Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Gaucher disease(GD)
Gaucher disease is an inherited metabolic disorder where a deficiency in a specific enzyme prevents the body from properly breaking down certain fatty compounds. This leads to a harmful buildup of these substances inside cells, primarily damaging the liver, spleen, and central nervous system.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Genu valgum
Genu valgum, commonly known as knock-knees, is a structural skeletal deformity where the hind legs angle inward at the knee joints. This misalignment causes the knees to point toward each other, putting uneven and abnormal stress on the joints. Veterinarians use radiographs, or X-rays, to evaluate the bone alignment and confirm the diagnosis.
Tested via: RadiographView details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Germline mutation rate
The germline mutation rate refers to the frequency at which new, spontaneous genetic changes occur in a dog's reproductive cells, specifically the eggs or sperm, before being passed to offspring. This is a natural evolutionary process rather than a disease or medical pathology. It represents the baseline rate of genetic variation that occurs across generations in all canine breeds.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Giant Axonal Neuropathy(GAN)
Giant axonal neuropathy is a severe, inherited disease of the nervous system where the nerve fibers, called axons, become abnormally swollen and enlarged. This swelling disrupts the normal transmission of electrical signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, this blockage leads to progressive nerve damage and muscle weakness.
View details - ModerateMouth & teethComplex
Gingival hypertrophy
Gingival hypertrophy is a non-cancerous overgrowth of the gum tissue in a dog's mouth. This excessive growth of the gums creates deep pockets around the teeth where food particles and bacteria easily get trapped. Over time, this trapped debris leads to inflammation, infection, and damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereHeartAutosomal recessive
Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia (Otterhound)(GT)
Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the circulatory system, specifically how blood clots. In affected dogs, a genetic defect prevents platelets (the blood cells responsible for stopping bleeding) from sticking together to form a plug. This means that even minor injuries can lead to severe, difficult-to-control bleeding because the body's natural clotting mechanism is impaired.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Glioma susceptibility
Glioma susceptibility is a complex genetic predisposition that increases a dog's risk of developing gliomas, which are malignant tumors of the brain and spinal cord. These tumors arise from glial cells, which are the supportive cells that surround and protect neurons in the central nervous system. Because this is a complex trait, factors other than genes likely also play a role in its development.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Glomerulonephropathy(GN)
Glomerulonephropathy is a disease affecting the kidneys, specifically damaging the glomeruli, which are the tiny filtering units responsible for cleaning waste from the blood. When these filters are damaged, they fail to keep important proteins in the bloodstream, allowing them to leak out into the urine. This loss of protein can lead to wider complications throughout the body.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighHead / nervous systemUnknown
Glossopharyngeal defect
This is an inherited neurological and developmental disorder affecting the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the nerve responsible for controlling the throat and tongue. Affected puppies are born with an abnormally small tongue, a condition known as microglossia or 'bird tongue,' and lack the nerve function required to swallow. The condition is unfortunately fatal for affected puppies. Because it is an autosomal recessive trait, a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Glucocorticoid resistance
Glucocorticoid resistance is a metabolic and hormonal disorder where the body's tissues cannot properly respond to cortisol, a vital hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Because the cells are insensitive to this hormone, the body struggles to regulate essential functions like metabolism and immune responses. This lack of response leads to a chemical imbalance, as the body often produces excess cortisol in an attempt to compensate.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency(G6PD)
This is an inherited genetic condition affecting the red blood cells, where a missing enzyme makes these cells fragile. Without enough of this enzyme, the red blood cells can prematurely rupture and break down when exposed to certain oxidative triggers like specific foods or medications. This premature destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolysis and can lead to anemia.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Glycogen storage disease IV(GSD IV)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder where a deficiency in the glycogen branching enzyme prevents the body from properly storing and using sugar. Instead, abnormal glycogen molecules build up inside vital organs, particularly the liver, muscles, and nervous system, causing progressive and irreversible tissue damage.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
GM2 Gangliosidosis Type 1b (Japanese Chin)(GM2-1b)
GM2 Gangliosidosis Type 1b is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by a deficiency in a vital enzyme, which prevents the body from breaking down certain fatty-sugar compounds called gangliosides. As a result, these substances build up to toxic levels inside the brain and nerve cells, causing progressive neurological damage.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Granule cell type cerebellar hypoplasia(GCCH)
This is an extremely rare developmental disorder of the brain, specifically affecting the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. In this condition, a specific layer of brain cells called the granule cell layer fails to develop properly. Because this part of the brain is underdeveloped, the dog cannot coordinate its movements normally.
Tested via: DNA test, Clinical examView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
GST-theta enzyme activity, GSTT1-like-related(GSTT1)
This genetic variation reduces the activity of the GST-theta enzyme, which is part of the liver's metabolic system. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down and neutralizing environmental toxins and certain medications. Without fully functioning enzymes, the dog's body may process these substances more slowly than normal.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighHead / nervous systemUnknown
Guillain-Barré-like polyradiculoneuropathy(APN)
This condition, also known as Acute Canine Polyradiculoneuritis (ACP), is an acute, immune-mediated inflammation of the peripheral nervous system. The dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves and nerve roots that connect the spinal cord to the muscles. This disrupts the electrical signals needed for muscle control, leading to weakness or paralysis.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
HACE1-related ataxia
HACE1-related ataxia is an inherited neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation that leads to progressive damage in the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. Without a properly functioning cerebellum, the brain cannot accurately control the muscles, leading to a loss of voluntary motor coordination.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Harlequin coat color(H)
The harlequin coat pattern is a genetic trait that modifies the merle gene, affecting the pigment-producing cells in a dog's skin and hair. This autosomal dominant modifier causes some of the diluted grey areas of a merle coat to become white, leaving irregular, torn black patches. While viable puppies inherit only one copy of this gene, inheriting two copies is lethal during embryonic development.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Heat tolerance
Heat tolerance is a metabolic and homeostatic trait that determines how effectively a dog's body regulates its internal core temperature in warm environments. When this regulation fails, the metabolic system cannot balance heat production with heat loss, often involving the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This complex genetic trait influences how efficiently a dog can cool itself down to prevent overheating.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Height, HMGA2-associated body-size variation
This is a natural genetic variation rather than a disease, affecting the skeletal system and overall body development. The HMGA2 gene plays a key role in regulating cell growth and division during development, which directly influences a dog's final skeletal height at the shoulders. Because this is a normal physical trait, it does not cause any underlying organ dysfunction or health issues.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Height, IGF1-AS-associated body-size variation(IGF1-AS)
This genetic variation affects a non-coding antisense RNA molecule (IGF1-AS) that regulates the expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a key hormone controlling skeletal growth. This variation influences how much of the hormone is produced, directly impacting the development of the skeletal and muscular systems. It is a natural genetic regulator of physical stature rather than a disease or medical disorder.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Height, IGF2BP2-associated body-size variation
This genetic variation affects the IGF2BP2 gene, which plays a role in regulating growth and skeletal development. It is a normal genetic trait that influences a dog's overall skeletal size and height rather than a disease or medical condition. The gene helps control how cells grow and divide during development, affecting the final stature of the dog's skeletal system.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Hemimelia
Hemimelia is a congenital skeletal deformity where a portion of a limb bone, such as the radius in the front leg or the tibia in the hind leg, is incompletely formed or entirely missing. This developmental error occurs in the womb and affects the musculoskeletal system, leading to severe shortening or distortion of the affected leg. Because the bone structure is incomplete, the normal joints and muscles of the limb cannot function properly.
Tested via: RadiographView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a metabolic disorder where the body absorbs excessive iron from food, leading to a toxic buildup in vital organs, particularly the liver. Over time, this excess iron damages cells and impairs organ function. Diagnosis is confirmed using a specialized blood test called an iron panel (Eisen-Panel) alongside a liver biopsy (Leberbiopsie) to evaluate iron levels in the liver cells.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS)
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), also known as Alabama Rot or Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), is a severe condition that causes damage to the small blood vessels, primarily affecting the kidneys and skin. This damage leads to the premature destruction of red blood cells and a rapid drop in platelets, which are the cells responsible for blood clotting. The resulting blockages in the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys can quickly lead to acute kidney failure.
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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