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 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.
Tested via: DNA testView 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.
Tested via: Clinical examView 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.
Tested via: DNA testView 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.
Tested via: DNA testView 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.
Tested via: DNA testView 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.
Tested via: DNA testView 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.
Tested via: RadiographView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Anodontia
Anodontia is a rare developmental disorder of the dental tissue that results in the complete failure of any teeth to form in the mouth. Because the dog is born without the genetic instructions to grow teeth, neither baby teeth nor adult teeth will ever develop. A dental X-ray is the gold standard diagnostic tool used to confirm true anodontia and ensure the teeth are not simply trapped under the gums.
Tested via: RadiographView details - HighEyesComplex
Anterior segment dysgenesis(ASD)
Anterior segment dysgenesis is an inherited eye condition where the front structures of the eye, including the clear outer cornea, the colored iris, and the lens, fail to develop properly before birth. This abnormal development can block the natural drainage pathways of the fluid inside the eye. When this fluid cannot drain, pressure builds up within the eyeball, which can damage the dog's vision.
Tested via: Eye examView details - HighEyesUnknown
Aphakia
Aphakia is a rare eye condition where a puppy is born without the lens in one or both eyes. The lens is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, which is necessary for clear vision. Because this lens is missing, the eye cannot focus light properly, and the condition is often accompanied by other eye abnormalities like abnormally small eyeballs.
Tested via: Eye examView details - SevereHeartUnknown
Arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy(ALVC)
This is a severe heart disease where the muscle tissue of the left ventricle, which is the heart's main pumping chamber, is gradually replaced by fat and fibrous scar tissue. This replacement disrupts the heart's normal electrical signals, leading to irregular and potentially dangerous heartbeats known as arrhythmias.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Arthritis(OA)
Arthritis is a chronic condition of the skeletal system characterized by the painful inflammation and progressive breakdown of the protective cartilage within the joints. As this cartilage wears away, the bones rub directly against each other, causing pain and structural damage. This condition can stem from age-related wear, joint malformations, or abnormal immune system responses.
Tested via: RadiographView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Ascites
Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of free fluid within the abdominal cavity, which impacts the circulatory and digestive systems. Rather than a disease itself, it is a severe symptom of an underlying condition, such as heart, liver, or kidney dysfunction. An abdominal ultrasound is the gold standard method used by veterinarians to confirm the presence of this fluid.
Tested via: UltrasoundView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia is a severe lung infection that occurs when a dog accidentally inhales foreign material, such as food, vomit, or saliva, into its respiratory tract. This foreign material damages the lung tissue and introduces bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection in the lungs. Diagnosis is typically confirmed using thoracic radiography, which is a chest X-ray used to visualize the affected lung fields.
Tested via: RadiographView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Ataxia with isolated vitamin E deficiency(AVED)
This is an inherited neurological and ocular disorder caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the body from properly transporting and using vitamin E. Without this essential nutrient, cells experience oxidative damage, leading to progressive degeneration of the nervous system and the retina of the eyes. In English Cocker Spaniels, this condition is also referred to as Retinopathy with Vitamin E Deficiency (RVED).
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Ataxia, spinocerebellar, ITPR1-related(SCA)
This is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the nervous system, specifically causing the progressive breakdown of the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. Because of a genetic mutation, the brain cells in this region cannot communicate properly and gradually die off. This leads to a loss of voluntary muscle control over time.
Tested 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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