Choosing a Miniature Pinscher

Choosing a Miniature Pinscher

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Common Diseases and Disorders

In general, the miniature pinscher is a healthy dog with few medical concerns. However, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:

  • Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

  • Progressive retinal degeneration (PRA) 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.

  • Corneal dystrophy is a primary, inherited, bilateral (both sides), symmetrical condition of the cornea that is not accompanied by corneal inflammation or systemic disease.

  • Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that develops when the pressure within the eye increases which can lead to blindness.


  • Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. You may see a cloudy, white color in the pupil, which is normally black. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

  • Pannus is a disease of the eye resulting in inflammation.

  • Legg-Calve Perthes a disease of the hip joints that leads to lameness.

  • Cervical disc disease is a disease of the disks of the neck leading to significant pain.

  • Diabetes mellitus, is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.

  • Urolithiasis is a condition affecting the urinary tract resulting in the formation of bladder stones.

  • Shoulder luxation is a the luxation of the shoulder joint.

    The miniature pinscher is also prone to epilepsy, loose kneecaps and deafness.


    Life Span

    The average life span of the miniature pinscher is over 15 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.

     
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