the central nervous system. This condition is also known as Cirneco oculo-neurological syndrome.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), NME5-related(PCD)
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is an inherited respiratory disease caused by a genetic mutation that affects the cilia, which are tiny, hair-like structures lining the airways. In affected dogs, these cilia are malformed or unable to move properly, preventing them from clearing mucus, dust, and bacteria out of the lungs and nasal passages. This failure of the respiratory clearance system leads to chronic airway irritation and recurrent infections.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2 (Golden Retriever)(PRA-GR2)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2 (PRA2) is an inherited eye disorder that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. In affected dogs, the specialized cells that detect light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. This progressive loss of cells eventually leads to complete blindness.
Affects 1 breedView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Generalized (Schapendoes)(PRA-g)
This is an inherited eye disease affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. In affected dogs, the photoreceptor cells that detect light gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover, this process eventually leads to complete and irreversible blindness.
Affects 1 breedView details
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