Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Infertility
Infertility is a broad clinical sign affecting the reproductive system, meaning a dog is unable to produce or carry offspring. It is not a single disease but rather a complex condition that can stem from hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs, or poor quality of sperm or eggs. Because it has many different underlying causes, the genetic inheritance of infertility is highly complex.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition where the dog's immune system abnormally attacks the lining of the digestive tract. This persistent inflammation damages the intestines, preventing them from properly absorbing nutrients and digesting food. Over time, this can lead to chronic malnutrition and weight loss.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Inflammatory Myopathy (Dutch Shepherd)(IM)
This is an inherited condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles responsible for voluntary movement. This persistent inflammation causes the progressive breakdown and degeneration of muscle tissue throughout the body. Because it is an autosomal-recessive disorder, it occurs when a puppy inherits two copies of the mutated gene.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs when there is a weakness or tear in the muscles of the lower abdominal wall near the groin, known as the inguinal canal. This opening allows abdominal contents, such as fat, intestines, or the uterus, to push through and protrude under the skin. It primarily affects the abdominal wall and can involve the digestive or reproductive organs depending on what tissue protrudes.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Intestinal atresia
Intestinal atresia is a congenital birth defect affecting the digestive tract where parts of the intestine are completely closed off or missing entirely. This physical blockage prevents food and fluids from passing through the dog's digestive system. Because the pathway is obstructed, the puppy cannot digest nutrients or eliminate waste normally.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Intussusception, susceptibility to
This condition is a genetic predisposition affecting the digestive system, where one segment of the intestine slides or telescopes into an adjacent section. This telescoping action creates a physical blockage in the bowel and can cut off the blood supply to the affected tissue. Without prompt intervention, this lack of blood flow can lead to severe tissue damage in the intestines.
Tested via: UltrasoundView details - MildEyesUnknown
Iris atrophy
Iris atrophy is a progressive thinning and degeneration of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye that controls how much light enters. This condition affects the muscular structure of the eye, causing the pupil to lose its ability to shrink fully in bright light. It is typically a natural part of the aging process and does not cause pain.
Tested via: Eye examView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Iris defects
Iris defects are congenital structural abnormalities of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye that controls how much light enters. These defects can include colobomas, which are gaps or holes in the iris, or hypoplasia, which is the underdevelopment of the iris tissue. Because of these structural changes, the pupil cannot constrict normally to regulate light.
Tested via: Eye examView details - MildEyesUnknown
Iris sphincter dysplasia
This is a congenital eye condition affecting the iris, which is the colored part of the dog's eye. It involves a malformation of the sphincter muscle, the specific muscle responsible for narrowing the pupil. Because this muscle does not develop properly, the pupil cannot constrict normally to limit the amount of light entering the eye.
Tested via: Eye examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Juvenile to adolescent cerebellar ataxia, RAB24-related(CA-RAB24)
This is an inherited neurological disease affecting the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls balance and movement coordination. A genetic mutation in the RAB24 gene causes the nerve cells in this region to progressively break down and die. As these cells degenerate, the dog loses the ability to coordinate its physical movements.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Kai blood group system(Kai)
The Kai blood group system refers to a specific protein marker, or antigen, found on the surface of a dog's red blood cells. This system exists alongside the traditional Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) classifications to help identify a dog's specific blood type. Knowing this blood type is essential for ensuring compatibility within the circulatory system during medical procedures.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
KCNIP4-related cerebellar ataxia(SCA)
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain, specifically the cerebellum, which is the area responsible for coordinating movement. A genetic mutation causes the nerve cells in this region to degenerate and fail to function properly. As these cells break down, the dog loses its ability to control its balance and physical actions.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
KCNJ10-related cerebellar ataxia(SAMS)
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that coordinates movement and balance. A genetic mutation disrupts the potassium channels in the nervous system, preventing nerve cells from communicating properly. This disruption leads to a progressive loss of physical coordination.
Tested via: DNA testView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Knobbed acrosome defect(KAD)
This is a structural malformation of the reproductive system in male dogs, specifically affecting the cap-like structure, called the acrosome, on the head of the sperm. The abnormal shape of this cap prevents the sperm from properly binding to and fertilizing a female's egg. While the dog remains completely healthy, this defect leads to male infertility.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Lameness
Lameness is not a single genetic disease, but rather a general sign of abnormal movement caused by pain, injury, or structural changes in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. It occurs when a dog alters its normal walking pattern to protect an injured or uncomfortable body part. Because it is a broad clinical symptom, it can stem from many different underlying physical issues.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Laryngeal paralysis, RAPGEF6-related(LP)
This condition is an inherited disorder of the respiratory system where the nerves controlling the larynx (voice box) degenerate due to a genetic variant in the RAPGEF6 gene. Because these nerves fail, the vocal cords cannot open properly during inhalation, which restricts airflow into the lungs. This leads to a permanent narrowing of the airway in the throat.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereEyesAutosomal recessive
Leber congenital amaurosis(LCA)
Leber congenital amaurosis is an inherited eye disease where the light-sensitive cells in the retina, located at the back of the eye, do not function correctly from birth. This genetic defect prevents visual signals from being properly transmitted to the brain. It is an autosomal-recessive condition, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Leishmaniasis, susceptibility/resistance to
This genetic trait determines how a dog's immune system responds to Leishmania parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. Dogs with genetic susceptibility have an immune response that fails to control the parasite, allowing it to spread and damage multiple organ systems, particularly the skin, kidneys, and spleen. Resistant dogs possess immune systems that can effectively suppress the parasite and prevent severe disease.
View details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Lethality, BTBD17-related
This genetic condition is caused by a mutation in the BTBD17 gene, which disrupts normal embryonic development. It affects multiple vital organ systems during the early stages of growth, leading to a severe failure to develop properly. This disruption is so critical to life that the affected puppies cannot survive to term or past the first few days of life.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Leukocyte adhesion deficiency, type III(LAD III)
Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type III (LAD III) is an inherited disorder affecting both white blood cells and platelets, which are crucial components of the immune and blood-clotting systems. In affected dogs, a genetic defect prevents these cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, meaning white blood cells cannot reach infections and platelets cannot form clots. This dual defect leads to both severe, recurrent infections and a dangerous inability to stop bleeding.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemUnknown
Leukodystrophy, CYTB-related
This is a rare hereditary disease of the nervous system caused by a defect in a mitochondrial gene, which is responsible for cellular energy production. This defect leads to the progressive breakdown of myelin, the protective fatty sheath that insulates nerve fibers in the brain. Without this protective coating, the brain cannot properly transmit electrical signals to the rest of the body.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Leukodystrophy, TSEN54-related(LEP)
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord, caused by a genetic mutation. It disrupts the development and maintenance of the myelin sheath, which is the protective fatty coating that insulates nerve fibers. Without this insulation, the nervous system cannot properly transmit signals to the rest of the body.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ligneous conjunctivitis(PLGD)
Ligneous membranitis is a severe inherited disorder affecting the eyes and mucous membranes, caused by a lack of plasminogen, which is a protein responsible for breaking down clot-forming proteins. Without enough plasminogen, tough, wood-like deposits build up on moist tissues, particularly the eyes. This results in chronic, severe inflammation of the eye membranes.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Limb movement, synchronic, EFNB3-related
This is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder of the nervous system caused by a genetic mutation in the EFNB3 gene. The mutation prevents the normal crossing of nerve pathways in the spinal cord, which normally allows the left and right sides of the body to coordinate independently. Instead, signals are sent to the limbs in parallel, causing them to move at the same time rather than alternately.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatComplex
Linear IgA disease
This is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the skin, where the dog's immune system mistakenly produces IgA antibodies that attack proteins in the basement membrane zone, which is the boundary layer between the outer and inner skin. This attack weakens the skin layers, leading to blister formation. Diagnosis is typically confirmed using a skin biopsy test called direct immunofluorescence (DIF) to detect these specific antibody deposits.
Tested via: Clinical examView 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.
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Full transparency
We show what's on file: who the breeders are, how they work and which health records they've uploaded. That way you can form your own picture.
Verified breeders, open records
Every breeder on HonestDog has their identity and documents checked before their profile goes live. Health records they upload are shown on the profile, so you can see exactly what has been tested.
Clear vetting criteria
Before a breeder profile goes live, we check identity, club membership or breeding permit, and photos of the breeding environment. HonestDog puts you in touch with the breeder and doesn't sell dogs itself — we can't guarantee any individual dog.
Less hassle, more time
We've already checked the breeders' documents and gathered the details, so you can skip the endless research and focus on finding the right puppy for your family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
About HonestDog
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.