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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- HighEyesComplex
Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis)(CSK)
Pannus, or chronic superficial keratitis, is an immune-mediated disease affecting the cornea, which is the clear outer surface of the eye. In this condition, the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the cornea, causing blood vessels and dark pigment to grow across it. This process is worsened by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can eventually block the dog's vision.
Affects 11 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Pattern baldness
Pattern baldness is a cosmetic, genetically influenced condition affecting the skin and coat. It occurs when hair follicles gradually shrink over time, leading to localized hair loss. Because there is no underlying inflammation or infection, the skin itself remains healthy and unaffected.
Affects 11 breedsView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Seborrhea
Primary seborrhea is an inherited skin disorder where the body's natural process of shedding and replacing skin cells happens much too quickly. This rapid cell turnover disrupts the skin's protective barrier and causes an overproduction of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by the skin's glands. As a result, the skin becomes either excessively greasy or very dry and flaky.
Affects 11 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - HighHeartComplex
Tricuspid valve dysplasia(TVD)
Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a congenital heart defect where the tricuspid valve, located on the right side of the heart, does not develop normally. This valve normally acts as a one-way gate, but its malformation prevents it from closing properly. As a result, blood leaks backward into the right atrium instead of flowing forward to the lungs, forcing the heart to work much harder.
Affects 11 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - SevereHeartComplex
Aortic valve stenosis(AS)
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, which controls blood flow from the main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) to the rest of the body. Because of this restriction, the heart muscle must work much harder to pump blood, which eventually causes the muscle wall to thicken abnormally. This is a severe cardiovascular condition that can strain the heart over time.
Affects 10 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Apple head
Apfelkopf, or apple head, describes an extremely rounded, dome-like skull shape with a very pronounced forehead angle, or stop. This skeletal variation affects the structure of the head and can predispose dogs to open fontanelles, which are soft spots where the skull bones fail to close fully. In some cases, this shape can also restrict fluid flow in the brain, leading to a buildup of fluid known as hydrocephalus.
Affects 10 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemComplex
Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM)(CM/SM)
Chiari-like malformation is a structural neurological condition where the back of the skull is too small for the brain, forcing the lower part of the brain into the spinal canal. This displacement blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, the protective liquid surrounding the brain and spine. Over time, the blocked fluid builds up and forms painful, fluid-filled cavities called syrinxes within the spinal cord, a secondary condition known as syringomyelia.
Affects 10 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - HighSkin & coatComplex
Dermatomyositis(DMS)
Dermatomyositis is an inherited, immune-mediated disease where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin and underlying muscles, causing chronic inflammation. This condition primarily affects the blood vessels supplying these tissues, leading to tissue damage. It is most frequently diagnosed in Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs.
Affects 10 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Diabetes mellitus(DM)
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas, which fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone that allows the body's cells to absorb glucose, or sugar, from the bloodstream to use as energy. Without sufficient insulin, sugar builds up in the blood while the body's cells are starved of fuel.
Affects 10 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateSkin & coatAutosomal recessive
Ichthyosis(ICT)
Ichthyosis is an inherited skin disorder where the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, does not develop or shed properly. This defect in keratinization—the process of forming a protective outer skin barrier—leads to a buildup of dry, thick, and scaly skin. Because this barrier is compromised, the dog's body is more vulnerable to secondary infections.
Affects 10 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Osteogenesis imperfecta(OI)
Osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease, is an inherited genetic disorder that affects the skeletal system and connective tissues. It is caused by a defect in collagen production, which is the primary structural protein needed to build strong bones and teeth. Without proper collagen, the bones become extremely fragile and prone to breaking under normal, everyday activities.
Affects 10 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighHeartComplex
Pulmonary stenosis(PS)
Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital heart defect characterized by a narrowing of the pulmonary valve or the outflow tract leading from the heart to the lungs. This narrowing restricts blood flow, forcing the right side of the heart to work much harder to pump blood. Over time, this constant strain can lead to thickening of the heart muscle and potential heart failure.
Affects 10 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Cesarean section
A Cesarean section is an emergency surgical procedure where puppies are delivered through incisions made in the mother's abdomen and uterus (womb). This reproductive system intervention becomes necessary when natural birth is impossible due to physical blockages or when the uterine muscles fail to contract.
Affects 9 breedsView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Exercise Induced Collapse(EIC)
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) is an inherited disorder of the nervous system where the communication between the brain and the muscles temporarily breaks down during intense physical activity or high excitement. This neurological failure prevents the muscles from receiving the signals they need to function properly, causing a sudden loss of motor control. It is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, meaning a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Affects 9 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Fold dermatitis/pyoderma
Fold dermatitis, also known as intertrigo, is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs within deep skin folds. When skin rubs against skin, it traps moisture, heat, and debris, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to overgrow. This leads to localized skin infections, particularly in breeds with pronounced facial, lip, or tail folds.
Affects 9 breedsView details - SevereHeartComplex
Sick sinus syndrome(SSS)
Sick sinus syndrome is a disorder of the heart's electrical system, specifically affecting the sinoatrial node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker. This malfunction causes the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or with long pauses, disrupting normal blood flow to the body. An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) is typically performed alongside electrical monitoring to rule out other structural heart diseases before proceeding with treatment.
Affects 9 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Spinocerebellar Ataxia(SCA)
Spinocerebellar ataxia is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the dog's nervous system, specifically the spinal cord and the cerebellum, which is the brain region responsible for coordinating movement. Over time, the nerve cells in these areas degenerate and fail to communicate properly. This results in a progressive loss of control over bodily movements.
Affects 9 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateSkin & coatComplex
Susceptibility to otitis externa
This condition is a genetic predisposition to inflammation of the external ear canal, which is the tube running from the outer ear to the eardrum. It affects the skin lining the ear and is often worsened by physical traits like floppy ears or underlying skin allergies. This inflammation makes the ear environment highly susceptible to recurrent bacterial or yeast infections.
Affects 9 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Tracheal collapse(TC)
Tracheal collapse is a progressive respiratory condition where the C-shaped cartilage rings that keep the windpipe (trachea) open begin to weaken and flatten. As these supportive rings lose their rigidity, the airway narrows, making it difficult for air to pass smoothly into the lungs. This mechanical failure of the respiratory tract leads to chronic irritation and breathing difficulties.
Affects 9 breedsView details - MildGeneral / metabolicAutosomal dominant
Brachyury(NBT)
Brachyury is a congenital condition affecting the skeletal system where a dog is born with an unusually short or completely absent tail. It is caused by an autosomal-dominant genetic mutation in the T-box gene, which plays a key role in embryonic skeletal development. This mutation alters how the tail vertebrae form before birth, resulting in a naturally bobbed tail.
Affects 8 breedsTested via: DNA test, RadiographView details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Growth hormone-responsive dermatosis; adrenal sex hormone-responsive dermatosis
This is a hormonal skin condition affecting the endocrine system, where an imbalance in adrenal sex hormones or a lack of growth hormone leads to symmetrical hair loss. The skin's hair follicles stop producing new hair, causing them to enter a permanent resting phase. While the skin and coat are affected, the dog's internal organs and overall physical health typically remain completely normal.
Affects 8 breedsView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Hypomyelination(HYM)
This is an inherited neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system, where the protective myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers fails to develop properly. Without this adequate insulation, nerve signals cannot travel efficiently between the brain and the body. This disruption leads to impaired coordination and involuntary muscle movements.
Affects 8 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHeartAutosomal recessive
Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency(PK)
Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder affecting red blood cells, which lack a vital enzyme needed to produce energy. Without this enzyme, the red blood cells break down prematurely, leading to a severe shortage of oxygen-carrying cells, a condition known as chronic anemia. Over time, this constant cell destruction can cause secondary damage to organs like the liver and bone marrow.
Affects 8 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Tail abnormalities
Tail abnormalities (Rutenanomalien) are congenital malformations affecting the skeletal system, specifically the tail bones (caudal vertebrae). They occur during embryonic development in the womb when the individual vertebrae do not form properly, leading to fused, misshapen, or shortened bones. This is a structural issue of the spine's tail section and is typically inherited in a complex manner.
Affects 8 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - HighGeneral / metabolicUnknown
Bleeding disorder
A bleeding disorder is a malfunction of the circulatory system where the blood cannot clot properly due to missing or defective clotting factors or platelets, which are the cells responsible for plugging damaged blood vessels. This impairment prevents the body from effectively sealing wounds, leading to prolonged internal or external bleeding.
Affects 7 breedsTested 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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