Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- SevereMouth & teethAutosomal recessive
Vitamin D-dependent rickets(HVDRR)
This inherited metabolic disorder prevents the dog's body from properly processing vitamin D or responding to its receptors. Without functioning vitamin D pathways, the skeletal system cannot absorb calcium, which is essential for building strong bones. This failure leads to severely weakened, soft, and poorly mineralized bone tissue.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor deficiency(VKCFD)
This is an inherited blood clotting disorder affecting the cardiovascular system, where the body cannot properly activate essential proteins needed to stop bleeding. Because these proteins require vitamin K to function, their deficiency prevents the blood from coagulating normally. This leads to a high risk of spontaneous or prolonged bleeding.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateEyesComplex
Vitreous degeneration
Vitreous degeneration is a progressive change in the vitreous humor, which is the clear, gel-like substance that fills the eye. Over time, this gel can liquefy, shrink, or develop tiny suspended particles that look like sparkling crystals. These changes reduce the internal stability of the eye and can sometimes put physical strain on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Tested via: Eye examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia(WM)
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is a rare type of blood cancer where abnormal white blood cells produce excessive amounts of a protein called immunoglobulin M. This excess protein causes the blood to become abnormally thick and sticky, which severely impairs circulation. As a result, vital organs throughout the body do not receive adequate blood flow and oxygen.
View details - SevereGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Wilms tumour
A Wilms tumor, also known as a nephroblastoma, is a rare and severe type of kidney cancer that develops from abnormal embryonic tissue. This means the tumor originates from cells that did not mature properly during the dog's early development. Because it is an aggressive cancer, it can grow rapidly and potentially spread to other organs like the lungs.
View details - HighHeartUnknown
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome(WPW)
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a congenital heart condition involving an abnormal extra electrical pathway in the heart. This extra pathway causes the heart's chambers to beat out of sync, leading to an abnormally rapid heart rate. Because it is purely an electrical disorder rather than a structural issue, it is diagnosed using an electrocardiogram (ECG) rather than an ultrasound of the heart.
View details - MildSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Woolly hair
This condition is a genetic variation affecting the hair follicles and coat structure, specifically linked to the FGF5 gene which regulates hair length. In affected dogs, the protective, coarse outer guard hairs are either missing or malformed. This leaves the dog with a coat dominated by a very soft, dense, and woolly undercoat.
Tested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicX-linked
X-linked Hereditary Nephritis (Samoyed)(XLHN)
This is an inherited kidney disease that primarily affects Samoyeds due to a genetic defect on the X chromosome. This defect impairs the collagen structure in the kidney's filtering units, known as glomeruli, preventing them from properly filtering waste from the blood. Over time, this structural weakness leads to progressive and severe kidney damage.
Tested via: DNA testView details - HighEyesX-linked
X-linked progressive retinal atrophy, type 1(XLPRA1)
X-linked progressive retinal atrophy type 1 (XLPRA1) is an inherited eye disease that causes the gradual breakdown of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Because the genetic mutation is located on the X chromosome, male dogs are primarily affected and will experience progressive vision loss.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighEyesX-linked
X-linked progressive retinal atrophy, type 2(XLPRA2)
This is an inherited eye disease affecting the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Due to a genetic defect on the X-chromosome, the cells of the retina progressively degenerate and die. Because of this X-linked inheritance pattern, the condition almost exclusively affects male dogs.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - HighEyesX-linked
X-linked progressive retinal atrophy, type 3(XLPRA3)
This is an inherited eye disease where the light-sensitive cells of the retina, which is the back part of the eye, gradually break down. Because the genetic defect is carried on the X chromosome, male dogs are usually more severely affected. Since the specific genetic mutation is currently unknown, there is no DNA test, and diagnosis relies on specialist clinical eye examinations.
Tested via: Eye exam, DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Xanthinuria
Xanthinuria is an inherited metabolic disorder of the urinary system where an enzyme deficiency prevents the normal breakdown of purines, which are natural compounds found in food. Because of this, a poorly soluble substance called xanthine accumulates in the urine and forms crystals or stones in the bladder and kidneys. If left unchecked, these stones can cause painful blockages in the urinary tract.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Xanthinuria, type I
This is an inherited metabolic disorder where a missing enzyme prevents the body from properly breaking down purines, which are natural compounds found in food. This enzyme deficiency causes a byproduct called xanthine to build up in the kidneys and bladder, where it forms painful urinary stones. This primary metabolic defect directly impacts the health of the urinary system.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Xanthinuria, type II
Xanthinuria type II is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the urinary system, where a missing enzyme prevents the body from properly breaking down xanthine, which is a natural byproduct of protein metabolism. Because the body cannot process this compound, xanthine builds up in the kidneys and bladder. Over time, this accumulation can lead to the formation of painful urinary stones.
Tested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
XY Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)(XY DSD)
This is a genetic developmental disorder affecting the reproductive system, where a dog with male chromosomes (XY) develops atypical, female, or ambiguous sexual organs. It occurs when the normal formation of the gonads (the organs that make reproductive cells, like testes or ovaries) and external genitalia is disrupted during embryonic development.
View details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
XY sex reversal, NR5A1-related
This is a genetic disorder of sexual development affecting the reproductive system, where dogs that are genetically male (having XY chromosomes) develop female or ambiguous reproductive organs. It is caused by a defect in the NR5A1 gene, which is crucial for normal male sexual development.
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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