Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Patent urachus
A patent urachus is a birth defect affecting the urinary system where the temporary tube connecting an unborn puppy's bladder to the belly button, known as the umbilicus, fails to close before birth. Normally, this channel seals off completely, but when it remains open, it allows urine to leak from the navel. This creates an abnormal direct pathway between the bladder and the outside of the body.
Tested via: UltrasoundView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Paw pad hyperkeratosis, GJB6-related(HFH)
This genetic condition is caused by a mutation in the GJB6 gene, which affects the skin on a dog's paws. It leads to an overproduction of keratin, the tough protective protein that makes up the outer layer of the paw pads, causing them to become abnormally thick and hard.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
PCYT2 deficiency(PCYT2)
PCYT2 deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the nervous system and eyes, also known as progressive retinal, central, and peripheral neurodegeneration. A genetic defect impairs lipid (fat) metabolism, which leads to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain, peripheral nerves, and the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). This disruption prevents normal cellular maintenance and leads to widespread neurological decline.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Pelvic organ prolapse, susceptibility to
This is a genetic predisposition where the connective tissues and muscles supporting the pelvic organs, such as the vagina or uterus, are abnormally weak. Because of this weakness, these organs can shift out of their normal positions and protrude outward, a process known as prolapse. This condition primarily affects the reproductive and urinary systems of female dogs.
View details - SevereHeartComplex
Pentalogy of Fallot(PoF)
Pentalogy of Fallot is a severe, complex heart defect present from birth that involves five distinct structural abnormalities in the heart and its main blood vessels. These malformations prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently, causing oxygen-poor blood to circulate throughout the body instead of going to the lungs. This leads to a chronic lack of oxygen in the dog's tissues and organs.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Perineal hernia
A perineal hernia occurs when the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm weaken or tear, allowing pelvic organs and tissues like the bladder or intestines to push into the area next to the anus. This structural failure in the pelvic region can disrupt normal digestive and urinary functions. It is also commonly referred to as a perineal rupture.
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Persistence of immature pyruvate kinase and hexokinase isozymes
This is an inherited condition where a dog's red blood cells continue to produce immature, fetal versions of two key metabolic enzymes, pyruvate kinase and hexokinase, instead of transitioning to the mature adult forms. These enzymes are crucial for generating energy within red blood cells, which are the cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Because these immature enzymes still function adequately, the overall health of the blood cells is preserved, making this a harmless and benign trait.
View details - SevereHeartComplex
Persistent truncus arteriosus(PTA)
Persistent truncus arteriosus is a severe congenital heart defect where the two main blood vessels leaving the heart, the aorta and the pulmonary artery, fail to separate during embryonic development. This leaves a single large vessel carrying a mixture of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to both the body and the lungs. The resulting overload on the cardiovascular system prevents normal circulation and oxygen delivery.
Tested via: Cardiac examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal dominant
Phelan-McDermid syndrome(PMS)
Phelan-McDermid syndrome is a severe neurological condition affecting the brain and nervous system, caused by a defect in the SHANK3 gene that disrupts communication between nerve cells. In dogs, this is not a naturally occurring disease found in companion pets. It has only been described in scientific literature as a genetically engineered laboratory model used to study autism spectrum disorders.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Pheochromocytoma(PHEO)
A pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland, which is a small hormone-producing organ located near the kidneys. This tumor causes the gland to release excessive, uncontrolled amounts of stress hormones like adrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones normally regulate vital functions, but their overproduction severely disrupts the cardiovascular system and other organs.
Tested via: UltrasoundView details - ModerateHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
PIGN-related paroxysmal dyskinesia(PxD)
Wheaten Paroxysmal Dyskinesia (WPxD) is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the brain's ability to control voluntary muscle movements. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the PIGN gene, which temporarily disrupts normal nerve signaling in the brain during an episode. Between these sudden episodes of involuntary movement, the dog's brain functions normally and they show no signs of illness.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 deficiency, SERPINE1-related(PAI-1)
This is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting the blood circulatory system, specifically how the body stabilizes blood clots. It is caused by a deficiency in a protein called plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which normally stops clots from dissolving too quickly. Without enough PAI-1, the body breaks down blood clots prematurely, leading to impaired clotting.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Pneumothorax
A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lungs and the chest wall, known as the pleural cavity. This accumulation of air destroys the normal negative pressure required for breathing, causing the lung to collapse. It can happen suddenly due to physical trauma, like an accident, or spontaneously if a small air sac in the lung ruptures.
Tested via: RadiographView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polyarthritis(IMPA)
Polyarthritis is an immune-mediated disease affecting the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. In this condition, the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membranes, which are the protective linings that cushion and lubricate the joints. This abnormal immune response leads to widespread, painful inflammation in multiple joints throughout the body.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Polycystic mononephrosis
This is a rare congenital condition affecting the urinary system where a dog is born with only one kidney, a state known as unilateral renal agenesis, and that single kidney develops numerous fluid-filled cysts. Because there is no healthy second kidney to compensate, the progressive cyst growth damages the remaining kidney tissue, eventually leading to kidney failure. An abdominal ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool used to identify these structural changes.
Tested via: UltrasoundView details - HighHeartUnknown
Polycythemia
Polycythemia is a condition involving an abnormal increase in red blood cells within the circulatory system, which causes the blood to become thick and sluggish. This thickening impairs normal blood flow and reduces the efficient delivery of oxygen to vital organs. It also increases the risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polyendocrine syndrome(APS)
Polyendocrine syndrome is a severe autoimmune disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly targets and destroys multiple hormone-producing (endocrine) glands, either at the same time or one after another. This can damage critical organs like the adrenal glands, thyroid, and pancreas, leading to a failure in hormone production. Because the disease is complex and multifactorial, there are currently no direct genetic tests available.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome, type II(PGA II)
Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome Type II, also known as APS 2 or Schmidt's syndrome, is a severe metabolic and endocrine disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks multiple hormone-producing glands. This typically targets organs like the adrenal glands, thyroid, and pancreas, which control vital metabolic processes. Because these glands are destroyed, the body can no longer produce the essential hormones needed to regulate daily functions.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Polyglucosan body myopathy, RBCK1-related(PBM)
This is an inherited muscle disorder where abnormal sugar molecules, known as polyglucosan bodies, build up inside the dog's muscle cells. This accumulation causes progressive damage to the skeletal muscles and can also affect the heart muscle. The condition is linked to a genetic mutation in the RBCK1 gene, which was recently characterized in Basset Hounds.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Polymelia
Polymelia is a rare congenital anomaly affecting the musculoskeletal system where an animal is born with extra, non-functional limbs. This developmental error occurs in the womb during embryonic growth, causing accessory legs to attach to areas like the shoulder, pelvis, or spine. Because it is a structural birth defect rather than an active disease, it does not spread or progress over time.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polymicrogyria and asymmetrical ventricular dilation(PMG)
This is a congenital brain malformation affecting the central nervous system, where the outer layer of the brain develops too many abnormally small folds. It is also characterized by an uneven enlargement of the fluid-filled cavities within the brain, known as asymmetric ventricular dilation. These structural abnormalities disrupt normal brain development and communication.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Polymyositis
Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own skeletal muscles. This immune-mediated response leads to widespread inflammation and damage to muscle tissue throughout the body. Over time, this weakens the muscles responsible for movement and basic functions.
Tested via: Clinical examView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy, ARHGEF10-related(LPN1)
This hereditary condition affects the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. A genetic defect damages the myelin sheath, the protective outer covering of these nerves. This damage disrupts the electrical signals traveling between the brain and the muscles, leading to progressive weakness.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal dominant
Polyneuropathy, hypomyelinating, MPZ-related(HMP)
This is an inherited disorder of the nervous system caused by a genetic defect that prevents the proper formation of myelin, which is the protective insulating sheath around nerve fibers. Without this insulation, the nerves cannot properly transmit electrical signals from the brain to the muscles.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Polyneuropathy, hypomyelinating, MTMR2-related(MTMR2-PN)
This is an inherited nervous system disorder where the protective outer coating, called the myelin sheath, surrounding the nerves is improperly formed. Without this protective layer, the nerves cannot properly transmit electrical signals from the brain to the muscles. This disruption leads to progressive muscle weakness and coordination issues throughout the body.
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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