Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
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- HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy(DSPN)
This is an inherited disorder of the nervous system where the peripheral nerves—the communication lines connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body—gradually deteriorate. This damage primarily affects the limbs, disrupting the signals needed for proper muscle movement and sensory feedback. Because the exact genetic mutation is currently unknown, diagnosis relies on clinical exams, nerve function tests, and tissue biopsies rather than a DNA test.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Dog allergen
This refers to the genetic factors that influence how a dog produces specific proteins, such as Can f 1, which are naturally shed in their dander, saliva, and urine. While these proteins can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive humans, they are a normal part of the dog's biological makeup. This is not a disease or a malfunction of any organ system in the dog.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 3(DEA 3)
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen 3 (DEA 3) is a specific protein found on the surface of a dog's red blood cells, which determines their blood type. This inherited trait is part of the canine circulatory system and does not represent a disease. If a dog without this protein receives DEA 3-positive blood during a transfusion, their immune system may recognize it as foreign and react against it.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 4(DEA 4)
DEA 4 is a naturally occurring blood group system in dogs, defined by a specific protein called an antigen found on the surface of red blood cells. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and is present in approximately 98% of all dogs, making it the normal physiological standard. Because it is a healthy blood type rather than a disease, it does not cause any harm to the dog's circulatory system.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 7(DEA 7)
DEA 7 is a naturally occurring blood group system in dogs, determined by the presence or absence of a specific protein called an antigen on the surface of red blood cells. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning a dog only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to express this blood type. Rather than being a disease, it is a normal genetic variation of the circulatory system.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 8(DEA 8)
Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 8 is a naturally occurring blood group system in dogs, defined by specific proteins on the surface of red blood cells. It is a normal genetic variation rather than a disease, though it plays a role in how the immune system reacts during blood transfusions. While it is clinically relevant for matching blood, testing for DEA 8 is currently not possible in practice because the necessary typing sera are extremely scarce and commercially unavailable.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Dominant white coat color
This genetic variant, caused by a mutation in the KIT gene, affects the development of pigment-producing cells in the skin and hair follicles. In dogs, this specific mutation is known as 'Panda white spotting' and is most commonly seen in German Shepherd Dogs, though it can occasionally appear spontaneously in other breeds like Weimaraners. It leads to distinct white patches or a predominantly white coat while typically leaving eye pigmentation unaffected.
View details - HighSpineAutosomal recessive
Dwarfism with anaemia(CDA)
This is an inherited disorder that affects both the skeletal system and the blood. It causes abnormal bone development, leading to dwarfism, alongside hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. This dual-system disease is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a puppy must inherit the gene from both parents.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Dwarfism, PRKG2-related(PRKG2)
This is an inherited skeletal disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the PRKG2 gene, which impairs normal bone and cartilage development. The mutation disrupts the skeletal system's growth plates, preventing the long bones in the limbs from growing to their proper length. This leads to disproportionate dwarfism, where the dog's legs are abnormally short compared to the rest of its body.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemUnknown
Dysautonomia
Dysautonomia is a severe disease affecting the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions that happen automatically. This malfunction disrupts essential processes like digestion, heart rate, tear production, and pupil control.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Dyserythropoietic anemia and myopathy syndrome(DAMS)
Dyserythropoietic Anemia and Myopathy Syndrome (DAMS) is an inherited disorder caused by mutations in the EHBP1L1 gene in Labrador Retrievers and English Springer Spaniels. It simultaneously affects the blood-producing system and the muscles, leading to poorly formed red blood cells, known as anemia, and the progressive breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This dual impact means the dog's body cannot transport oxygen efficiently and their muscles gradually weaken.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica(DEH)
Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by abnormal, benign cartilage overgrowth on one side of the bone ends, which are known as epiphyses. This overgrowth occurs within the joints, disrupting normal bone development and leading to progressive joint deformity and restricted movement.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemComplex
Dystonia
Dystonia is a neurological disorder affecting the brain's control over muscles. It causes involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that force the dog into abnormal or twisted postures. Because this is a generic category, it refers to cases where there is no specific genetic test available, unlike some breed-specific forms of the condition.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ear carriage (prick vs. drop ears)
This refers to the genetic determination of a dog's ear shape, specifically whether the ears stand upright (prick) or fold downward (drop). The physical structure of the ear cartilage is influenced by a complex network of genes, particularly near a region known as the MSRB3 locus on chromosome 10. This genetic variation affects how the ear cartilage develops and supports the weight of the ear flap.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighEyesAutosomal recessive
Early retinal degeneration(ERD)
This is an inherited eye disease where the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye, develops abnormally during puppyhood and rapidly degenerates. The photoreceptors, which are the specialized cells that detect light, progressively die off, eventually causing complete loss of vision.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Eclampsia
Eclampsia, also known as postpartum hypocalcemia, is a severe drop in blood calcium levels that affects the nervous and muscular systems of lactating female dogs. This occurs when the mother's body cannot mobilize calcium quickly enough to meet the high demands of milk production. The sudden depletion of calcium disrupts normal nerve and muscle function, leading to life-threatening complications.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ectrodactyly
Ectrodactyly is a rare congenital skeletal malformation affecting the development of a dog's paws. It occurs when the central toes fail to form properly during embryonic development, resulting in a deep, cleft-like division in the foot. This structural defect primarily impacts the bones and soft tissues of the lower limbs.
Tested via: RadiographView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Variant 1 (Poodle)(EDS)
This is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by a genetic defect in the TNXB gene, which affects how the body produces and structures collagen. Collagen is a crucial structural protein that acts like a supportive framework for the skin and other tissues. In this classical-like variant, the lack of functional collagen leads to extremely fragile, loose, and hyperextensible skin.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome variant 2(EDS)
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome variant 2 is an inherited connective tissue disorder affecting the structural integrity of the skin and joints. It is caused by a genetic defect in tenascin-X, a protein that helps support the body's tissues, and is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner. This defect leads to a lack of strength in the skin, making it exceptionally fragile and elastic.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighElbowsComplex
Elbow luxation
Elbow luxation is a structural joint disorder where the bones of the forearm, the radius and ulna, become misaligned or dislocated from the upper arm bone, the humerus. This disruption of the skeletal system prevents the elbow joint from functioning smoothly, causing severe instability and abnormal pressure on the front leg. Radiography, or X-ray imaging of the elbow, is the primary diagnostic tool used to confirm this misalignment.
Tested via: RadiographView details - HighElbowsUnknown
Elbow subluxation
Elbow subluxation is a partial dislocation of the elbow joint, which is part of the skeletal system. It occurs when the bones of the front leg—the radius, ulna, and humerus—do not align properly due to abnormal growth rates. This misalignment prevents the joint from moving smoothly, causing chronic instability and rapid wear of the joint cartilage.
Tested via: RadiographView details - ModerateHeartAutosomal dominant
Elliptocytosis(HE)
Elliptocytosis is a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells, which are the cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Due to a structural variation, these cells develop an oval or elliptical shape instead of their normal round form. In dogs, this is typically a benign and harmless anomaly that does not impair the cells' ability to function.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemUnknown
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy is a general term for any disease, damage, or malfunction affecting the brain. It occurs when the central nervous system is disrupted by issues like inflammation, toxins, or metabolic imbalances. This disruption impairs the brain's ability to communicate properly with the rest of the body.
View details - SevereHeartUnknown
Endocardial fibroelastosis(EFE)
Endocardial fibroelastosis is a severe heart disease where the inner lining of the heart chambers becomes abnormally thick due to an overgrowth of fiber tissue. This thickening makes the heart muscle stiff, which prevents it from pumping blood efficiently. Veterinarians diagnose this condition using an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart that evaluates chamber dilation and pumping strength.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Endotoxic shock
Endotoxin shock is a severe, life-threatening condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to toxins released by dying bacteria in the bloodstream. This massive immune response causes widespread inflammation and a dangerous drop in blood pressure, affecting the entire circulatory system and vital organs. It is not an inherited genetic disease, but rather a critical complication of a severe bacterial infection.
View 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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