Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- 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 breedTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome(PMDS)
Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome (PMDS) is a genetic disorder of the reproductive system in male dogs. It occurs when the internal female reproductive tract, including the uterus, fails to break down during embryonic development and remains present alongside male organs. Affected dogs are genetically male and typically have normal external male anatomy, but carry these hidden internal female structures.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView 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 breedTested via: DNA testView 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 breedTested via: DNA testView 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 breedTested via: DNA testView 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 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Primary open-angle glaucoma, ADAMTS10-related(POAG)
Primary open-angle glaucoma is an inherited eye disease caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the normal drainage of fluid, known as aqueous humor, from the eye. This fluid buildup leads to a gradual, painful increase in pressure within the eyeball. Over time, this elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy 1 (Golden Retriever)(GR-PRA1)
This is an inherited eye disease where the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, gradually degenerates. Due to a genetic mutation, the photoreceptor cells that process light slowly die off, leading to a progressive loss of vision. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView 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 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Progressive Retinal Atrophy B HIVEP 3(PRA B HIVEP 3)
This is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue layer at the back of the eye. Over time, the cells in this layer degenerate and die, preventing the eye from sending visual signals to the brain. This progressive loss of function ultimately leads to complete blindness.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView 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 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Psoriasiform-lichenoid dermatosis
This is a rare skin condition that causes chronic, scaly, and crusty lesions on the outer layer of a dog's skin. The term 'psoriasiform-lichenoid' describes the physical appearance of the skin, which develops both scaly patches and thickened, bumpy areas. The exact cause and mode of inheritance are currently unknown.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Clinical examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency(PDP 1)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the muscles and nervous system, caused by a deficiency in the PDP1 enzyme. Without this enzyme, the mitochondria—the energy-producing structures within cells—cannot properly convert carbohydrates into usable energy. This leads to a rapid buildup of lactic acid in the body during physical activity.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Recessive Hypotrichosis
Recessive hypotrichosis is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the SGK3 gene that disrupts the normal development of hair follicles. Because these follicles do not mature properly, the dog is unable to produce or maintain a normal coat. This condition is limited to the skin and hair system and does not affect the dog's internal health or lifespan.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Renal amyloidosis
Renal amyloidosis is a severe condition where abnormal, insoluble proteins called amyloid build up in the kidneys. Over time, these protein deposits crowd out and destroy the healthy filtering tissues of the organ. This leads to progressive kidney damage and impairs the body's ability to filter waste products from the blood.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Renal dysplasia(RD)
Renal dysplasia, also known by the modern term renal maldevelopment (RM), is a congenital condition of the urinary system where the kidneys fail to develop normally before birth. This abnormal tissue structure severely impairs the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood. Because the functional units of the organ do not mature properly, the dog is left with permanently reduced kidney function.
Affects 1 breedTested via: UltrasoundView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Retinal atrophy - Rod-cone dysplasia 1(rcd1)
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 specialized photoreceptor cells—specifically the rods, which detect dim light, and the cones, which detect color and bright light—do not develop properly and prematurely break down. This progressive degeneration ultimately leads to a complete loss of vision.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Retinal atrophy - Rod-cone dysplasia 1a(rcd1a)
This is an inherited eye disease affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by a genetic defect that prevents the eye's light receptors, called rods and cones, from developing properly. As these essential cells prematurely break down and die, the dog progressively loses its sight.
Affects 1 breedTested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Robinow-like syndrome (DVL2)(DVL2)
Robinow-like syndrome is an inherited developmental disorder that affects the skeletal system, specifically the spine, skull, and tail, due to a mutation in the DVL2 gene. This genetic mutation disrupts normal bone and cartilage development, leading to structural malformations such as a tightly coiled tail and abnormally shaped spinal bones called hemivertebrae. These spinal abnormalities can put pressure on the spinal cord, potentially damaging the nervous system.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
S-locus(S)
The S-locus is a genetic region controlled by the MITF gene that regulates how pigment-producing cells distribute across a dog's skin and coat. When a dog inherits two copies of this recessive variant, it prevents pigment from developing in certain areas, resulting in white patches of fur and skin. This primarily affects the integumentary system (the skin and hair), but can occasionally impact the inner ear's pigment cells, which are vital for normal hearing.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Schnauzer comedo syndrome(SCS)
Schnauzer comedo syndrome is an inherited skin condition where the hair follicles produce too much keratin, a protective skin protein. This excess material blocks the pores, leading to the formation of blackheads (comedones) primarily along the dog's back. It is a lifelong, benign disorder of the skin system that most commonly affects Miniature Schnauzers.
Affects 1 breedView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Scotty cramp
Scotty cramp is an inherited neurological disorder affecting how the central nervous system processes serotonin, a chemical messenger that helps regulate muscle movement. This metabolic issue causes temporary, painless muscle spasms, primarily in Scottish Terriers. Because the specific genetic mutation causing this autosomal-recessive condition is currently unidentified, there is no commercially available genetic test for it.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
SELENOP-related cerebellar ataxia(CACA)
This is an inherited neurological disease, often referred to as CACA in Belgian Shepherds, caused by a genetic mutation in the SELENOP gene. This defect leads to progressive damage to the cerebellum, which is the region of the brain responsible for coordinating physical movements. Without a properly functioning cerebellum, a dog cannot control its balance or coordinate its limbs.
Affects 1 breedTested via: DNA testView details - HighHead / nervous systemComplex
Shar-Pei Autoinflammatory Disease (SPAID)(SPAID)
This is a hereditary systemic inflammatory disorder where the dog's innate immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation without an actual infection. It primarily affects multiple organs and tissues, particularly the skin, joints, and kidneys, due to a genetic mutation linked to the breed's characteristic wrinkled skin. Over time, this chronic inflammation can cause a harmful buildup of proteins in vital organs like the kidneys.
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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