Because purebred dogs have closed, limited gene pools (most breeds descend from only a
few original dogs) different breeds may have a higher incidence of some inherited
diseases, and nearly no incidence of others.
Before we go into a short summary (below) of the more notable health problems in this
breed, it should be noted that Miniature Schnauzers are overall a pretty healthy
lot. Responsible breeders will be aware of the potential for hereditary problems
and will try to eliminate known problems from their lines.
Mycobacterium Avium Infection
Important Notice (February 2012): American Miniature Schnauzer Club: Health Committee Position Statement and Recommendations Regarding
Systemic Mycobacterial Infections (PDF)
Mycobacterium Avium Infection in
Schnauzers. A relatively new and deadly disease discovered in Miniature
C.J.C. or Congenital Juvenile Cataracts
are present at birth and progress to cause blindness. Surgery is available
but costly. Today there is no excuse for a puppy to be born with this disease. A
huge problem just 25 years ago, research and cooperation among breeders resulted in
hundreds of Miniature Schnauzers being retired from breeding. Today this defect is
extremely rare among dogs from show lines. A warning, no such efforts were made in
commercial puppy mills, so dogs who descend from pet store stock are still at
risk! This is one defect where having Champion parents is a plus! A
Veterinary Opthamologist can diagnose puppies at an early age. Good breeders
routinely have all their litters eyes checked.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - P.R.A.
causes the retina of the eye to deteriorate slowly. Symptoms may not show
until the dog is three years old or older, beginning with night blindness. P.R.A.
eventually blinds the dog. It is incurable. An Electroretinograph can be used for
early detection, but this tool is not available to most breeders. Annual eye
certification of breeding stock is a must if breeders are to reduce the
Urinary Tract Infections - Urolithiasis
occur at a higher rate in Miniature Schnauzers than other breeds. Clinical
signs include frequent urination and blood may be present in the urine.
Untreated, they can lead to bladder stones. If severe
enough this may cause urinary blockage, which is a medical emergency. To muddy the
waters, this problem can occur in dogs for reasons unrelated to heredity.
Treatment involves prescription diets, antibiotics and/or surgery. Few breeders
would risk breeding any dog with a history of these problems. Also refer to Canine Urolithiasis, An Owner's Guide.
occurs with increasing frequency in Miniature Schnauzers. The exact mechanism
is poorly understood, but appears to be associated with the fact that many
Miniature Schnauzers have high blood serum lipids (fats). Clinical signs generally
include vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy and depression. It is an
emergency situation which warrants immediate veterinary care. Treatment includes
intravenous fluids, antibiotics and dietary control. The dog will probably have to
be on a low fat diet. Also refer to Pancreatitis, An
Owner's Guide to Pet Care.
is also encountered with some frequency. Females are more affected than males
and often fall within the six to eight year age group. Initial clinical signs are
increased thirst and urination and an increase in body weight. Later observable is
a change in body type, a pot bellied appearance, thinning of the dog's coat and
other changes involving the skin. Sudden blindness is also associated with this condition. Cushings is
related to over production of adrenal cortex
hormones. Various medications are available to help control the disorder.
is the number one inherited disease of dogs in general. The metabolism is
affected, causing depression, weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and an intolerance
to cold. Untreated, it can lead to immune system, cardiovascular, and reproductive
problems. Testing and treatment is relatively easy and inexpensive. Daily
medication can give good results and many dogs live healthy lives. When it occurs
in young dogs or several members of a family, a genetic cause (autoimmune disease)
Schnauzer Bumps (blackheads along the back) or other skin problems.
Some can be related to allergy, metabolic disorders or simple lack of good
care. Good quality diet and attention to cleanliness and grooming go a long way in
preventing skin problems.
Many Miniature Schnauzers are very susceptible to periodontal disease. Food
and plaque are trapped, leading to infection and receding gums. Some individuals
may require frequent dental cleanings - or you can get into the good habit of
brushing your dog's teeth; Your breeder or veterinarian should be able to
show you how to clean and inspect the mouth for problems.
Other genetically caused problems
also include hepatic shunts, (abnormal routing of the blood vessels in the
liver) epilepsy, juvenile kidney failure, autoimmune and heart
defects. These problems occur
frequently enough to be mentioned.
If you purchase a Miniature Schnauzer with these or other major disease that
your Veterinarian feels could be inherited, you should notify the breeder. If any
breeder tries to deny breed problems, or claims that "We haven't had any
problems, so don't need to do any testing"; they are on very shaky
ground. Miniature Schnauzers have their share of inherited problems. As do all
purebred dogs - or humans for that matter (there are more than 3,000 known
genetic diseases to affect human beings.)
The following links include articles and links which will be of more
interest to breeders and Veterinarians;
Avium Tuberculosis information
Retinal Dysplasia information
Myotonia Congenita symptoms - Dr. Martin Deforest
HealthGene "e" testing for
allele that creates "white" Miniature Schnauzers.