Although all schnauzers share some qualities---notably their appearance and either black or salt-and-pepper coats---the miniature variety can suffer from different health concerns, including fevers. A miniature schnauzer is typically around 14 inches high, a standard 17 to 19 inches, and a giant 23 to 28 inches. In the miniature breed, the concerns include urolithiasis, allergies, and comedo syndrome. A dog's temperature usually ranges from 99.5 degrees F to 102 degrees F, with puppies a little below that.
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Comedo Syndrome
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A skin disorder common in miniature schnauzers, comedo or comedone syndrome is usually a relatively harmless disease. It manifests itself as bumps that form along the dog's back hair follicles that are stopped by skin oils and keratin, similar to blackheads in a person. The syndrome is hereditary and is easy to spot, especially after the dog has been groomed. A skin biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. The bumps usually form, swell, and drain regularly, appearing unsightly but not really harming the dog. However, there are occasional cases where the affected skin becomes infected with bacteria, which triggers a fever in the dog. In this case, a cleaning regimen will curb the outbreaks.
Canine Urolithiasis
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Miniature schnauzers are prone to canine urolithiasis, which results when kidney stones form in the urinary tract. It is also called cystitis, bladder stones, or urinary calculi. The stones irritate the tract and can cause fever, pain, and blood in the urine. Dogs can die from this if not given veterinary treatment. There are different types of stones, and diagnosing the type will help determine the treatment. Diet, breed, lack of exercise, and cramped living quarters are contributing factors to the illness. Smaller breeds, such as the miniature schnauzer, and males, are more likely to suffer from it. A special diet low in minerals is usually prescribed, and in some cases surgery is needed to remove the stones.
Leptospirosis
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This disease, which can strike dogs as well as humans, has a variety of strains. Vaccines protect against some of the strains. Severe "lepto" infections bring a fever of 103 to 104 degrees F, along with shivering and tenderness, vomiting, and dehydration. Liver failure can eventually develop. A blood test is needed for a definitive diagnosis, although dogs with an acute lepto infection can shed the organisms in their urine. Treatment includes antibiotics, such as penicillin and doxycycline.
Mycobacterium avium Infection
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In addition to a fever, a miniature schnauzer with Mycobacterium avium infection can have inflamed tonsils and enlarged lymph nodes. Symptoms also include vomiting, breathing difficulty, lameness, and bloody stool. The infection, once considered rare, likely results from an immune deficiency. According to a 2008 report for the American Miniature Schnauzer Club, "Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection in Miniature Schnauzers," written by: Errolyn Martin, an increasing number of the dogs are being diagnosed with this infection. The report states: "A total of 49 cases of MAC in miniature schnauzers have been reported. Most cases are from the U.S. and Canada. Some cases are reported from other countries such as Poland, Australia, and other parts of Europe. . . .It is possible that the same or closely related defect could predispose dogs to other types of opportunistic infections." As of 2010 the infection was not considered treatable.
Autoimmunity
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A fever can occur following a series of routine vaccinations and can signal an autoimmunity problem. The fever can also result from infection, exposure to something toxic, a hormonal change, or being overstressed. The miniature schnauzer is a breed listed at risk for autoimmune problems. The treatment depends on what causes the fever. Other symptoms of an autoimmune disorder include abdominal tenderness, stiffness, bruises, and susceptibility to infections. Treatment depends on the severity and the cause of the autoimmunity problem.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
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Miniature schnauzers bitten by ticks infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever will develop a fever, which can be followed by loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, heart and respiratory problems, red skin rashes, and seizures. Antibiotics are usually successful in treating the illness, although it can take two weeks before the dog regains his health. In severe cases, the dog might have to be admitted to a veterinary hospital. Rocky Mountain spotted fever usually strikes in the spring and summer, when ticks are plentiful. The illness gets its name from the red rash it causes.
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