Cortisol is a naturally occurring steroid in dogs, and is important for overall health. In schnauzers, there are some health issues that can be caused or aggravated by cortisol imbalances.
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Function of Cortisol
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Cortisol helps regulate many of the schnauzer's bodily systems. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex. It helps to promote normal metabolism, maintain normal blood glucose, prepare the dog to respond to stress, and help regulate many of the dog's body systems.
Diseases of Cortisol
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Schnauzers are at moderate risk for hyperadrenocorticism. There are two diseases of cortisol. Too much cortisol, called hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing's disease, and too little, called hypoadrenocorticism or Addison's disease. Schnauzers are at moderate risk for Cushing's, and at low risk for Addison's. These diseases can contribute to some common health issues in schnauzers.
SARDS and Cortisol
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Schnauzers are one of the breed's predisposed to SARDS. According to the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), miniature schnauzers are one of the breeds prone to SARDS--Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration syndrome, which leads to blindness. In an article published Sept. 8, 2009, AAHA stated that dogs that have SARDS also often have hyperadrenocorticism.
Diabetes Mellitis and Cortisol
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Schnauzers are also prone to diabetes and pancreatitis. Schnauzers are also prone to diabetes mellitus. It isn't uncommon for diabetic schnauzers to also have Cushing's disease. According to Dr. Robert Hardy, increases in cortisol can induce diabetes mellitus, or make it worse. Increased cortisol can also cause pancreatitis, another condition schnauzers are prone to, which can lead to diabetes.
Bladder Stones and Cortisol
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Schnauzers are at risk of forming oxalate bladder stones. Schnauzers are a high risk breed for oxalate bladder stones. Overproduction of cortisol increases calcium in the urine and can cause the formation of calcium oxalate bladder stones.
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