Schnauzer

• Hip Dysplasia. Standard and Giant Schnauzers can be genetically prone to hip dysplasia, in which the hip joint and thighbone do not fit together properly, causing lameness and leading to arthritis. Schnauzers should be x-rayed and cleared of the condition or treated if necessary.
• Schnauzer comedone syndrome, a.k.a. “Schnauzer bumps”, is a skin condition affecting up to 50% of Schnauzers. They vary greatly in appearance but tend to look like cysts, crusty growths and moles. They are inherited and chronic, and though there are many treatments available but no cure.
• Osteochondrosis dissecans is an elbow condition which causes pain and stiffening of the elbow joint. It can affect Giant Schnauzers and can be caused by genetics, improper cartilage growth, trauma or diet. It can be prevented by not over-feeding puppies with foods high in protein.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis, which can affect Giant Schnauzers, is an inherited condition which causes hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough of the thyroid hormone. This can lead to obesity, dullness, lethargy and hair loss. It is treatable with daily medication.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer which can develop on the toe of Giant Schnauzers and other dark-haired dogs. The main sign is lameness. If this is present in the dog, it should be taken to see a vet as soon as possible.
• Cataracts can occur in Schnauzers, causing them to develop poor vision and a cloudy appearance in the eyes. They usually occur in older dogs and may be removed surgically if necessary.
• Entropion is a condition which generally occurs in young dogs and causes the eyelid to roll inwards, which can lead to irritation or injury of the eyeball. Signs include rubbing or scratching around the eye area. It can be treated surgically if necessary.
• Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye conditions which lead to the retina’s gradual deterioration, causing night blindness and day blindness as the disease progresses. Most affected dogs adapt easily to the loss of vision as long as their environment remains relatively unchanged.
• Bladder Stones. Miniature and Standard Schnauzers may experience bladder stones, symptoms of which include painful urination, bloody urine, more frequent urination or foul-smelling cloudy urine. Smaller stones can pass by themselves, but affected dogs should still see a vet.
• Myotonia congenita is an inherited condition not unlike muscular dystrophy. Signs include prominent shoulder and thigh muscles, difficulty rising, stiff coats, and hopping when running.
• Von Willebrand’s disease is a disorder which affects the blood’s ability to clot. Symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and sometimes bloody stools. It is treatable with cauterisation, transfusions, and avoiding certain medications.
• Congenital megaesophagus is a disorder which causes food and liquid to remain in the oesophagus, and the dog has to regurgitate its food. It can lead to pneumonia and obstruction of the oesophagus. There is no treatment aside from adjusting the diet slightly and prognosis is usually poor.

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