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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- MildSkin & coatUnknown
Skin tags
Acrochordonous plaques are benign, harmless skin growths affecting the dog's outer skin layer and underlying connective tissue. They typically form soft, raised bumps that are medically harmless and do not become cancerous. Any technical terms simply describe these non-cancerous skin tags.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
SLC7A10-related paradoxical pseudomyotonia(PPM)
This is a hereditary muscle disorder affecting the skeletal muscles, where the muscles fail to relax normally after contraction or when exposed to cold temperatures. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the SLC7A10 gene, which disrupts the chemical signals needed for muscles to loosen up after tensing.
View details - HighHeartAutosomal recessive
Spherocytosis(HS)
Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited red blood cell disorder primarily documented in Golden Retrievers, caused by a deficiency in a structural protein called spectrin. This deficiency causes the red blood cells to become fragile and spherical instead of their normal disc shape, leading to their premature destruction. While this hereditary form is genetic, abnormally round red blood cells (spherocytes) are more commonly acquired as a feature of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).
View details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Spina bifida occulta(SBO)
Spina bifida occulta is a mild, hidden developmental defect of the skeletal system where one or more of the bony arches of the spine fail to close completely during development. Because the spinal cord and its protective membranes usually remain intact and in their normal position, the nervous system is typically unaffected. A spinal radiograph, or X-ray, is the primary diagnostic tool used to identify this vertebral arch defect.
View details - HighHead / nervous systemComplex
Spinal intradural arachnoid cyst(SAD)
This is a developmental malformation of the nervous system where cerebrospinal fluid, the protective fluid surrounding the brain and spine, builds up within the membranes of the spinal cord. This accumulation forms a fluid-filled sac, or cyst, that puts physical pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure disrupts the normal transmission of nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Spinocerebellar ataxia, CAPN1-related(SCA)
This is an inherited neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation in the CAPN1 gene, which leads to progressive damage in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement and balance. Without the proper function of this gene, nerve cells in the brainstem and cerebellum degenerate, disrupting the animal's ability to coordinate its limbs. This results in a steady decline in motor control.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Spinocerebellar ataxia, SLC12A6-related(SCA)
This is a hereditary neurological disorder caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the normal function of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Specifically, it leads to the progressive degeneration of the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. As these nerve cells break down, the dog loses the ability to control its limbs and balance properly.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Spinocerebellar ataxia, SPTBN2-related(NCCD)
This is an inherited neurological disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the cerebellum, which is the area of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. As these cells degenerate, the brain can no longer properly control muscle coordination and balance.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, congenital type(SEDC)
This is a rare, inherited skeletal disorder affecting the development of bone and cartilage in the spine and the ends of the long bones. A genetic mutation causes abnormal cartilage formation, which prevents normal bone growth and leads to disproportionate dwarfism. This means the dog's limbs and spine do not grow to their normal length or shape, resulting in structural deformities.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Squamous cell carcinoma of the digit(SCC)
This is a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the skin cells that develops in the toe area, typically starting in the nail bed. It is a severe condition that can invade and destroy the surrounding bone of the digit if left untreated. In Poodles and Giant Schnauzers, a specific genetic variation in the KITLG gene is known to increase the risk of developing this cancer.
View details - ModerateEyesAutosomal recessive
Stargardt disease(STGD)
Stargardt disease is an inherited eye disorder where a genetic defect causes the progressive breakdown of photoreceptor cells in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This degeneration gradually impairs the eye's ability to process light and send visual signals to the brain. Over time, this leads to a slow and progressive loss of vision.
View details - MildHead / nervous systemComplex
Stereotypical hypersociability
Stereotypical hypersociability is a genetic behavioral trait linked to variations in a specific region of canine chromosome 6, which is similar to the region associated with Williams-Beuren syndrome in humans. This genetic variation affects the nervous system, leading to an exceptionally strong drive for social interaction. Rather than a clinical disease, it is considered a normal behavioral characteristic associated with dog domestication.
View details - SevereSkin & coatComplex
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, susceptibility to(SJS)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe, immune-mediated reaction affecting the skin and mucous membranes, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. This reaction is typically triggered by specific medications, such as phenobarbital, in dogs with a genetic predisposition. The condition causes the outer layer of the skin to die and separate from the deeper layers.
View details - HighSkin & coatAutosomal dominant
Stiff skin syndrome(SSS)
Stiff skin syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder affecting the connective tissues, specifically the skin and the underlying fascia, which is the fibrous tissue enclosing the muscles. It causes a progressive hardening and loss of elasticity in these tissues, which severely restricts the dog's normal movement. This condition is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Stomatocytosis
Stomatocytosis is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Due to a defect in the cell membrane, these cells deform into a mouth-like or bowl-like shape instead of their normal round form. Because these deformed cells are fragile, the body breaks them down prematurely, which can lead to a shortage of red blood cells, a condition known as anemia.
View details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Stomatocytosis and gastritis
This inherited condition affects both the blood and the digestive system, causing deformed red blood cells and a chronic thickening of the stomach lining. The abnormally shaped red blood cells, known as stomatocytes, cannot carry oxygen effectively, while the thickened stomach lining leads to severe, ongoing inflammation (gastritis). It is passed down as an autosomal-recessive trait.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Subacute necrotizing encephalopathy (Leigh syndrome)(SNE)
This is a severe, inherited metabolic brain disorder where a genetic defect prevents nerve cells from producing enough energy. Without adequate energy, cells in the brain deteriorate and die, leading to progressive tissue damage. This process primarily affects the central nervous system, which controls basic bodily functions.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereHipsAutosomal recessive
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency(SSADHD)
This is an inherited metabolic disorder, also known as Saluki encephalopathy or central nervous system status spongiosus, that affects the brain and nervous system. It is caused by a genetic defect that prevents the body from properly breaking down GABA, which is an important chemical messenger in the brain. This failure leads to a toxic buildup of metabolic byproducts that damages brain tissue over time.
View details - HighEyesUnknown
Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS)(SARDS)
SARDS is a disease of the eyes where the light-sensitive cells of the retina suddenly and rapidly degenerate, leading to permanent blindness. The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that captures light and sends visual signals to the brain. The exact cause of this rapid cell death remains unknown, and the eyes initially look completely normal from the outside.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Susceptibility to cholelithiasis
This condition is a genetic predisposition to developing gallstones within the gallbladder or bile ducts, which are key components of the biliary and digestive systems. These stones form when substances in the bile crystallize and harden, which can partially or completely block the normal flow of digestive fluids from the liver to the small intestine.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Susceptibility to otitis media
This condition is an inherited susceptibility to inflammation and infection of the middle ear, which is the chamber located directly behind the eardrum. Due to complex genetic factors, anatomical variations or poor drainage in this area can cause painful fluid and bacteria to build up. This directly affects the dog's auditory system and can lead to pressure and discomfort.
View details - SevereHead / nervous systemComplex
Susceptibility/resistance to spongiform encephalopathy
Spongiform encephalopathies are severe brain disorders caused by abnormal proteins called prions, which trigger progressive, sponge-like degeneration of the central nervous system. Dogs are naturally highly resistant to these diseases due to a specific, protective genetic structure in their prion proteins. Because this resistance is a species-wide trait, commercial genetic testing is not offered or needed for dogs.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Swimmer puppy syndrome
Swimming-pup syndrome is a developmental disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system of very young puppies. It causes the muscles and ligaments in the limbs to develop abnormally, leading to legs that splay out to the sides rather than supporting the body. This prevents the puppy from standing upright, causing the chest and abdomen to lie flat against the floor.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Syndactyly
Syndactyly is a congenital skeletal condition where two or more toes on a dog's paw are fused together. This fusion occurs during embryonic development and can involve just the skin or the underlying bones of the toes. Veterinarians typically use physical examinations and X-rays to evaluate the structure of the bones and determine the severity of the fusion.
View details - HighHeartComplex
Tachycardia
Tachycardia is an abnormally rapid heart rate affecting the cardiovascular system. When the heart beats too fast, it cannot fill properly with blood between beats, which reduces its ability to pump oxygen throughout the body. This abnormal rhythm is often triggered by underlying structural heart diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart muscle.
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