Dog Diseases Database
Every hereditary and common canine condition — with tests, affected body regions, and the breeds where each shows up most.
Filters
- SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Fanconi syndrome(FS)
Fanconi syndrome is an inherited kidney disorder affecting the renal tubules, which are the tiny filtering tubes within the kidneys. Instead of reabsorbing vital nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and electrolytes back into the bloodstream, these damaged tubules allow them to be lost in the urine. This leads to a severe depletion of essential compounds that the dog's body needs to function properly.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereEyesComplex
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a severe eye disease where fluid buildup inside the eye increases pressure, damaging the optic nerve and retina. This pressure occurs when the natural drainage system of the eye becomes blocked, preventing fluid from flowing out normally. Without proper drainage, the elevated pressure causes permanent damage to the dog's vision.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: Eye examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
GM1 Gangliosidosis(GM1)
GM1 gangliosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease that primarily affects the nervous system. It occurs when a deficiency in a specific enzyme, beta-galactosidase, prevents the body from breaking down certain fatty sugar compounds. Over time, these compounds build up to toxic levels inside cells, causing progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Hereditary myopathy - Labrador retriever/Bouviers des Flandres myopathy(CNM)
This is an inherited muscle disease affecting the skeletal muscles of dogs. It is caused by a genetic defect that prevents muscle fibers from developing normally, leading to progressive muscle wasting where the muscles gradually shrink and weaken.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicComplex
Histiocytic ulcerative colitis(HUC)
Histiocytic ulcerative colitis is a severe, chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine, or colon. It occurs when specific bacteria invade the lining of the intestinal wall, triggering an abnormal and intense immune response. This leads to deep inflammation and painful ulcers in the colon.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Histiocytosis(MH)
Histiocytosis is a severe disorder of the immune system where specific white blood cells, called histiocytes, multiply abnormally. These cells normally help protect the body, but their uncontrolled growth can lead to tumors or tissue damage in various organs, including the skin, lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes. Depending on the form, it can be localized to the skin or spread aggressively throughout the body's internal systems.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicComplex
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia(IMT)
Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disease where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own blood platelets, which are cells essential for normal blood clotting. This destruction occurs primarily in the spleen and liver, leaving the body with too few platelets to stop bleeding. Without enough of these cells, spontaneous and potentially severe bleeding can occur throughout the body.
Affects 3 breedsView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease(IPD)
Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease (IPD) is an inherited respiratory disorder affecting the lungs and airways. It is caused by a genetic defect in the cilia, which are tiny, hair-like structures responsible for clearing mucus and debris from the respiratory tract. Without functioning cilia, the lungs cannot self-clean, leading to persistent buildup and chronic inflammation.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy(JDCM)
This is a severe, inherited heart disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally enlarged and weakened, preventing it from pumping blood effectively. It is an autosomal-recessive condition that primarily affects young Portuguese Water Dogs and Toy Manchester Terriers. In Toy Manchester Terriers, the disease is linked to a mutation in a cardiac potassium channel, which is a protein essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereSkin & coatComplex
Lupus erythematosus (systemic, cutaneous/discoid)(SLE)
Lupus erythematosus is a severe autoimmune disease where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. In the cutaneous or discoid form, this damage is limited to the skin, while the systemic form can affect multiple internal organs, including the kidneys, joints, and blood vessels. This abnormal immune response causes chronic inflammation and tissue damage throughout the affected areas.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - SevereHead / nervous systemComplex
Meningitis(SRMA)
Meningitis is a severe inflammatory condition affecting the protective membranes, called meninges, and blood vessels surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In dogs, this most commonly occurs as an immune-mediated disorder known as Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA). This means the dog's own immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation in these nervous system tissues without any actual infection being present.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: Clinical examView details - ModerateSpineAutosomal recessive
Myelodysplasia (spinal dysraphism)(SD)
Myelodysplasia, also known as spinal dysraphism, is a congenital malformation of the spinal cord where the nervous tissue fails to develop and close properly during embryonic growth. This defect permanently disrupts the transmission of nerve signals from the brain to the hind legs. Because the spinal cord is part of the central nervous system, this malformation directly impacts the dog's coordination and movement.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighGeneral / metabolicAutosomal recessive
Myotonia(MC)
Myotonia is an inherited muscle disorder where a dog's muscles are unable to relax normally after contracting. This is caused by a genetic defect in the electrical channels of the muscle cells, leading to constant over-excitement of the muscle tissue. Because the muscles remain tense instead of releasing, it directly impacts the dog's ability to move smoothly.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Neuroaxonal dystrophy(NAD)
Neuroaxonal dystrophy is a severe, inherited disorder of the central nervous system where the endings of nerve cells, called axons, swell and degenerate. Axons act like electrical wires that transmit signals between the brain and the body, and their breakdown disrupts normal communication. This progressive deterioration leads to widespread neurological dysfunction.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateHead / nervous systemComplex
Paralyzed, permanently visible tongue
This condition involves a paralyzed or structurally abnormal tongue that permanently hangs out of the dog's mouth. It is caused by damage to the nervous system, specifically the hypoglossal nerve which controls tongue movement, or by developmental issues in the jaw structure. Because it is a physical condition diagnosed through a clinical exam, there is no direct genetic test for it.
Affects 3 breedsView details - HighHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Peripheral neuropathy(PN)
This is a genetic disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. In affected dogs, the protective outer coating of these nerves degrades, disrupting the electrical signals sent to muscles and organs. This leads to progressive muscle weakness and loss of coordination.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Pyloric stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus, which is the muscular valve that regulates the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This narrowing obstructs the digestive system by preventing food from entering the intestines normally. It is typically a congenital condition, meaning dogs are born with it.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: UltrasoundView details - SevereGeneral / metabolicX-linked
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)(SCID)
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an inherited genetic defect of the immune system, specifically linked to the X chromosome. It prevents the dog's body from producing functional white blood cells, known as T and B lymphocytes, which are essential for fighting off infections. Without these defense cells, affected puppies are completely vulnerable to even common environmental bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - HighMouth & teethComplex
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a congenital birth defect of the nervous system where the vertebrae, which are the bones of the spine, fail to close completely around the spinal cord during embryonic development. This incomplete closure leaves the delicate spinal cord unprotected, which can lead to nerve damage in the lower back.
Affects 3 breedsView details - ModerateMouth & teethComplex
Spondylosis(SP)
Spondylosis is a degenerative disease of the skeletal system, specifically affecting the spine. It occurs when the body creates bony spurs or bridges between the vertebrae, which are the individual bones of the spine, in an attempt to stabilize local joint instability. Over time, these bony growths can cause the spine to become stiff and less flexible.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: RadiographView details - MildGeneral / metabolicComplex
Tail anomalies
Tail anomalies are congenital (present from birth) malformations of the caudal vertebrae, which are the small bones that make up the tail. This skeletal condition occurs when these vertebral bodies do not develop or fuse properly during fetal growth, resulting in a kinked, curved, or shortened tail.
Affects 3 breedsView details - HighHeartComplex
Ventricular septal defect(VSD)
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect where a hole exists in the wall, or septum, that separates the left and right lower chambers of the heart. This opening allows blood to flow abnormally between these chambers, forcing the heart and lungs to work much harder than normal. Over time, this abnormal circulation can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and heart failure.
Affects 3 breedsTested via: Cardiac examView details - MildSkin & coatComplex
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a harmless condition affecting the skin and coat where the body's immune system mistakenly destroys melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing pigment. This leads to a progressive loss of color in localized areas of the skin, nose, and fur. The condition is entirely cosmetic and does not cause any underlying illness or physical discomfort.
Affects 3 breedsView details - SevereHead / nervous systemAutosomal recessive
Acral Mutilation Syndrome(AMS)
Acral Mutilation Syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the limbs to the brain. Because of this genetic defect, affected dogs cannot feel pain in their paws and lower legs. This lack of sensation leads to a loss of protective reflexes in these areas.
Affects 2 breedsTested via: DNA testView details - ModerateGeneral / metabolicComplex
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral disorders in dogs involve abnormalities in the central nervous system and brain chemistry, which regulate mood and responses to stimuli. These conditions arise from a complex interaction between a dog's genetic makeup and its environmental experiences. This means there is no single gene responsible, but rather a combination of hereditary factors that influence how a dog reacts to its world.
Affects 2 breedsTested via: BehavioralView 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.
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Full transparency
We show what's on file: who the breeders are, how they work and which health records they've uploaded. That way you can form your own picture.
Verified breeders, open records
Every breeder on HonestDog has their identity and documents checked before their profile goes live. Health records they upload are shown on the profile, so you can see exactly what has been tested.
Clear vetting criteria
Before a breeder profile goes live, we check identity, club membership or breeding permit, and photos of the breeding environment. HonestDog puts you in touch with the breeder and doesn't sell dogs itself — we can't guarantee any individual dog.
Less hassle, more time
We've already checked the breeders' documents and gathered the details, so you can skip the endless research and focus on finding the right puppy for your family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
About HonestDog
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.