Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- MildSkin & coatUnknown
Accessory tragus
An accessory tragus is a harmless, congenital (present from birth) malformation of the outer ear, where extra skin or cartilage tissue forms near the opening of the ear canal. This condition is extremely rare in dogs, with the first documented canine case reported in 2020 in an American Pit Bull Terrier. These benign ear tags do not affect the dog's hearing or normal ear function.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Acetabular dysplasia
This is a developmental malformation of the hip joint, specifically affecting the hip socket, known as the acetabulum. The socket is too shallow to properly hold the head of the thigh bone, or femur, causing the joint to be unstable. Over time, this instability leads to painful wear and tear of the joint cartilage, resulting in chronic joint inflammation.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder where the normal growth of cartilage in the long bones of the limbs is impaired, resulting in shortened legs with a normal-sized trunk. Unlike the human version of this condition, canine achondroplasia is driven by genetic variations known as FGF4 retrogenes rather than the FGFR3 gene. This genetic change specifically alters how the skeletal system develops during growth.
View details - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Achromatopsia-2, CNGA3-related(ACHM)
Achromatopsia is an inherited eye disorder affecting the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It specifically impairs the cone photoreceptors, which are the specialized cells responsible for color vision and seeing in bright light. Because these cells do not function properly, affected dogs are nearly blind in bright daylight but can see normally in low-light conditions.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder of the endocrine system where an excess of growth hormone causes the abnormal enlargement of bones, soft tissues, and internal organs. In dogs, this overproduction is typically triggered by hormonal fluctuations in unspayed females. Diagnosis is confirmed by measuring serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is a standard indicator of growth hormone excess.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Addison’s disease and multiple autoimmune syndrome, RESF1-related
This is an inherited autoimmune disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy organs, particularly the adrenal glands. This leads to Addison's disease, a condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce essential hormones needed to regulate hydration and stress. In Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, this specific RESF1-associated condition is known as Juvenile Addison's Disease (JADD).
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Adrenal hyperplasia, congenital, CYP11B1-related(CAH)
This condition is an inherited disorder of the adrenal glands, which are hormone-producing organs located near the kidneys. Due to a genetic defect in the CYP11B1 enzyme, the glands cannot produce normal amounts of cortisol, a vital hormone that helps regulate metabolism and stress responses. This deficiency causes the body to overproduce male sex hormones, known as androgens.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Afibrinogenemia or hypofibrinogenemia(FI)
This is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the cardiovascular system, specifically how the blood seals wounds. It is caused by a deficiency or complete lack of fibrinogen, which is a crucial protein needed for blood to clot. Without enough of this protein, the body cannot form stable clots to stop bleeding.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Aggression
Aggression is a complex behavioral issue rather than a single physical disease, involving the central nervous system and brain chemistry. It is influenced by an interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, which affect how a dog processes stress and threats. This complex inheritance pattern means multiple genes contribute to how the brain regulates fear, impulse control, and social responses.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Alanine aminotransferase, reduced activity(ALT)
This is not a disease, but rather a harmless genetic variation that causes lower activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme primarily found in the liver. Because ALT levels are typically measured to screen for liver damage, knowing a dog has this variant is important for veterinarians. A seemingly normal ALT reading in these dogs could actually mask an underlying liver issue that would otherwise show up as elevated.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal dominant
Alexander disease(AxD)
Alexander disease is a progressive genetic disorder affecting the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a malformation of the myelin sheath, which is the protective coating that insulates nerve fibers and allows signals to travel properly. Without this healthy insulation, the nervous system cannot transmit messages correctly, leading to severe neurological decline.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Alloxan-induced diabetes
Alloxan-induced diabetes is a severe condition where the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency. While it is primarily used in scientific research as an experimental model rather than occurring as a natural hereditary disease, the underlying mechanism is analogous to Type 1 diabetes. This deficiency prevents the dog's body from properly regulating glucose in the bloodstream.
View details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a rare autoimmune skin disorder where a dog's immune system mistakenly targets and attacks its own hair follicles, the tiny structures in the skin that grow hair. This localized attack disrupts normal hair growth but does not impact the dog's internal organs or overall physical health. Because the underlying cause is complex, there are currently no commercial genetic tests available to screen for this condition.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency(AATD)
This condition is a deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin, a protective protein that normally stops the body's own enzymes from breaking down healthy tissues. Without enough of this protein, the enzymes cause progressive damage to the liver. A clinical serum test is used to confirm the diagnosis by measuring the level of this protein in the blood.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Alpha-mannosidosis(AMD)
Alpha-mannosidosis is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body lacks a vital enzyme needed to break down complex sugars. Without this enzyme, these sugars build up inside the cells, particularly damaging the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This cellular buildup leads to progressive and severe neurological damage.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Amelia
Amelia is a severe congenital condition characterized by the complete failure of one or more limbs to develop during embryonic growth in the womb. This skeletal system disorder results in a puppy being born entirely missing one or more legs, which can include bilateral anterior amelia, the complete absence of both front legs.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Ameloblastoma
An ameloblastoma is a rare, locally aggressive tumor originating from the cells that form tooth enamel in a dog's jaw. Although it is typically benign and does not spread to distant organs, it progressively invades and destroys the surrounding jawbone. Because it is driven by spontaneous genetic changes in the tumor cells themselves rather than inherited traits, there are no genetic tests available to screen for it.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Anal sac adenocarcinoma(AGASACA)
Anal sac adenocarcinoma is a severe, malignant cancer affecting the glands located inside a dog's anal sacs. These tumors often spread to nearby lymph nodes and can produce hormones that cause abnormally high calcium levels in the blood. This hormonal imbalance can negatively affect kidney function and other bodily systems.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Anal sac disease
This condition affects the anal sacs (also known as anal glands), which are two small pouches located just inside the dog's anus that produce a scent-marking fluid. When this fluid cannot drain properly, it accumulates, thickens, and can lead to painful inflammation, blockage, or a severe infection known as an anal sac abscess.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)(AIS)
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting the reproductive system where genetically male dogs cannot respond to male hormones due to a receptor defect. Because the body does not recognize these hormones, the external genitalia develop as female, while the male sex organs (testes) remain hidden inside the abdomen.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemComplex
Anencephaly/Exencephaly
This is a severe developmental defect of the nervous system where the brain and skull do not form properly while the puppy is growing in the womb. Because the skull vault fails to close, the developing brain tissue remains exposed and cannot develop normally. This condition has a complex inheritance pattern, and there are currently no genetic tests available to screen for it.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Aneuploidy, monosomy, sex chromosome(XO)
This is a rare genetic condition where a female dog is born missing one of her two sex chromosomes, resulting in a single X chromosome instead of the normal pair. This chromosomal imbalance directly affects the development of the reproductive organs and the endocrine, or hormonal, system. Because the ovaries do not develop properly, the dog cannot produce normal levels of reproductive hormones.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Aneuploidy, trisomy, sex chromosome XXX(XXX)
This is a genetic condition where a female dog is born with three X chromosomes instead of the normal two. This extra genetic material primarily affects the development and function of the reproductive system. The condition is diagnosed using a laboratory test called karyotyping, which analyzes the dog's physical chromosomes.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Aneuploidy, trisomy, sex chromosome XXY(XXY)
This is a genetic condition where a male dog is born with an extra sex chromosome, resulting in an XXY genetic makeup instead of the normal XY. This chromosomal abnormality primarily affects the reproductive system, preventing the normal development of the testicles. Because of this genetic difference, affected male dogs are unable to produce viable sperm.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition affecting the spine where the joints and ligaments between the vertebrae gradually harden into bone, a process called ossification. In veterinary medicine, this term is historically grouped with spondylosis deformans, which causes similar bony bridges to form along the backbone. This progressive fusion reduces the flexibility of the spinal column and can pinch nearby nerves.
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