Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital hypothyroidism(CH)
Congenital hypothyroidism is an inherited endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone from birth. This hormone is crucial for regulating the body's metabolism and growth. Without adequate levels, the puppy's physical and mental development is severely impaired.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital Hypothyroidism (Toy Fox Terrier)(CHG)
This is an inherited disorder of the endocrine system where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough essential hormones due to a genetic defect. These hormones are critical for normal growth and metabolic function. Without them, the dog's development is severely impaired, and the thyroid gland itself may swell, creating a visible lump in the neck known as a goiter.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital liver fibrosis
Congenital liver fibrosis is an inherited liver disease where excess scar tissue, known as fibrosis, develops within the liver from birth. This abnormal tissue buildup restricts normal blood flow through the organ, leading to high blood pressure in the liver's blood vessels and progressive liver failure. Over time, the liver loses its ability to filter toxins and function properly.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Congenital melanoma
Congenital melanoma is a rare tumor affecting the pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, in a puppy's skin. These tumors develop during embryonic growth and are already present when the puppy is born. While some of these skin masses are benign and harmless, others can be malignant, meaning they have the potential to grow quickly and spread.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital muscular dystrophy, LAMA2-related(CMD)
This is an inherited muscle disorder caused by a deficiency of laminin-alpha-2, a vital protein that acts as a structural anchor to keep muscle fibers stable. Without this protein, the skeletal muscles progressively break down and weaken over time. This leads to a gradual loss of mobility and strength across the dog's entire muscular system.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), CHAT-related(CMS)
This is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that disrupts the communication between nerves and muscles. It is caused by a genetic deficiency in an enzyme called choline acetyltransferase (CHAT), which is needed to produce acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that tells muscles to contract. Without enough of this messenger, the muscles cannot function normally.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Congenital myasthenic syndrome, CHRNE-related(CMS)
This is an inherited neuromuscular disorder where the communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted. It is caused by a genetic defect that prevents the proper formation of receptors on muscle cells, which are needed to receive chemical signals from nerves. Without these receptors, the muscles cannot contract normally, leading to severe weakness.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital myopathy with fibre-type disproportion(CFTD)
This is a congenital muscle disorder where the muscle fibers responsible for endurance (type 1 fibers) are abnormally smaller than those used for quick power (type 2 fibers). This disproportion impairs normal muscle development and function across the body. Currently, this condition cannot be detected with a genetic test and can only be diagnosed by examining a muscle tissue sample, known as a biopsy, under a microscope.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildEyesUnknown
Congenital nystagmus
Congenital nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic drifting or twitching of the eyes that is present from birth. It is caused by a developmental abnormality in the neurological pathways that coordinate vision and balance between the eyes and the brain. This condition affects the ocular and nervous systems, but it does not worsen over time.
Tested via: Eye examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Congenital portal vein hypoplasia(PVH)
Congenital portal vein hypoplasia is a liver condition where the small blood vessels within the liver are underdeveloped. This underdevelopment restricts normal blood flow through the liver, preventing the organ from properly filtering toxins and waste products from the bloodstream. As a result, these unfiltered substances circulate throughout the body, which can affect overall health.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Congenital pseudomyotonia(PMT)
Congenital pseudomyotonia, also known as paradoxical pseudomyotonia, is an inherited muscle disorder caused by a mutation in the SLC7A10 gene. This genetic defect affects the muscular system by preventing the muscles from relaxing normally after they contract. As a result, the dog's muscles become temporarily stiff.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), LRIT3-related(CSNB)
This is a congenital (present from birth) and stationary (non-progressive) disorder of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It is caused by a genetic defect that disrupts how rod cells, the photoreceptors responsible for low-light vision, transmit signals to the brain. Because of this communication breakdown, the eye cannot properly process visual information in dim environments.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHeartComplex
Conotruncal heart malformations(CTD)
Conotruncal heart malformations are congenital birth defects affecting the heart's outflow tracts and major blood vessels, such as the aorta and pulmonary artery. These structural abnormalities disrupt the normal flow of blood, which impairs the body's oxygen supply. This condition affects the cardiovascular system and develops during early embryonic growth.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Copper Toxicosis (Labrador Retriever)(CT)
Copper toxicosis is an inherited metabolic disorder where the liver is unable to properly excrete copper, which is a mineral found in normal dog food. This causes copper to build up to toxic levels in the liver cells, leading to chronic inflammation and progressive tissue damage. Over time, this accumulation can result in liver failure if left untreated.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighHeartUnknown
Cor triatriatum dexter(CTD)
Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare heart defect present from birth where the right atrium, one of the upper chambers of the heart, is divided into two sections by an abnormal membrane. This membrane restricts the normal flow of blood returning from the body, causing fluid and pressure to back up in the veins.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - HighEyesComplex
Corneal ulceration
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or wound on the cornea, which is the clear outer membrane of the eye. This condition occurs when the protective outer layer of cells is damaged, exposing the sensitive deeper layers of eye tissue. It is often triggered by physical trauma, eyelid abnormalities, or chronic dryness, and can sometimes be linked to underlying hereditary eye shapes.
Tested via: Eye examView details - HighHead / nervous systemUnknown
Corpus callosum hypoplasia / dysplasia
This is a congenital brain malformation where the corpus callosum, the vital bridge of nerve fibers connecting the left and right sides of the brain, is either underdeveloped or completely missing. Without this connection, communication between the two brain hemispheres is disrupted, affecting the central nervous system.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Coxofemoral luxation
Coxofemoral luxation is the complete dislocation of the hip joint, which occurs when the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone slips out of its socket in the pelvis. This skeletal injury is usually caused by physical trauma, though it can happen more easily in dogs with pre-existing hip instability. Veterinarians confirm this displacement using orthogonal pelvic radiographs, which are specialized X-rays taken from different angles.
Tested via: RadiographView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction(CPD)
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction is a severe swallowing disorder affecting the throat and digestive system. It occurs when the upper esophageal sphincter, which is the muscular valve at the top of the food pipe, fails to relax and open in coordination with swallowing. This malfunction prevents food and liquid from passing normally from the mouth into the stomach.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Cushing syndrome, ACTH-independent, adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism(ADH)
Adrenal-dependent Cushing's syndrome occurs when a tumor in the adrenal glands, which are small hormone-producing organs near the kidneys, produces excessive amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. This overproduction happens independently of the brain's normal regulatory signals, leading to a chronic hormone overload. The constantly elevated cortisol levels disrupt the dog's metabolism and can gradually damage multiple organ systems.
Tested via: UltrasoundView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy(CRGV)
Cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, commonly known as Alabama Rot, is a severe disease that damages the tiny blood vessels in a dog's skin and kidneys. This damage causes blood clots to form in the vessels, which blocks normal blood flow and leads to localized tissue death. This process results in painful skin lesions and can trigger sudden, life-threatening kidney failure.
View details - MildSkin & coatUnknown
Cutaneous papillomatosis
Cutaneous papillomatosis is a viral skin condition caused by canine papillomaviruses, which trigger the rapid growth of cells on the skin's surface. This results in the formation of benign, or non-cancerous, skin growths commonly known as warts. Because this is an infectious viral disease rather than a heritable genetic condition, it is not passed down through a dog's genes.
View details - SevereEyesUnknown
Cyclopia
Cyclopia is a rare congenital defect affecting the development of the forebrain and face during embryonic growth. In this condition, the brain fails to properly divide the eye orbits into two distinct cavities, resulting in a single central eye. It impacts both the nervous system and the physical structure of the skull.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Cystic bone lesions
Bone cysts are fluid-filled cavities that develop within the skeletal system, specifically inside the bone tissue. These hollow spaces weaken the structural integrity of the affected bone, making it fragile and prone to damage. They most commonly occur in the long bones of the limbs, often near the joints.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Cystinuria Risk Factor Type 3 Variant 3 (Bulldog)(Cyst3-3)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the kidneys, where the body fails to properly reabsorb the amino acid cystine, a protein building block, from the urine. Instead of being filtered back into the bloodstream, excess cystine accumulates in the urinary tract. Over time, this buildup clumps together to form painful stones in the bladder and kidneys.
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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