Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- ModerateMouth & teethUnknown
Calvarial hyperostotic syndrome(CHS)
Calvarial hyperostotic syndrome is a rare bone disorder affecting the skeletal system of young dogs, specifically causing abnormal, non-cancerous thickening of the skull roof, known as the calvarium. This bone overgrowth occurs during the rapid growth phase, leading to localized inflammation and pressure on surrounding tissues.
Tested via: RadiographView details - MildEyesAutosomal recessive
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 3(CMR3)
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 3 (CMR3) is an inherited eye disorder affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts normal fluid transport within the eye, resulting in small, blister-like detachments of the retina. These localized detachments are generally stable and do not progress to full blindness.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Canine Multiple System Degeneration (Kerry Blue Terrier)(CMSD)
Canine Multiple System Degeneration, also known as Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy, is a severe inherited neurological disease of Kerry Blue Terriers. It causes the progressive premature death of nerve cells, particularly in the cerebellum, which is the area responsible for coordinating movement. This leads to a progressive loss of motor control.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateHeartAutosomal recessive
Canine Scott Syndrome (German Shepherd)(CSS)
Canine Scott Syndrome is an inherited blood clotting disorder that affects the cardiovascular system, specifically the function of platelets, which are the blood cells responsible for stopping bleeding. In affected dogs, these platelets fail to properly bind the proteins needed to form a stable clot after an injury. This impairs the body's natural ability to stop bleeding, even though the overall number of platelets in the blood is normal.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
CARMIL2-related immunodeficiency(PIPS2)
This is an inherited disorder of the immune system caused by a genetic mutation in the CARMIL2 gene, which impairs the function of T-cells (a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections). Without properly functioning T-cells, the dog's body cannot effectively defend itself against common environmental bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This leaves the animal highly susceptible to persistent and recurrent infections.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Carpal subluxation
Carpal subluxation is an inherited skeletal condition affecting the wrist joint, or carpus, of a dog's front legs, where the bones fail to align properly and slip out of place. This instability is caused by an X-linked genetic defect, meaning it is carried on the X chromosome and primarily affects male dogs. The misalignment leads to chronic strain, inflammation, and progressive damage within the joint.
Tested via: RadiographView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Caruncular trichiasis
Caruncular trichiasis is an eye condition where fine hairs abnormally grow from the caruncle, which is the small pink nodule located in the inner corner of the eye. Because of their position, these hairs rub directly against the cornea, the sensitive clear surface of the eyeball. This constant friction causes mechanical irritation and chronic inflammation of the eye.
Tested via: Eye examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Catalase Deficiency (Beagle)(CAT)
Catalase deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder where the dog's body lacks the catalase enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down harmful hydrogen peroxide. Without this enzyme, hydrogen peroxide builds up and causes oxidative stress, a form of chemical damage to cells. This tissue damage is most prominent in the dog's mouth and gums.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Cataract, CPT1A-related
This condition is an inherited eye disorder linked to a defect in the CPT1A gene, which is involved in cellular fat metabolism. The genetic variation causes the lens of the eye to lose its natural transparency and gradually become cloudy. This cloudiness prevents light from passing through the lens to the back of the eye, progressively impairing the dog's vision.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Cataract, FYCO1-related
This inherited eye condition is a form of cataract, which is a progressive clouding of the eye's natural lens. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the FYCO1 gene that disrupts the normal cellular structure and clarity of the lens. This prevents light from passing through to the back of the eye, gradually impairing the dog's vision.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Caudal articular process dysplasia(CAPD)
This is a congenital malformation of the rear joint partners, known as the caudal articular processes, of the spinal vertebrae. These bony projections normally help lock the spine together, but their abnormal development leads to spinal instability. Over time, this instability can cause chronic compression and damage to the spinal cord.
Tested via: RadiographView details - ModerateKneesComplex
Caudal cruciate ligament disease(CaCLR)
This condition involves damage or a tear to the caudal cruciate ligament, which is a band of tough tissue inside the knee joint that helps keep the shin bone from sliding too far backward. When this ligament is compromised, the knee joint becomes unstable, causing pain and leading to progressive joint wear and tear, known as osteoarthritis. It primarily affects the musculoskeletal system of the dog.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cavitating leukodystrophy
Cavitating leukodystrophy is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the myelin sheath, which acts as the protective insulation around nerve fibers, degenerates and breaks down. This destruction leaves behind fluid-filled cavities in the brain tissue, disrupting the transmission of nerve signals.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Central core myopathy(CCM)
Central core myopathy in Great Danes is an inherited muscle disorder that is now classified as a form of Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM). It is caused by a mutation in the BIN1 gene, which disrupts the internal structure of skeletal muscle cells and prevents them from contracting normally. This structural defect leads to generalized muscle weakness and dysfunction across the body.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighEarsAutosomal recessive
Centronuclear myopathy 2, BIN1-related(CNM)
Centronuclear myopathy 2, also known as IMGD, is an inherited muscle disorder caused by a genetic defect in the BIN1 gene. This mutation disrupts the normal structure of muscle fibers, which are the microscopic building blocks of skeletal muscles. Because these fibers cannot contract properly, the dog's muscles progressively weaken and waste away.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cerebellar atrophy, EMC1-related
This is an inherited neurological disease affecting the cerebellum, which is the brain's coordination center. It is characterized by granuloprival cerebellar cortical degeneration, a process where essential nerve cells in this part of the brain progressively waste away. This degeneration severely disrupts the dog's ability to control and coordinate its voluntary movements.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration (Hungarian Vizsla)(CCD)
This is an inherited neurological condition where nerve cells in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance, prematurely degenerate and die. As these cells break down, the brain can no longer properly coordinate voluntary muscle movements. This results in a progressive loss of physical control and stability.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Cerebellar degeneration-myositis complex, SLC25A12-related(CDMC)
Cerebellar degeneration-myositis complex (CDMC) is an inherited genetic disorder that simultaneously affects the nervous system and the muscles. It causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement, alongside painful muscle inflammation known as myositis. This combination severely impairs both balance and muscle function.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighHead / nervous systemComplex
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy(CAA)
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a condition affecting the brain's circulatory system where abnormal proteins, called amyloid, build up within the walls of the blood vessels. This accumulation weakens the vessels, which can lead to restricted blood flow, microbleeds, or strokes. In senior dogs, this condition mirrors the vascular and Alzheimer's-associated brain pathology seen in humans.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Choanal atresia
Choanal atresia is a congenital birth defect affecting the respiratory system, where the back of the nasal passage, known as the choana, is blocked by bone or tissue. This blockage prevents air from flowing normally from the nose to the throat. Because dogs rely heavily on nasal breathing, this obstruction severely impacts their ability to breathe.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Cholesteryl ester storage disease(CESD)
This is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder where the dog's body lacks a specific enzyme needed to break down certain fats. Without this enzyme, fats and cholesteryl esters build up abnormally inside the cells of various organs, particularly the liver. This accumulation leads to progressive tissue damage and impairs normal organ function.
View details - ModerateMouth & teethAutosomal recessive
Chondrodysplasia, Labrador(CHO)
This is an inherited skeletal disorder in Labrador Retrievers that affects the development of cartilage, which is the protective tissue cushioning the joints and guiding bone growth. Because the cartilage does not develop normally, the long bones in the legs fail to grow to their full length, resulting in a form of dwarfism. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Choroid plexus tumour(CPT)
A choroid plexus tumor is a type of brain tumor that develops in the tissue responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid, which is the protective fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. As the tumor grows, it blocks the normal flow of this fluid, leading to a buildup of pressure inside the skull. This increased pressure can damage surrounding brain tissue and disrupt normal neurological function.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Chromosomal abnormality, generic
This condition involves structural or numerical errors in a dog's chromosomes, which are the microscopic packages carrying genetic instructions. Because these errors disrupt the basic blueprint of the body, they typically affect multiple organ systems simultaneously. Diagnosis is confirmed using a specialized laboratory test called karyotyping, which analyzes the physical structure and number of the dog's chromosomes.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Chromosomal structural anomaly, translocation, generic
A chromosomal translocation is a structural genetic change where pieces of chromosomes break off and reattach to different chromosomes. This rearrangement disrupts the normal organization of genetic material, which can affect multiple organ systems, particularly the reproductive system. Because the genetic instructions are scrambled, cells may not function or divide correctly.
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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