Guide To Congenital And Heritable Disorders In Dogs*

*Includes Genetic Predisposition to Disease

Published by The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights
P.O. Box 208, Davis, California 95617-0208
First printing: August 1994, revised August 1997 and November 2000
Special thanks to: W. Jean Dodds, D.Kay Inks

Section I
A list of 148 purebred dog breeds, each of which is accompanied by a number or series of numbers that correspond to the genetic diseases identified and described in Section II.'

Section II
An alphabetical listing of genetically transmitted diseases that occur in purebred dogs. Each disease is assigned an identification number, and some diseases are followed by the names of the breeds known to be subject to those diseases.

How to use this webpage
Refer to Section I to find out the number of genetically transmitted diseases associated with the breed or breeds in which you are interested. Refer to Section II to find the names and definitions of those diseases. You can also click on the numbers list next to the breed and be taken to the corresponding disease. Use your back button to go back to the breed and click the next number.

You can click here to go directly to Giant Schnauzer.

Disclaimer
This report was designed to catalogue the existing congenital and hereditary diseases found in purebred dogs and to describe other common conditions that are thought to be genetic in origin because they appear with higher-than-expected frequency in certain breeds. The knowledge of and experience with nonhuman animal diseases is always changing, and new diseases are discovered each year. As a result, this catalogue cannot be fully complete. Every attempt has been made, nevertheless, to provide the latest information from published articles in scientific and popular journals, from review chapters written by veterinary and other professionals, and from breed-club literature provided by designated representatives of individual breed clubs.

The conditions listed in the Canine Consumer Report occur with varying degrees of frequency and severity from one breed to the next. Hip dysplasia, umbilical hernias, and allergies, for example, are common conditions found in many breeds, while serious malformations (such as the lysosomal storage diseases) and life- threatening diseases (such as hemophilia and certain cancers) are found with less frequency. The impact of a particular disorder on the health and longevity of the breed or breeds that it affects will depend on the nature and severity of that disorder. Therefore, no attempt has been made to assign priority among the diseases identified in this catalogue. This sort of information should be sought form veterinarians and other medical professionals with relevant experience and from national breed-club representatives, whose names can be obtained by visiting www.akc.org.
 

Section I: Aberdeen terrier:324 Affenpinscher: 12, 55, 98, 218, 235, 236, 330 Afghan hound: 14, 42, 65, 96, 114, 121, 135, 145, 147, 166, 206a, 211, 221, 221a, 239, 245, 256, 269, 270, 330 Airedale terrier: 7, 9, 48, 65, 88, 103, 122, 140, 148, 165, 166, 168, 206a, 230, 256, 269, 270, 273a, 314, 318, 330 Akita: 9, 27, 43, 65, 71, 103, 114, 115, 135, 137, 140, 146, 152, 156, 166, 172,192, 193a, 199, 221, 221a, 239, 256, 270, 273a, 312, 318, 329, 330 Alaskan malamute: 13, 42, 59, 65, 67, 85, 89, 120, 121, 122, 135, 144, 147, 148, 150, 152, 166, 206a, 221, 221a, 256, 266, 330, 334 American cocker spaniel: 1, 10, 12, 18, 26, 27, 42, 43, 54, 55, 65, 69, 72, 73, 88, 94, 94a, 95, 103, 107, 109, 121, 123, 135, 146, 147, 148, 152, 154, 166, 171, 173, 179, 181, 186, 188, 193a, 197, 221, 221a, 226, 228, 235, 236, 242, 245, 254, 256, 266, 270, 275, 276, 286, 307, 318, 319, 320, 330 American foxhound: 78, 199, 290, 311, American Staffordshire terrier: 42, 54, 55, 88, 103, 166, 204a, 221, 221a, 256 American water spaniel: 42, 150, 270 Antarctic husky: 103, 147, Australian cattle dog (Australian blue heeler): 42, 78, 109, 121, 124b, 147, 149, 152, 166, 171, 177, 186, 193a, 200, 214, 221, 228, 245, 256, 270, 318, 319, Australian kelpie: 58, 199, 203, 256 Australian shepherd: 42, 55, 58, 78, 89, 152, 166, 199, 203, 221, 221a, 245, 256, 269, 270, 287, 318, 328, 329, 330 Australian terrier: 85, 185, 256, 270 Basenji: 56, 59, 66, 124a, 146, 166, 171, 172, 245, 256, 263, 268, 270, 318 Basset hound: 5, 9, 9a, 15, 27, 31, 61a, 70, 94, 103, 105, 109, 114, 120, 121, 131, 135, 136, 146, 147, 157, 159a, 166, 168, 169, 170, 171, 174, 186, 190, 221, 221a, 222, 231, 235, 245, 249, 256, 274, 299, 311,318, 330, 332, Beagle: 10, 11, 21, 34, 37, 42, 43, 54, 55, 65, 72, 80, 88, 94a, 109, 114, 120, 121, 135, 136, 146, 147, 157, 166, 168, 173, 182, 188a, 192, 193a, 202, 204, 212, 220, 227, 2,42, 245, 256, 260, 267, 270, 275, 280, 310, 312, 327, 330 Bearded collie: 9a, 42, 65, 152, 159a, 166, 245, 256, 269, 270, 303, Bedlington terrier: 2, 23, 42, 88, 94, 184, 199, 210, 223, 256, 265, 266, 269, 270 Belgian malinois: 109, 152, 166, 256 Belgian sheepdog: 42, 109, 152, 166, 204a, 230, 256, 269, 270 Belgian tervuren: 42, 109, 166, 221, 221a, 230, 256 Bernese mountain dog: 20, 42, 46, 47, 54, 55, 103, 149, 149d, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 255, 256, 269, 318 Bichon frise: 42, 53, 65, 103, 109, 122, 148, 235, 331a, Black and tan coonhound: 94, 103, 122, 148, 152, 221, 221a, 252 Bloodhound: 31, 94, 103, 114, 152, 166, 179, 181, 195, 221, 221a, 245, 324, Blue tick hound: 136, 193a, 221, 221a Border collie: 65, 109, 152, 186, 214, 221, 221a, 256 Border terrier: 17, 39, 42, 58, 68, 70, 126, 145, 186, 196, 217, 235, 248, 256, 270, 324, 327, Borzoi (Russian wolfhound): 31, 36, 42, 118, 152, 155, 166, 192, 200, 256, 312, 330 Boston terrier: 10, 12, 17, 22, 39, 42, 54, 55, 65, 67, 68, 71, 78, 80, 88, 90, 103, 112, 114, 135, 145, 151, 154, 159, 166, 171, 174, 179, 181, 196, 235, 236, 248, 256, 262, 275, 295, 304, 42, 55, 74, 90, 94, 100, 103, 131, 135, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 318, 330 Boxer: 3, 6, 10, 22, 24, 38, 42, 67, 72, 75, 80, 83, 88, 94a, 99, 103, 113, 114, 119, 121, 131, 134, 139, 149, 153, 156, 166, 192, 196, 221, 221a, 250, 256, 277, 293, 294, 297, 300, 304a, 312, 317, 325, 330 Briard: 42, 105, 166, 231, 256, 330 Brittany spaniel: 42, 55, 61b, 88, 121, 147, 149b, 186, 221, 221a, 256, 270 Brussels griffon: 1, 42, 88, 256, 278, 281, Bullmastiff: 3, 31,51, 55, 88, 103, 114, 135, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 245, 256, 270, 273, 280, 325, Bull terrier: 78, 94, 103, 130, 171, 186, 196, 221, 221a, 294, 318, 333, Cairn terrier: 1, 42, 48, 68, 75, 121, 122, 135, 136, 147, 148, 149, 166, 171, 186, 193a, 256, 270, 330 Cardigan Welsh corgi: 61a, 75, 90, 103, 135, 173, 186, 245, 256, 270 Cavalier King Charles spaniel: 37a, 42, 65, 85, 88, 103, 166, 179, 199, 235, 256, 270, 311a, Chesapeake Bay retriever: 42, 88, 103, 114, 152, 221, 221a, 256, 270, 330 Chihuahua: 55, 57, 65, 87, 103, 121, 135, 147, 149, 154, 160, 162, 166, 175, 179, 181, 186, 201, 214, 221, 221a, 235, 256, 260, Chinese shar pei: 10, 22, 29, 80, 94, 103, 128, 129, 135, 152, 166, 168, 172,186, 187, 221, 221a, 226, 235, 256, 270, 276, 295, 319, 326, Chow chow: 27, 31, 42, 48, 55, 61, 80, 88, 94, 95, 98, 103, 135, 152, 160a, 165, 166, 172, 192, 204, 204a, 221, 221a, 230, 239, 245, 256, 280, 312 Clumber spaniel: 94, 103, 152, 309, 319, 324, Collie: 33, 37, 42, 45, 58, 65, 73, 78, 80, 82, 86, 88, 89, 103, 109, 121, 126, 140, 147, 152, 166, 171, 176, 199, 208, 209, 220, 221, 221a, 236, 238, 245, 256, 270, 273a, 318, 330 Curly-coated retriever: 42, 88, 94, 103, 256 Dalmatian: 10, 22, 32, 78, 80, 81, 88, 103, 129, 130, 135, 136, 140, 152, 166, 193a, 199, 221, 221a, 230, 256, 273a, 294, 321, 322, Dandie Dinmont terrier: 3, 42, 67, 87, 97, 103, 135, 152, 166, 173, 235, 245, 281, Doberman pinscher: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 27, 35, 38, 42, 51, 53, 59, 61, 64, 68, 80, 103, 105, 121, 127, 129, 138a, 143a, 146, 147, 152, 161, 166, 170, 173, 182, 192, 199, 206a, 221, 221a, 231, 243, 245, 250, 251, 256, 266, 266a, 267, 270, 292, 304a, 312, 328, 330 English bulldog: 1, 3, 6, 19, 42, 54, 55, 80, 88, 90, 94, 98, 103, 116, 129, 130, 145, 152, 154, 164, 166, 179, 181, 201, 205, 217, 2,42, 245, 260, 261, 278, 280, 287, 325, 330 English cocker spaniel: 42, 70, 88, 94, 103, 119, 135, 147, 150, 166, 177, 186, 214, 221, 221a, 236, 245, 256, 259, 270, 304, 330 English foxhound: 78, 290, English setter: 31, 42, 61, 68, 78, 91, 94, 103, 121, 124b, 147, 152, 160, 166, 177, 181, 188a, 193a, 214, 221, 221a, 256, 323, 330 English springer spaniel: 9a, 10, 12, 18, 26, 27, 42, 43, 54, 55, 59, 65, 69, 72, 88, 94, 94a, 95, 103, 107, 109, 121, 123, 124, 135, 146, 147, 148, 152, 154, 159a, 160a, 166, 171, 173, 188, 193a, 197, 206a, 220, 221, 221a, 226, 228, 235, 236, 2,42, 245, 245a, 254, 256, 264a, 266, 270, 275, 276, 286, 307, 318, 319, 320, 330 English toy spaniel (King Charles and Ruby Blenheim spaniels): 42, 55, 65, 85, 103, 143, 235, 270, 318 Field spaniel: 14, 42, 166, 256, 270 Finnish spitz: 85 Flat-coated retriever: 42, 88, 94, 103, 152, 166, 256 French bulldog: 42, 54, 55, 88, 98, 103, 119, 121, 122, 145, 147, 148, 330 German shepherd: 10, 21, 27, 36, 42, 44, 54, 55, 59, 65, 72, 72a, 75, 81, 83, 86, 94a, 95, 102, 103, 105, 109, 112, 114, 121, 122, 129a, 221a, 131, 137, 143a, 147, 148, 152, 166, 168, 180, 186, 191, 192, 193a, 194, 208, 220, 221, 221a, 225, 226, 229, 230, 231, 236, 238, 241, 243, 247, 256, 266, 270, 276, 283, 300, 306, 312, 316, 320, 330 German short-haired pointer: 8, 9a, 42, 65, 103, 114, 124b, 125, 152, 159a, 166, 177, 188a, 191, 193a, 197, 214, 221, 221a, 230, 256, 300, 311, 330 German wire-haired pointer: 42, 103, 152, 221, 221a, 270, 302, 330 Giant schnauzer: 42, 105, 135, 146, 152, 158, 166, 192, 221, 221a, 231, 256, 269, 270, 276, 311a, 312, 327a, Golden retriever: 7, 9, 10, 22, 42, 59, 65, 81, 88, 94, 95, 103, 121, 129, 129a, 130, 140, 143a, 146, 147, 149, 152, 166, 178, 192, 193, 204a, 206, 220, 221, 221a, 256, 273a, 300, 312, 328, 329 Gordon setter: 31, 42, 45, 103, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 256, 179, 181, 270, 307, Great Dane: 6, 7, 31, 36, 38, 42, 48, 50, 51, 61, 75, 78, 80, 83, 88, 94, 103, 114, 131, 135, 144, 152, 153, 155, 158, 166, 176, 192, 198, 199, 201, 204a, 211, 221, 221a, 225, 243, 250, 255, 256, 270, 292, 298, 312, 330 Great Pyrenees: 5, 9, 16, 42, 78, 80, 94, 103, 122, 124, 148, 152, 166, 195, 221, 221a, 244, 256, 304, 311a, 325, Greyhound: 14, 42, 65, 72, 88, 90, 94a, 109, 112, 121, 147, 155, 166, 186, 220, 221, 221a, 230, 245, 256, 279, 326, 330 Harrier: none recognized Havanese: 42, 245, 256, 269 Ibizan hound: 10, 14, 42, 70, 166, 270, 311a, Irish setter: 7, 10, 22, 31, 40, 42, 61, 65, 79, 81, 88, 103, 109, 121, 129, 130, 131, 132, 138a, 140, 146, 147, 152, 166, 186, 191, 198, 206a, 220, 221, 221a, 243, 245, 256, 264, 273a, 276, 311a, 320, 324, 328, 329 Irish terrier: 75, 85a, 204a, 256 Irish water spaniel: 42, 152, 166, 167, 195, 245, 256, 330 Irish wolfhound: 38, 42, 103, 149, 152, 155, 158, 166, 221, 221a, 330 Italian greyhound: 14, 42, 61, 65, 70, 109, 135, 220, 243, 256, 311a, Jack Russell terrier: 20, 123, 186, 206, 330 Japanese spaniel (Japanese chin): 42, 70, 88, 103, 137, 256 Keeshond: 1, 41, 42, 63, 71, 85, 94, 109, 135, 149, 156, 165, 166, 180, 197, 201, 256, 260, 266, 274, 310, 327, 330 Kerry blue terrier: 42, 47, 88, 103, 124, 141, 166, 179, 181, 207, 256, 311a, 320, 330 Komondor: 42, 103, 152, 166, 285, Kuvasz: 42, 103, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 330 Labrador retriever: 3, 7, 9, 9a, 10, 22, 40, 42, 59, 68, 77, 78, 85, 88, 89, 94, 95, 103, 109, 121, 122, 129a, 147, 148, 149, 152, 158, 159a, 160, 166, 197, 204a, 206a, 221, 221a, 244, 245, 256, 257, 258, 269, 270, 276, 282, 315, 330 Lakeland terrier: 42, 70, 88, 166, 186, 245, 319, 320, 330 Lhasa Apso: 1, 10, 22, 42, 65, 81, 88, 94, 103, 166, 171, 179, 181, 189, 235, 256, 266, 330 Maltese: 1, 30, 70, 78, 88, 110, 135, 149, 152, 160, 166, 192, 235, 256, 270, 312, 330, 331a, Mastiff: 31, 65, 94, 103, 166, 221, 221a, 245, 256, 270, 325, Miniature bull terrier: 103, 166, 186, Miniature dachshund: 4, 5, 42, 43a, 54, 55, 61, 65, 72, 75, 78, 80, 85, 94a, 129, 146, 156, 161, 166, 173, 176, 178, 187, 199, 206a, 214, 216, 224, 228, 230, 237, 239, 250, 256, 267, 275, 2,96, 297, 326, 328, 330 Miniature pinscher: 42, 65, 87, 103, 140, 171, 179, 181, 185, 230, 256, 273a Miniature poodle: 5, 10, 22, 26, 27, 42, 49, 78, 81, 88, 92, 93, 103, 109, 110, 111, 121, 135, 136, 140, 144, 147, 156, 165, 166, 173, 175, 184, 193a, 199, 206, 220, 221, 221a, 223, 226, 230, 235, 236, 256, 269, 275, 294, 327, 330 Miniature schnauzer: 10, 22, 42, 70, 76, 88, 103, 112, 121, 144a, 146, 147, 149, 149a, 157, 166, 185, 221, 221a, 259, 260, 266a, 271, 284, 301, 311a, 330 Neapolitan mastiff: 42, 83, 94, 103, 152, 158, 166, 221, 245, 256 Newfoundland: 25, 38, 42, 75, 83, 94, 95, 103, 114, 129a, 146, 152, 166, 183, 192, 221, 221a, 236, 300, 311a, 312, 320, 327, 330 Norwegian dunkerhound: 78, 199, Norwegian elkhound: 42, 88, 103, 135, 152, 166, 180, 186, 256, 266, 275, 276, 302, Norwich terrier: 65, 166, 186, 330 Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever: 9a, 42, 159a, 166, 256 Old English sheepdog: 9a, 42, 80, 88, 103, 122, 129, 140, 146, 148, 152, 159a, 161, 166, 172, 192, 221, 221a, 250, 256, 269, 270, 273a, 292, 311a, 312, 328, 330 Otter hound: 119, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 249, 274, 311, 330 Papillon: 12, 42, 65, 103, 166, 235, 330 Pekingese: 42, 88, 103, 116, 146, 162, 166, 171, 173, 179, 181, 184, 186, 199, 230, 246, 256, 277, 278, 304, 311a, 317, 318 Pembroke Welsh corgi: 42, 50, 65, 72, 75, 90, 109, 166, 186, 245, 256, 270, 330 Pharoah hound: 10, 166, 220, 311a, Pointer: 8, 10, 36, 42, 65, 80, 89, 103, 109, 152, 166, 178, 213, 215, 230, 231, 239, 256, 318, 330 Pomeranian: 42, 70, 73, 87, 88, 103, 110, 136, 137, 140, 149, 162, 165, 166, 184, 186, 210, 219, 235, 236, 256, 273a, 313, Portuguese water dog: 9a, 42, 88, 159a, 166, 188a, 193a, 245, 256, 273a, 299a, Pug: 10, 22, 50, 54, 57, 65, 67, 76, 80, 81, 90, 98, 98a, 103, 109, 116, 143, 149, 152, 166, 173, 179, 185, 195, 196, 230, 235, 246, 256, 259, 293, 295, 304a, 309, 317, Puli: 27, 42, 152, 256, 270 Rhodesian ridgeback: 42, 45, 51, 84, 103, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 245, 256 Rottweiler: 9a, 27, 42, 85, 88, 94, 95, 103, 105, 129, 129a, 146, 152, 159a, 161, 166, 172, 192, 231, 245, 256, 269, 270, 300, 311a, 312, 326, 328, 330 Saint Bernard: 31, 42, 60, 72, 83, 88, 94, 94a, 103, 109, 114, 118, 121, 122, 133, 147, 148, 149, 152, 166, 188, 198, 221, 221a, 225, 298, 325, 328, 329, 330 Saluki: 14, 27, 42, 65, 103, 146, 166, 214, 245, 256, 269, 270, 311a, 330 Samoyed: 24, 42, 65, 85, 88, 89, 103, 121, 135, 140, 147, 149, 149b, 152, 166, 221, 221a, 2,42, 245, 256, 260, 269, 270, 273a, 274, 311a, 328, 330 Schipperke: 42, 85, 88, 103, 166, 185, 207, 239, 245, 256 Scottish deerhound: 31, 42, 105, 131, 158, 166, 221, 221a Scottish terrier: 5, 10, 22, 42, 68, 75, 78, 81, 122, 129, 148, 166, 186, 193, 197, 256, 272, 294, 324, 330 Sealyham terrier: 22, 42, 81, 135, 166, 186, 245, 256, 269, 270 Shetland sheepdog: 5, 42, 52, 59, 65, 82, 86, 88, 108, 121, 122, 129, 147, 148, 149a, 151 , 152, 157, 166, 192, 220, 236, 245, 256, 270, 306, 312, 328, 329, 330 Shih Tzu: 1, 42, 54, 55, 83, 88, 89, 94, 103, 146, 149, 166, 182, 187, 256, 266, 269, 311a, 317, 330 Siberian husky: 41, 42, 65, 86, 103, 104, 121, 135, 147, 152, 166, 186, 221, 221a, 230, 245, 256, 270, 328, 329, 330, 334 Silky terrier: 42, 70, 85, 154, 185, 188a, 193a, 235, 245, 256, 311a, 313, Skye terrier: 27, 88, 101, 111, 163, 183, 186, 192, 206, 312, 316, 330 Smooth fox terrier: 3, 10, 22, 42, 78, 81, 87, 88, 112, 135, 138, 166, 185, 186, 221, 221a, 243, 260, 288, 330 Soft-coated Wheaton terrier: 9a, 10, 22, 42, 81, 159a, 166, 172, 220, 245, 253, 256, 266a, 270, 330 Spinoni Italiani: 91, 103, Standard dachshund: 1, 4, 5, 42, 54, 55, 61, 65, 72, 75, 78, 80, 83, 85, 94a, 103, 115, 129, 135, 156, 161, 166, 173, 176, 179, 181, 187, 199, 214, 216, 220, 224, 228, 230, 237, 239, 245, 250, 256, 267, 275, 2,96, 297, 326, 328, 330 Standard Manchester terrier: 42, 72, 109, 135, 166, 185, 186, 256, 330 Standard poodle: 9a, 10, 21, 22, 27, 31, 42, 61, 81, 88, 103, 109, 110, 121, 124a, 135, 140, 144, 146, 147, 152, 159a, 166, 175, 184, 186, 199, 220, 221, 221a, 223, 230, 245, 256, 269, 273a, 311a, 330 Standard schnauzer: 23, 42, 62, 121, 147, 166, 221, 221a, 240, 260, 270, 330 Sussex spaniel: 38, 42, 88, 103, 270 Swiss mountain dog: 221, 221a, 249, 311,311a, Tibertan mastiff: 95, 152, 158, 166, 192, 221, 245, 312, 330 Tibetan terrier: 14, 42, 103, 186, 199, 214, 245, 256, 270 Toy Manchester terrier: 42, 166, 1186, 256, 330 Toy poodle: 5, 10, 22, 26, 27, 42, 49, 78, 81, 88, 92, 93, 103, 109, 110, 111, 121, 124a, 135, 136, 140, 144, 146, 147, 149, 156, 165, 166, 173, 175, 184, 193a, 199, 221, 221a, 223, 226, 230, 235, 236, 256, 269, 275, 294, 327, 330 Vizsla: 42, 68, 80, 103, 109, 117, 121, 140, 143a, 147, 152, 161, 166, 193, 221, 221a, 256, 273a, 289, 2,96, 305, 318, 319, 326, Weimaraner: 31, 43a, 61, 65, 88, 103, 105, 114, 121, 131, 140, 142, 147, 152, 158, 160a, 165, 166, 168, 169, 170, 196, 206, 256, 273a, 289, 2,96, 305, 311b, 318, 319, 326, Welsh springer spaniel: 42, 135, 152, 245, 256 Welsh terrier: 42, 135, 166, 186, 330 West Highland white terrier: 2, 4, 9a, 10, 21, 22, 42, 68, 71, 81, 106, 136, 156, 159a, 171, 181, 185, 186, 199, 245, 270, 276, 331, 331a, Whippet: 42, 61, 70, 80, 103, 143a, 166, 186, 221, 221a, 234, 256, 330 Wire-haired fox terrier: 3, 22, 42, 78, 87, 88, 103, 112, 135, 138, 185, 186, 243, 256, 260, 288, 310, 330 Wire-haired pointing griffon: 152, 206a, 226 Yorkshire terrier: 42, 71, 80, 88, 103, 149, 154, 162, 166, 179, 181, 185, 235, 236, 245, 256, 269,270, 276, 330

Section II: 1.Aberrant cilia: eyelashes growing abnormally, such as rubbing against the eyeball (see #88,). 2.Abnormal copper metabolism: (usually Bedlington terriers or Doberman pinschers) an inability to utilize and store copper properly, resulting in liver disease and other problems. 3.Abnormal dentition: abnormal placement, number and development of teeth. 4.Acanthosis nigricans: (usually dachshunds) a skin disease where the skin becomes thickened and dark, primarily affecting the axillae (armpits). 5. Achondroplasia: abnormal development of cartilage leading to dwarfism (seen aberrantly in most breeds, but that's what makes a Basset hound and other achondroplastic breeds long and low). 6. Acne: same thing as in humans, affects the muzzle and lip areas. 7. Acral lick dermatitis: a skin disease caused by an animal's licking a localized area excessively, especially on the legs and paws. 8. Acral mutilation: a progressive self-mutilation of the feet and legs. Also known as peripheral sensory neuropathy in pointing breeds because they are born without pain sensation. 9. Acute moist dermatitis: known as "hot spots," a localized area of a severely itchy, inflamed and oozing dermatitis exacerbated by the animal's intense licking and chewing at the spot. 9a. Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism): a disease characterized by inadequate secretion of cortisone from the adrenal glands. More common in Old English sheepdogs, standard poodles and bearded collies. (See #159a,.) 10. Allergies: same as in humans. Dogs can be allergic to things they come in contact with, eat or inhale. 11. Amyloidosis: a condition where abnormal deposits of proteinaceous material called amyloid are laid down in tissues and impair their function. Common in Akitas and Chinese shar peis. 12. Anasarca: a condition where neonatal puppies have an abnormal accumulation of fluids in their tissues. Often seen in English bulldogs. 13. Anemia with chondrodysplasia: a condition of Alaskan malamutes where there is malformation and maldevelopment of cartilage and red blood cells. Also called stomatocytosis because of the mouth-like shape of red blood cells. 14. Anesthetic idiosyncracy: a condition where an individual has an abnormal response to commonly used anesthetics sometimes leading to death. Idiosyncratic means there is no good explanation or way to predict this. 15. Anomaly of third cervical vertebra: a malformation of one of the neck bones in the spinal column. 16. Anophthalmia: a condition where an animal is born without any eyes. 17. Aortic body tumors: a cancer that arises from a small organ at the base of the aorta, near the heart. 18. Apocrine gland tumor: a cancer arising from glands which secrete fluids (such as mammary glands). 19. Arteriovenous fistula: an abnormal connection that forms between arteries and veins. 20. Ataxia: (see #255, #288,.) 21. Atopic dermatitis: a skin disease caused by a dog's reaction to an inhalant allergy. (See #81,.) 22. Atopy: an allergy caused from things dogs inhale. 23. Atresia of nasolacrimal puncta: a condition where the holes on the inside of the lower eyelids (puncta) are too small or closed so tears spill over the lid instead of draining to the nose. 24. Atrial septal defects: a malformation of the dividing wall between two chambers of the heart, usually resulting in a hole which then causes blood flow abnormalities. 25. Avulsion fractures: fractures of the bones caused by a piece being ripped away, usually because of its strong attachment to a ligament or tendon. 26. Basal cell tumor: a cancer arising from a type of skin cell. 27. Behavioral abnormalities: a whole range of abnormal behavior patterns, such as aggression, panic disorders, etc. 28. Bithoracic ectromelia: a condition where the front leg bones are very small or absent. 29. Blepharospasm: an abnormal tightening of the muscles around the eyes, which causes repetitive blinking. 30. Blindness: an inability to see due to a large variety of causes. 31. Bloat: a condition where a dog's stomach produces excessive gas and enlarges severely enough to cause death without immediate treatment. Usually associated with gastric torsion (see #131,). 32. Blue eyes: an adverse reaction to certain vaccines containing canine hepatitis virus (adenovirus 1) which produces a bluish discoloration to the cornea. 33. Bullous pemphigoid: an autoimmune (i.e., the body attacking itself) disease associated with the formation of painful blisters. 34. Bundle branch block: an abnormality of the electrical conduction mechanism of the heart. 35. Bundle of His degeneration: a condition where a part of the electrical system of the heart deteriorates. 36. Calcinosis circumscripta: the development of lumps of hard calcium deposits in the skin. 37. Cancer, bladder: as in humans, cancer arising from the bladder. 37a. Cardiac valvular disease: weakness of heart valves producing heart murmurs and leading to cardiac failure. Prevalent in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. 38. Cardiomyopathy: a disease of weakened heart muscles. Common in giant breeds, boxers, Doberman pinschers. 39. Carotid body tumors: cancer arising from a small organ located on the carotid in the neck. 40. Carpal subluxation: a condition where the "wrist" bones are loose and out of alignment. 41,. Castration responsive dermatosis: a skin condition characterized by loss of hair, thickened skin and inflammatiion which responds to castration (i.e., hormonally dependent). 42. Cataract: as in humans, a change in structure of the lens of the eye leading to cloudiness and usually to blindness. 43. Cataract with microphthalmia: a condition where a dog has cataracts along with abnormally small eyes. 43a. Cell-mediated immunodeficiency: a deficiency of t-lymphocyte function causing impaired immunity, chronic recurrent infections and stunted growth. Seen in Weimaraners and Dachshunds. (See #311b). 44. Cellulitis (folliculitis and furunculosis): inflammation and infection of the cells of the skin including the hair follicles and deeper structures. 45. Cerebellar cortical abiotrophy: malformation of the neurons in the cerebellum, a part of the brain. 46. Cerebellar degeneration: a condition where a part of the brain deteriorates. 47. Cerebellar and extrapyramidal abiotrophy: a condition where the neurons in the cerebellum part of the brain and parts of the spinal cord are malformed and eventually malfunction. 48,. Cerebellar hypoplasia: a condition where the cerebellum, a part of the brain, is poorly formed (too small or absent) and doesn't function properly or at all. 49. Cerebrospinal demyelination: a condition where the neurons of the brain and spinal cord are malformed, lacking a specialized sheath, which causes malfunction. 50. Cervical disc disease: a degeneration or malformation of the cushioning discs between the spinal column bones (vertebrae) in the neck. 51. Cervical vertebral malformation or instability: a malformation of the vertebrae in the neck usually leading to nerve damage. Commonly seen in Doberman pinschers and causes a hackneyed gait (high stepping). 52. Choroidal hypoplasia: improper development of a part of the eye. 53. Ciliary dyskinesia: congenital trait in several breeds where all ciliated cells (those with hairs or moving appendages) are deformed and rigid. Also called immotile cilia syndrome and Kartagener's syndrome. Causes chronic pneumonia and sterility. Common in bichon frise and Doberman pinschers. 54. Cleft lip: a condition where the two halves of the upper lip do not join together. Cleft palate and cleft lip are often seen together. 55. Cleft palate: a condition where the roof of the mouth is not closed and the inside of the nose opens into the mouth. 56. Coliform enteritis: an inflammation of the bowel tract caused by a certain group of bacteria. 57. Collapsed trachea: a condition where the cartilage rings that make up the trachea are malformed and tend to collapse easily. 58. Collie eye anomaly: a condition of collie dogs where the narrow shape of the head causes the eyes to be malformed. 59. Coloboma: an abnormal development of the eye, usually seen in collies, which can lead to blindness (see #203,). 60,. Colobomas with aphakia: same as above but with congenital absence of the lens. 61,. Color mutant alopecia: a condition where certain colored areas of a dog's skin grows less or no fur. Commonly seen in Yorkshire terriers, blue Doberman pinschers and fawn Irish setters. 61a. Combined immunodeficiency: a severe combined deficiency of cell-mediated immunity (T-cell function) and low levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and variably IgM). Affected puppies usually die from viral infectins by 12-16 weeks of age. Seen in Basset hounds. (See 343a, 168, 169, 170,.) 61b. Complement deficiency: a deficiency in serum levels of the third component of complement which impairs neutrophil function and causes recurrent infections. Seen in Brittany spaniels. 62. Conjunctivitis: an inflammation of the conjunctival membrane of the eye. 63. Conus septal defect: a developmental abnormality of the right ventricle of the heart. 64. Copper storage abnormalityin liver: (see #2,.) 65. Corneal dystrophy: an abnormality of the cornea usually characterized by shallow pits in the surface. 66. Corneal leukomas: an abnormal accumulation of a white material in or on the cornea. 67. Corneal ulcer, superficial: an erosion of the outer membrane and outer surface of the cornea. 68. Craniomandibular osteopathy: an abnormal development of the bones of the face and the jaw. Seen in West Highland white and Cairn terriers, among other breeds. 69. Cranioschisis: abnormal development of the skull characterized by openings between or in the bones. 70. Cryptorchidism: a condition where one testicle does not descend into the scrotal sac. 71. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism): a disease characterized by an excess secretion of cortisosteroids from the adrenal glands. (See #156.) 72. Cutaneous asthenia: a condition where the skin lacks its normal strength, elasticity and sensation. Also called Ehlers- Danlos syndrome. Seen in several breeds, including English springer spaniels and boxers. (See #94a.) 72a. Cutaneous vasculopathy: a disease of autosomal recessive inheritance in which young puppies exhibit footpad swelling and depigmentation, with crusting and ulceration of the tips of ears and tail. Seen in German shepherd dogs. 73. Cyclic neutropenia: a condition characterized by periodic lowering of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Commonly seen in grey collies. 74. Cystic ovaries: a condition where the ovarian follicles become cyctic (fluid filled) leading to hormonal imbalances and other problems. 75. Cystinuria: an abnormal excretion of a substance (cystine) in the urine. 76. Cystitis and cystic calculi: infection of the bladder which often leads to formation of abnormal mineral deposits (bladder stones). 77,. Dacrocystitis: inflammation of a tear sac. 78. Deafness: an inability to hear, due to many different causes. 79. Deformed tail: a congenital condiiton where the tail is malformed. 80. Demodicosis: a kind of skin disease (mange) caused by microscopic Demodex canis mites living within the skin layers and producing an immunodeficiency syndrome. 81. Dermatitis, atopic: inflammation and subsequent infection of the skin due to atopy (see #21, and #22,). 82. Dermatomyositis: a disease affecting the skin and muscles, usually in collies or Shetland sheepdogs. 83. Dermoid cyst: a small growth composed of skin-like structures. 84. Dermoid sinus: similar to a dermoid cyst but usually larger. Seen in Rhodesian ridgebacks. 85. Diabetes mellitus: a metabolic disease caused by insulin deficiency and characterized by the inability to utilize sugars normally. 85a. Digital hyperkeratosis: a condition of Irish terrier puppies that causes marked thickening of the foot pads. Affected feet crack, become infected and painful. 86. Discoid lupus erythematosus: a form of autoimmune disease affecting the skin. 87. Dislocation of shoulder: a condition where the bones of the shoulder joint are out of proper position. 88. Distichiasis: abnormally growing eyelashes. 89. Dwarfism: an abnormality of the normal growth pattern resulting in an undersized individual. 90. Dystocia: complications of the birth process (difficult birth). 91,. Eclampsia: convulsions usually seen around the time of parturition (whelping). 92. Ectodermal defects: any of a multitude of abnormalities arising from maldevelopment of the fetal ectoderm (e.g., skin, nervous system, eyes). 93. Ectopic ureters: the ureters (tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder) do not empty into the bladder in the normal location. 94. Ectropion: an abnormal rolling out of the eyelids. 94a. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a connective tissue disease characterized by loose, hyperextensible and very fragile skin that tears easily (see #72). 95. Elbow dysplasia: an abnormal development of the elbow joint. 96. Elbow joint malformation: (see #95.) 97. Elbow subluxation: a condition where the elbow joint is loose and out of alignment. 98. Elongated soft palate: the soft palate is abnormally long and causes breathing disorders. 98a. Encephalitis: an inflammatory condition of the brain causing signs of central nervous system dysfunction and epilepsy (seizures). A unique form of encephalitis is prevalent in the pug breed and is called "Pug Dog Encephalitis." (See #109.) 99, Endocardial fibroelastosis: an abnormal condition of scarring of the muscles of the heart. 100. Endometritis: inflammation of the internal layer of the uterus. 101. Enlarged foramen magnum: a condition in which the opening in the skull where the vertebral column begins is too large. 102. Enostosis: a bony growth within the hollow part of a bone. 103. Entropion: an abnormal rolling in of the eyelid. 104. Eosinophilic granuloma: an allergic reactive syndrome characterized by the plaque-like accumulation of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. 105. Eosinophilic panosteitis: a painful inflammatory bone disease of young, rapidly growing dogs, often characterized by increased eosinophils in the blood. (See #231,.) 106. Epidermal dysplasia: abnormal development of the outer layer of the skin. Common in West Highland white terriers and begins in puppyhood. (See #331.) 107. Epidermoid cyst: a small growth consisting of tissues of the outer layer of the skin (see #274,.) 108,. Epidermolysis bullosa: an abnormal looseness to the skin characterized by large, deep, blister-like lesions. 109. Epilepsy: a disease characterized by convulsions (seizures) and/or disturbances of consciousness. 110,. Epiphora: abnormal draining of tears often due to overproduction. 111. Epiphyseal dysplasia: abnormal development of the epiphysis, a part of the long bones. 112. Esophageal achalasia: a functional stricture or spasm of the muscles of the esophagus where it joins the stomach. 113. Esophageal dilatation: an abnormally large and usually flaccid esophagus. 114. Eversion of nictitating membrane: a condition where the third eyelid is protruding. 115. Eye abnormality: any of a number of problems with the eye. 116. Facial fold dermatitis: an infection of the facial skin caused by unusual or excessive skin folds (seen in dogs such as the Pekingese or Chinese shar pei). 117. Facial nerve paralysis: a decrease or cessation of function of the facial nerve leading to a drooping of the affected side of the face. 118. Factor I deficiency or hypofibrinogenemia: a rare deficiency of a clotting factor (fibrinogen), which causes excessive bleeding. 119. Factor II deficiency or hypoprothrombinemia: a rare deficiency of prothrombin, a clotting factor needed to control bleeding. 120. Factor VII deficiency: a mild bleeding disease primarily of beagle dogs. 121. Factor VIII deficiency or hemophilia A: the most common severe inherited clotting disorder of humans and nonhuman animals. Inhereited as a sex-linked recessive trait (carried by females and manifested in males). Affects most dog breeds. 122. Factor IX deficiency or hemophilia B: same as hemophilia A, but more rare and involves a different clotting factor. Affects about 20 dog breeds. 123. Factor X deficiency: a rare clotting disorder primarily of American cocker spaniels. An autosomal trait (affects both sexes). 124. Factor XI deficiency: a rare clotting disorder of several dog breeds. Protracted bleeding from surgical procedures is a feature. Affects both sexes. 124a. Factor XII deficiency: a clotting factor deficiency that rarely produces clinical signs. Seen in toy and standard poodles and occasionally in other breeds. Usually diagnosed incidentally during blood testing for potential bleeding disorder. 124b. Familial amaurotic idiocy: deposits of fatty pigments in the brain produce loss of vision, stuppor, and seizures. Seen in English setters, Germn short-haired pointers, and Australian cattle dogs. (See #177, 193a, 214,.) 124c. Fanconi syndrome: a kidney tubular dysfunction of basenjis which leads to glycosuria (see #268). 125. Fibrosarcoma: a cancer arising from certain types of fibrous cells. 126. Fibrous histiocytoma: a type of fibrous tumor arising from cells called histiocytes. 127. Flank sucking: a behavioral problem common in Doberman pinschers and exhibited as a continually wet patch on the flank (from sucking the skin). 128. Fold dermatitis: an inflammation of skin folds especially in dogs with loose skin (e.g., Chinese shar pei). 129. Folliculitis: an infection of the hair follicles. 129a. Fragmented coronoid process: osteochondrosis of the elbow joint. (See # 221a.) 130. Furunculosis: an infection of the deeper structures of the skin. 131. Gastric torsion: a condition where the stomach twists, thereby impeding input and output. (See #31,.)