Murphy says it occurs when the ball of the hip does not fit snugly into the socket. Just as in humans, crippling arthritis can develop. Many popular breeds such as Labrador retriever, golden retriever and German shepherd have high incidences of CHD, Murphy notes. Several eye diseases are genetic in nature. Two of the most common are progressive retinal atrophy, also known as PRA, which can affect numerous breeds, and glaucoma, of which one canine form may be similar to that found in humans.
Beagles are especially prone to glaucoma.
And while dogs are often noted for their keen senses, some breeds, such as the briard, can suffer from night blindness. Canine cystinuria is an inherited defect in the transport of the amino acid cystine in the kidney. It can lead to kidney stones in 30 different breeds of dogs, and is most commonly found in Newfoundlands. It also occurs in dogs with the German shepherd being one of the breeds most affected. It's another one of those diseases that is similar in both animals and humans.