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.

** denotes conditions that have dna tests.

Mycobacterium Avium Infection**

This form of tuberculosis which primarily affects birds, is a common pathogen in many regions, and normally will not affect dogs or people. However, after numerous closely related dogs were diagnosed with this fatal disease, breeders and researchers began working to identify, test, and prove if there was an inherited element to dogs that were susceptible. After years of dedicated efforts, and conscientious reporting by breeders of affected dogs, the genetic anomaly was identified, and a DNA test now exists that can identify carriers before they reproduce. This tool allows breeders to retain valuable breeding stock without producing dogs that will be susceptible to this fatal disease. There is no acceptable reason for a puppy to be born with MACS at this time.

C.J.C. or Congenital Juvenile Cataracts

Present at birth and progress to cause blindness. Surgery is available but costly. Due to research and cooperation among breeders, this defect is extremely rare among dogs from show lines. However, no such efforts were made in commercial kennels and 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 until eventual blindness at around 3 years of age. There are no treatments. A DNA test now exists that can identify carriers before they reproduce and annual eye certification of breeding stock is recommended to reduce the risk.

Retinal Dysplasia

The gene for retinal dysplasia is inherited from both parents. The retina's layers fail to develop and attach properlywhen the puppy is in utero. Severity ranges from minor to completely detached retinas that cause blindness immediate blindness. Pups with this disorder can be diagnosed by a veterinarian ophthalmologist during routine eye screenings for their litters.

Urinary Tract Infections - Urolithiasis

Pancreatitis occurrence has been increasing in frequency in dogs, and notably in Miniature Schnauzers. The pancreas becomes inflamed upsetting the ability to digest food. While the precise cause is not understood, it is often triggered by high fat meals, or a foraging event. The predisposition in Miniature Schnauzers may be connected to having high blood serum lipids (fats). Clinical signs generally include vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody), 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 Canine Urolithiasis, An Owner's Guide.

Pancreatitis

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.

Cushings Disease

Cushings is also encountered with some frequency within the breed. 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, panting 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. Primary Cushing’s is most commonly caused by a tumour in the pituitary gland which leads to over production of adrenal cortex hormones (cortisol). Once diagnosed, the disease can be managed through drug therapy, but not cured. The condition seems prevalent in dogs that also have diabetes mellitus or chronic UTI's . Secondary Cushings can also occur due to over use of steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone (ie chronic use of steroidal ear drops). The symptoms generally disappear once the steroid use has stopped.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the inadequate production of the thyroid hormone. It is noted as the number one inherited hormonal 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) is likely. This condition is also seen in dogs with Cushings.

Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome aka Schnauzer Bumps

Comedone are small scabby lesions or blackheads along the back. There is a potential for this condition to be inherited by way of deformed hair follicles, but can also be mediated allergy, metabolic disorders or simple lack of good care. As the condition causes the build up of debris and sebum (oily substance in the skin), a good quality diet and attention to cleanliness and grooming go a long way in managing skin problems. Comedo is not curable, but topical treatments, such as seborrheic shampoos, CO2 skin therapy, and in severe cases, antibiotics can reduce the dogs discomfort.

Dental problems.

Like many smaller breeds Miniature Schnauzers are 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 cleaning your dog's teeth. Your breeder or veterinarian should be able to show you how to clean and inspect the mouth for problems. Untreated dental issues can be very painful to the dog, make them more susceptible to other diseases, create a foul breath, and difficulties eating properly.

Porto systemic (liver) shunts (PSS)

PSS occur when blood vessels in or around the liver that are supposed to close at birth fail to do so. This results in toxins from the abdominal organs that are supposed to be flushed through the liver are instead put directly into the circulatory system. Symptoms include conformational traits such as rounded skulls, fly snapping (biting the air as if to catch a non existent fly), head pressing (particularly after eating), and anorexia. There are two types of liver shunts, intrahepatic and extrahepatic. Intrahepatic shunts are generally fatal. Extrahepatic shunts can now be surgically corrected with good success rates, but the process can be very cost prohibitive. Uncorrected extrahepatic shunts will generally be fatal. Mode of inheritance has not been determined, but in mini schnauzers the condition is almost always congenital.

Juvenile Renal Disease - JRD (kidney)

JRD is the failure of the kidneys to properly develop. While there are treatments that can extend the dogs life, it is inevitably fatal.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is the failure of the body to produce sufficient insulin. Early signs can include extreme thirst, hunger, and weight loss. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to cataracts and blindness. Careful monitoring, diet and the use of insulin can allow affected dogs to live many years with the disease. Obesity is a major risk factor in your dog developing diabetes, so preventing excessive weight gain is a must!

Myotonia Congenita**

This hereditary disease of the muscular skeletal system causes hyperexcitability in the muscles that cause severe contractions. Symptoms include prominent shoulder and thigh muscles, stiff gait, difficulty getting up and a distinct bunny hopping gait. Abnormalities in the lower jaw, and tongue are also noted. These dogs have limited quality of life. DNA tests are now available to breeders to identify carriers of the disease.

Sick Sinus Syndrome - SSS

Miniature schnauzers can be prone to heart issues, the most common of which is SSS. In SSS the electrical node that prompts the heart to beat misfires, causing a pause between beats. Pauses of more than 8 seconds will result in syncope (passing out). While most dogs are diagnosed once the disease has progressed to the point of syncope, it can be suspected sooner if the dog exhibits a low heart ( >60 beats per minute). While the 'gold standard' of treatment for dogs with PSS is implantation of a pacemaker, this can be a cost prohibitive procedure, and many dogs are able to enjoy the same longevity and quality of life with the use of medications to increase the effectiveness of the heart, proper diet and exercise.

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. It's statistically unlikely that any breeder can successfully breed without an occassional puppy with an inherited problem. What defines a good breeder is what they do AFTER they produce a puppy that has a problem.