Cushing's Disease in Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature schnauzers are active, relatively hardy terriers. Their clever, entertaining personalities and small size make them popular house pets. As a breed, however, they have some specific health concerns. Among them is Cushing's disease, which affects a dog through its resulting chemical imbalance.

  1. The Facts--Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease is a result of a dog's pituitary gland malfunctioning. A tumor in the pituitary gland causes that gland to release too much of the hormone cortisol into a miniature schnauzer's blood. As a stress hormone, cortisol triggers over reactions in the mini schnauzer's body, and can lead to a malfunctioning immune system.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms include an overwhelming thirst and hunger, increased urination and stressed behavior that leads to lethargy. In advanced cases of Cushing's, a mini schnauzer's dense coat begins to fall out, and the dog takes on a pot-bellied appearance.

    Schanzuers and Cushing's

    • Schnauzers and mini schnauzers are part of a group of breeds that are genetically susceptible to Cushing's disease. Mini schnauzers with Cushing's typically start to display symptoms between 6 and 8 years of age, and gain weight, which is a symptom specific to mini schnauzers. They may also experience sudden blindness. Females fall victim to Cushing's more often than males.

    Treatments

    • Cushing's in mini schnauzers is a manageable disorder, and does not mean the end of the dog's life. If it is caused by an operable tumor, surgery may be done to correct the function of the pituitary gland. Medications to control cortisol and the pituitary are also prescribed when a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's.

    Considerations

    • Miniature schnauzers are genetically prone to progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, ear infections, Von Willebrand disease, skin issues and autoimmunity.