Miniature Schnauzer Potential Health Problems

MINIATURE SCHNAUZERS AND THEIR POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUES

Miniature Schnauzers and their potiential health problems. Small in stature, playful, companionable, curious and alert, Miniature Schnauzers are well-loved for their unique personality and gentle temperament. If you’re looking to adopt a dog, it’s important to know as much you can about their health. Like every other breed, Mini Schnauzers are more prone to certain health problems than others. Here are the top Miniature Schnauzer health issues that Schnauzers encounter:

1. Urinary stones

Urinary stones are the number one Miniature Schnauzer health issue as they’re more prone to it than any other breed. They can develop different kinds of stones but the two most common cases of this health problem are struvite and calcium oxalate stones. The former is more common in the females and usually occurs alongside a canine urinary tract while the latter is more common in the males, where the stones may block the dog’s urethra during attempts to pass them out.

Symptoms of urinary stones in Schnauzers include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Changes in amount of urine production
• Blood in the urine
• Lethargy
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting etc.

Urinary stones can be dissolved by implementing a diet that aids the breakdown of the stones. However, complete urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency that may require surgery.

2. Myotonia Congenita

   Schnauzers can carry a muscle disease called Myotonia Congenita. This is a genetic disorder that causes the muscles to contract easily due to over-excitement of cells. As the disease progresses, Schnauzers tend to develop the following symptoms:

   • The muscle enlarges and bulges
   • Troubles getting up and walking
   • Enlarged tongue
   • Changing jaw shape
   • Trouble swallowing etc.

   Although there’s no cure, Myotonia can be managed with medication.

   3. Liver shunts

   Liver shunts are another common Miniature Schnauzer health problem, with the breed having a high incidence of it. The condition is characterized by a connection between a portal vein and one of its branches so that blood bypasses the liver. Symptoms of liver shunts include:

   • Seizures
   • Stunted growth or low body weight
   • Disorientation
   • Recurrent kidney or bladder infections etc.

   Liver shunts can be managed by adopting a strict diet but treated with surgery.

   4. Hypothyroidism

   Hypothyroidism is a health issue that affects all dog breeds and Mini Schnauzers are not an exception. It is caused by the dog’s inability to produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone, which regulates many of the body’s systems. This typically leads to a number of problems including:

   • Hair loss
   • Weight gain
   • Lack of energy
   • Mental lethargy
   • Intolerance to cold, etc.

     If left untreated hypothyroidism may lead to other grave health issues related to the immune system cardiovascular system and reproductive system. It can be treated with medications.

     5. Cataracts

     Cataracts are another top Miniature Schnauzer potential health problem. Although all dog breeds are prone to cataracts as they get older, it is not uncommon for Mini Schnauzers as young as four months old to show symptoms of the condition. Some of the signs include:

     • An opaque appearance of the eye or both eyes
     • Pawing at the eyes
     • Obvious changes in dog’s visual capabilities.

     If left untreated, cataracts may lead to complete blindness. However, the condition can be corrected with surgery.

     Wrap-up

     Now that you know some of the Miniature Schnauzer’s potential health problems that they are prone to, you can now take the preventative care necessary to ensure that your furry friend lives a long, happy and healthy life. Here at Tara’s Schnauzers we do everything we can to breed healthy puppies! We start by never inbreeding or linebreeding and we health test all parents with Embark. And we offer a Lifetime 100% Money Back Genetic Health Guarantee