6 Common diseases of Miniature Schnauzers

Pancreatitis, as mentioned previously, is another common disease of Miniature Schnauzers. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This usually occurs after a dog has eaten something their stomach didn't agree with, such as something really fatty. Your dog may have pancreatitis if they are vomiting, have diarrhea, lethargic, and have a tender abdomen. Many Schnauzers are plagued by pancreatitis throughout their lifetime and can experience bouts of it more than once. Mini schnauzers are prone to becoming fat. The breed is known for having high cholesterol levels. Hyperlipidemia is the presence of unusually high levels of fat in the blood. This can lead to seizures, eye problems, or pancreatitis. Symptoms of hyperlipidemia include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, tender abdomen, seizures, and a white discoloration of the eye. Bladder stones are very common in miniature schnauzers. This could be due to bladder infections or mineral excretion by the kidneys. Signs of bladder stones include needing to urinate more often, straining to urinate, and blood in the urine. An x-ray by a veterinarian can diagnose whether or not your dog has bladder stones. View the list »
Miniature Schnauzer puppies are prone to portosystemic liver shunts. This disease occurs when blood does not flow to the liver. Toxins accumulate in the blood when this happens. Symptoms include blindness, deafness, vomiting, seizures, excessive drinking and urination, drooling, diarrhea, and bladder stones. 

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The Miniature Schnauzer is a very popular breed today. They are characterized as spirited, energetic, and intelligent - not to mention cute. Unfortunately, there are several health conditions and diseases that are common among the breed. Knowing which conditions are common in Miniature Schnauzers can help you identify a problem in yours early on. You'll also be prepared should problems arise later on in your dog's life. If you think your miniature schnauzer has one of these problems, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to seek medical treatment.

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  • Miniature Schnauzer puppies are prone to portosystemic liver shunts. This disease occurs when blood does not flow to the liver. Toxins accumulate in the blood when this happens. Symptoms include blindness, deafness, vomiting, seizures, excessive drinking and urination, drooling, diarrhea, and bladder stones. 
  • Bladder stones are very common in miniature schnauzers. This could be due to bladder infections or mineral excretion by the kidneys. Signs of bladder stones include needing to urinate more often, straining to urinate, and blood in the urine. An x-ray by a veterinarian can diagnose whether or not your dog has bladder stones. 
  • Mini schnauzers are prone to becoming fat. The breed is known for having high cholesterol levels. Hyperlipidemia is the presence of unusually high levels of fat in the blood. This can lead to seizures, eye problems, or pancreatitis. Symptoms of hyperlipidemia include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, tender abdomen, seizures, and a white discoloration of the eye. 
  • Pancreatitis, as mentioned previously, is another common disease of Miniature Schnauzers. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This usually occurs after a dog has eaten something their stomach didn't agree with, such as something really fatty. Your dog may have pancreatitis if they are vomiting, have diarrhea, lethargic, and have a tender abdomen. Many Schnauzers are plagued by pancreatitis throughout their lifetime and can experience bouts of it more than once. 
  • Eye diseases are another common condition for miniature schnauzers. The two most common eye diseases this breed can get are cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Signs of cataracts include cloudiness in one or both of the eyes, loss of vision, or blindness.Symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy or PRA are similar to cataracts. You may notice your dog bumping in to things more often or even become more attached to you. You may also notice that their pupils are more dilated. 
  • Miniature Schnauzers are also predisposed to numerous skin conditions including comedone syndrome and allergic dermatitis. Most mini schnauzers will experience some sort of skin-related problem during their lifetime. Comedone syndrome is characterized by pimple-like bumps that appear typically on the back of the dog. They are likely to become infected. If the areas of blackheads become infected, they will probably become itchy. Allergic dermatitis simply means that the dog is allergic to something that came into contact with their skin. Symptoms of allergic dermatitis include itchiness, scratching, rubbing, inflamed skin, hair loss, and excessive licking of effected areas. 
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, Austin Pet Health Examiner

Ann Staub graduated from a Veterinary Assisting college program in 2007 and went on to work for five years as a veterinary technician. She has worked with cats, dogs, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. She has a special interest and specializes in exotic pet husbandry and care. Currently, Ann is...

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