Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, 6(NCL6)
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 6 (NCL6) is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects the nervous system. It occurs when the body fails to properly break down cellular waste, causing fatty pigments called lipofuscins to build up inside nerve cells. This accumulation gradually damages and destroys cells in the brain and other tissues.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, 8(NCL8)
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 8 (NCL8) is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the central nervous system. It is caused by a genetic defect that prevents cells from breaking down cellular waste products, leading to a harmful buildup in the brain's nerve cells. Over time, this accumulation causes progressive and irreversible damage to the brain tissue.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, type 5(NCL5)
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 5 (NCL 5) is an inherited disorder that affects the dog's nervous system. It is classified as a lysosomal storage disease, which means the cells' natural recycling centers fail to break down waste products properly. This leads to a harmful buildup of fatty pigments in the brain cells, causing them to gradually break down and die.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighSkin & coatComplex
Neutrophilic dermatosis
This is a rare immune-mediated skin condition where a specific type of white blood cell, called a neutrophil, abnormally accumulates in the deep layers of the skin. This buildup causes severe inflammation and tissue damage without any actual underlying infection being present.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Niemann-Pick disease, type A(NPA)
Niemann-Pick disease type A is an inherited metabolic disorder where the lack of a vital enzyme prevents the body from breaking down certain fats. Because of this deficiency, these fats build up to toxic levels inside cells, primarily damaging the nervous system, liver, and spleen. This progressive accumulation leads to widespread cell damage and severe organ dysfunction.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Niemann-Pick disease, type C1(NPC1)
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 is an inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly process fats and cholesterol. This causes these fatty substances to build up inside cells, particularly within the brain and nervous system. Over time, this cellular accumulation leads to progressive and severe neurological damage.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Nose, bifid, PDGFRA-related
This is a genetic developmental disorder affecting the respiratory system and facial structure, caused by a mutation in the PDGFRA gene. It results in a bifid nose, which means the nasal structure is split or divided down the middle into two halves. This condition is inherited in an autosomal-dominant pattern, meaning a puppy only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene from a single parent to show the trait.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Obesity
Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that affects the entire body. It is driven by a complex combination of genetic predisposition and an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Veterinarians use the Body Condition Score (BCS) clinical exam as the gold standard method to diagnose and monitor this condition.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighEyesAutosomal dominant
Ocular melanosis(OM)
Ocular melanosis is an inherited eye condition where pigment-producing cells multiply abnormally within the eye. These dark pigment deposits can block the natural drainage pathways for eye fluid. This blockage leads to a dangerous buildup of pressure inside the eye, a painful condition known as glaucoma.
Tested via: Eye examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Ocular squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)
Ocular squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant, or cancerous, tumor affecting the tissues around the eye, such as the eyelids, third eyelid, or the conjunctiva (the pink membrane lining the eyelids). It occurs when the flat skin cells in these areas grow uncontrollably, a process often triggered by ultraviolet light exposure, particularly in dogs lacking protective dark pigment around their eyes. Clinical screening, such as an ECVO eye examination, is used to identify early lesions on the eye surface.
Tested via: Eye examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Omphalocele
An omphalocele is a severe congenital defect of the abdominal wall where the puppy's internal organs, such as the intestines, develop outside the body. These organs remain enclosed in a thin, translucent sac at the base of the umbilical cord. This occurs because the abdominal muscles fail to close properly during early embryonic development.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Orchitis
Orchitis is an inflammatory condition of the testicles, which are key organs in the male reproductive system. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection or physical trauma to the area. If left untreated, this inflammation can damage the testicular tissue and lead to permanent infertility.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Osmotic resistance of erythrocytes(EOF)
This term refers to a physiological trait measuring how well red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, tolerate changes in fluid pressure before rupturing. Rather than a primary disease, it is a subclinical hematological variation that describes the physical stability of these oxygen-carrying cells. It does not typically cause systemic illness or damage to any organ system on its own.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighMouth & teethUnknown
Osteochondromatosis, generic(MCE)
This is a genetic skeletal disorder where multiple benign, or non-cancerous, bony growths capped with cartilage develop on the surface of a dog's bones, ribs, or spine. These growths, called osteochondromas, occur due to abnormal bone development as the skeleton matures. The condition primarily impacts the skeletal system but can affect nearby nerves and blood vessels as the growths expand.
Tested via: RadiographView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Osteosarcoma(OSA)
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive type of bone cancer that primarily affects the skeletal system of dogs. It causes abnormal, rapid cell growth that destroys healthy bone tissue, weakening the bone and making it prone to fractures. This cancer also has a high tendency to spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body, particularly the lungs.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Otocephaly
Otocephaly is a rare developmental defect affecting the skeletal and respiratory systems of the head during embryonic growth. In this condition, the lower jaw fails to form properly and is either extremely underdeveloped or entirely missing, while the ears are abnormally positioned and fused low on the neck. Because these vital structures do not develop, the puppy's upper airway and mouth are severely compromised.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on a female dog's ovaries, which are the reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones. These cysts typically stem from hormonal imbalances and can continuously release sex hormones into the body. This constant hormone production disrupts the dog's normal heat cycle and can negatively affect the uterine lining.
Tested via: UltrasoundView details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, DSG1-related(PPK)
This is an inherited skin disorder caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts how skin cells bind to one another. Without proper cell adhesion, the outer layer of the skin becomes unstable, leading to an extreme thickening of the paw pads, a condition known as hyperkeratosis. This primarily affects the integrity of the dog's paw pads and skin barrier.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Palmoplantar keratoderma, nonepidermolytic, focal 1(HFH)
This is a hereditary skin disorder that affects the paw pads, caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts how keratin, a protective protein in the skin, is produced. This disruption leads to an abnormal, extreme thickening of the outer layer of the paw pads. It is specifically known to affect the Dogue de Bordeaux breed.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Parkinson disease, PARK7-related
This is a severe, inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain and nervous system. A genetic mutation in the PARK7 gene leads to the progressive loss of specialized nerve cells that are responsible for controlling and coordinating body movements. Over time, this cellular damage impairs the brain's ability to transmit smooth signals to the muscles.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia, PCK2-related(PxD)
This is an inherited neurological disorder in Shetland Sheepdogs caused by a mutation in the PCK2 gene, which affects cellular energy metabolism. This genetic defect leads to sudden, temporary episodes of involuntary muscle movements and spasms while the dog remains fully conscious. Because it is an autosomal-dominant condition, a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene from a parent to be at risk.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia, SOD1-related
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the nervous system, caused by a specific mutation in the SOD1 gene. It leads to temporary disruptions in the brain's motor control centers, resulting in sudden episodes of involuntary muscle movements. Between these episodes, the dog's nervous system functions normally and they appear completely healthy.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Paroxysmal Dystonia-Ataxia Syndrome (TNR-related)
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system, caused by a genetic mutation in the Tenascin-R (TNR) gene. This mutation disrupts normal communication between nerve cells, leading to sudden, temporary episodes of abnormal muscle tone and poor coordination. Between these episodes, the dog's nervous system functions normally, and they appear completely healthy.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHeartComplex
Patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hypertension(PDA)
This is a severe congenital heart defect where a blood vessel connecting the aorta and the pulmonary artery fails to close after birth. This failure causes high blood pressure in the lungs, known as pulmonary hypertension, which can eventually force oxygen-poor blood to flow backward into the body's main circulation. An echocardiogram, which is a specialized heart ultrasound, is the gold standard method used to diagnose this condition and evaluate the direction of blood flow.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - SevereHeartComplex
Patent ductus venosus(PDV)
Patent ductus venosus is a congenital defect of the circulatory and liver systems where a natural blood vessel that bypasses the liver during fetal development fails to close after birth. Because this vessel remains open, blood from the digestive tract bypasses the liver's filtration system, allowing toxins to circulate directly to the brain and other organs. This lack of filtration can lead to a state of self-poisoning known as hepatic encephalopathy.
Tested via: UltrasoundView 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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