Common Diseases and Disorders
In general, the miniature schnauzer is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:
Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland does not function adequately. Without enough thyroid hormone, illness can occur.
Atopy is an itchy skin disease of animals that is caused by an allergy to substances in the environment.
Food Allergy affected pets develop skin allergies due to a variety of food ingredients.
Schnauzer comedo syndrome – believed to be an inherited disorder that causes numerous comedones in the skin of the back of certain schnauzers.
Melanoma is a tumor arising from melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment.
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors of the subcutaneous tissue.
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that develops when the pressure within the eye increases which can lead to blindness.
Lens luxation is a dislocation or displacement of the lens within the eye.
Progressive retinal degeneration is a disease that causes nerve cells at the back of the eye to degenerate. The condition usually begins in older pets and can lead to blindness.
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.
Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum.
Urolithiasis is a condition affecting the urinary tract resulting in the formation of bladder stones.
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that results in lack of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain.
