What are the Scariest Schnauzer Health Issues?

When we noticed that our Miniature Schnauzer was having a hard time urinating, we worried. Was it a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, bladder stones? As it turns out, her veterinarian confirmed our fears and diagnosed her with bladder stones. The stones needed to be removed and Livi needed a new diet. As it turns out, Schnauzers are very prone to several types of stones, and the experience caused me to wonder what other common, even scary, Schnauzer health issues we should know about.

So what are the top and scariest Schnauzer health concerns? Top Schnauzer health concerns are pancreatitis, urinary stones, cataracts, liver shunts, diabetes and weight gain. Schnauzers, particularly Giant Schnauzers, are also prone to hip displaysia and bloat.

Like many purebred dogs, the Schnauzers are vulnerable to some health problems that are inherited genetic weaknesses. While all Schnauzer breeds (Miniature, Standard, and Giant) were bred to be hard-working, strong, muscular German farm dogs, the cross-breeding process that resulted in each Schnauzer breed generated health strengths as well as some weaknesses.

Of the three breeds, Miniature Schnauzers are more vulnerable to health issues than Giant and Standard Schnauzers. If you have any real concerns about your Schnauzer’s health or worrisome symptoms, please check with your veterinarian.

This article covers the most common, and often frightening, health concerns for each Schnauzer breed.

Miniature Schnauzers: Common Health Concerns

As I mentioned, Miniature Schnauzers, unfortunately, suffer from more health concerns that their larger counterparts. They are the most recent breed of Schnauzer and have a lifespan of between 12-16 years.

Here are some diseases to watch for:

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease is more common in Miniature Schnauzers between 6-8 years. The condition results when the pituitary gland over-secretes adrenal cortex hormones. The leading cause is either excessive steroid medications or a genetic defect. The main symptoms of the disease include a thinning coat and weight gain.

Mycobacterium Avium (AVB)

This is a severe bacterial infection affecting Miniature Schnauzers which is mostly misdiagnosed in Miniature Schnauzers. The symptoms of this infection are similar to lymphatic cancer. The dog will lack appetite, experience diarrhea, vomiting, and lameness.

Eye Diseases

Myotonia congenita and retinal atrophy are some of the common eye conditions affecting Miniature Schnauzers. If you’re a breeder, it’s essential to carry out genetic tests to determine if the parent Schnauzer is a carrier of any hereditary conditions. These eye conditions inflict gradual blindness that starts in a young Miniature and advances as it ages.

Hypothyroidism

Miniature Schnauzers may also suffer hypothyroidism when they are unable to secrete adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. The symptoms of this disease include depression, lethargy, chronic skin, and ear infections, and weight gain. Your Miniature may lack the ability to tolerate colder temperatures.

Genetic-Specific Concerns

Miniature Schnauzers suffer several genetic health issues. Most of these health issues affecting Schnauzers can be controlled during breeding. They include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and liver shunt. If puppies are born with these conditions, you will need to seek veterinary treatment.

Additional Miniature Schnauzer Health Concerns

• Canine Diabetes      
• Canine Pancreatitis
• Follicular Dermatitis (Schnauzer Bumps or Comedone Syndrome)
• Heart Disease

How well you take care of your Miniature Schnauzer determines her susceptibility to certain health issues. If you take good care of your Miniature and keep up with annual veterinary check-ups she is likely to stay healthy.

Ensuring a long, healthy life isn’t guaranteed, but knowing some of the very real and common Schnauzer health concerns can give you and your Schnauzer an advantage.

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Standard Schnauzers: Common Health Concerns

The Standard Schnauzer is the original and oldest of the three Schnauzer breeds, and its origin dates back to the 14th century. It has a lifespan of 12-14 years. It doesn’t suffer from any major health problems but is prone to several minor health issues such as follicular dermatitis, canine hip dysplasia (CHD).

The Standard Schnauzer is considered to be a very healthy dog breed, and they lack some major genetic health conditions that are present in Miniatures and Giants. This doesn’t mean they don’t suffer from any health issues, but that they are less susceptible to most health conditions affecting the other breeds.

The following are some of the common health conditions affecting Standard Schnauzers.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects Standard Schnauzers. It’s a condition that leads to a deformity in the femur joint such that the femur head can’t fit correctly in the hip socket.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a common condition that affects Standard Schnauzers. Although vets are yet to establish the real cause of pancreatitis in this breed, pets that are overweight are more susceptible to the condition, and in most cases, it’s a side effect of surgery. Severe cases of pancreatitis in Standard Schnauzers can result in deaths, but mild cases can be treated.

Follicular Dermatitis

Although Follicular Dermatitis isn’t a fatal health condition, it can seriously affect the health of your dog. The condition leads to irritation, itching, and pimple-like bumps on the dog’s skin. The best way to treat the conditions is by using medicated shampoo and making sure your dog remains clean.

Giant Schnauzers: Common Health Concerns

The Giant Schnauzer has a lifespan of about 10-15 years, and it’s susceptible to a few health issues such as Gastric Torsion, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), and Hypothyroidism. This breed may also suffer Canine Hip Dysplasia which is a significant health concern for any dog breed.

The best way to keep your Giant Schnauzer healthy is by taking him for regular thyroid and hip examinations. Studies by Michigan State University have reported approximately 23% of Giant Schnauzers to have thyroid disease.

The following are some of the common health conditions affecting Giant Schnauzers.

Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopedic health problems, especially Hip Dysplasia, are the most reported health concerns among Giant Schnauzers. Other orthopedic diseases affecting Giant Schnauzers include Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy, Osteochondritis, and Panosteitis. All of these conditions result in lameness and pain.

Eye Problems

Giant Schnauzers also suffer eye problems. Retinal Dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are some of the common eye conditions affecting Giants. They also prone to cataracts that may develop while they are still a puppy or at the age of 6-7 years.

Additional Giant Schnauzer Health Concerns

Similar to most deep-chested dog breeds, Giant Schnauzers are susceptible to bloat, which is an emergency gastrointestinal condition. This breed may also have an issue with blood clotting, especially Thrombocytopenia and Willebrand’s Disease.  Giant Schnauzers may also suffer from skin diseases such as Vitiligo, Seborrhea, and allergies.

Some Giant Schnauzers have an issue in producing Vitamin B12, which is vital for body and brain function. These dogs become disoriented and weak; thus, there are needed to supplement the vitamin to keep the dog healthy.

Other common health issues affecting Giant Schnauzers include:

• Heart Disease
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
• Epilepsy
• Digital Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Toe Cancer)

Ensuring Schnauzer Health

Schnauzers are a fantastic dog breed that can be one of the best companions to man. Ensuring a long, healthy life isn’t guaranteed, but knowing some of the very real, common, and even scary Schnauzer health concerns can give you and your Schnauzer an advantage.

Ultimately, one of the best ways to limit health conditions in Schnauzers is to screen the dogs for genetic diseases during breeding. However, once you have purchased and committed to a Schnauzer, regular veterinary check-ups and screenings throughout life will optimize their chances of staying with you for a long time.

Additional Questions:

How Should I Choose a Reputable Breeder? Schnauzers are expensive breeds and come with significant responsibility. The decision to select a breeder and purchase a Schnauzer are important. You can consult the American Kennel Club for a list of registered breeders near you to begin your search. It is also wise to continue learning about the specific Schnauzer breed you are interested in so that you can ask informed questions of breeders. Reputable breeders will be more than willing to meet with you, answer all of your questions, and let you interact with the dogs. A reputable breeder will also have proof and documentation of the Schnauzer’s lineage, genetic health screenings, and an immunizations or training already performed.

How Should I Choose a Veterinarian? The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) evaluates veterinary practices on the quality of their facilities, staff, equipment and patient care. Look to the association for a list of accredited vets in your area. In addition, you should start looking for a veterinarian before you even purchase a Schnauzer. You will want to ensure that the veterinarian is licensed by the AAHA and has a good track record of patient reviews and feedback. You should also visit several veterinarian offices so that you a some comparison points. Ask about what services they provide, the level of expertise of their staff, and which services they can provide at their office as opposed to at an animal hospital. Be sure that the office is clean and well-maintained, and that it feels like a good fit for you and your Schnauzer. You can also change veterinarians if you are not happy with their service.

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