According to the American Kennel Club, the miniature schnauzer is the 11th most popular dog breed in the United States. There are three sizes of schnauzers–giant, standard and miniature–but the miniature is by far the most popular in North America and Europe because of its small size. But, like all purebreds, mini schnauzers are prone to certain diseases that all potential owners should be aware of.
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Eye Diseases
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Mini schnauzers are prone to two genetic conditions of the eyes: retinal dysplasia, where the retina does not attach properly to the eye, and microphthalmos, where the eye grows too small to fit in the eye socket. These are not technically diseases, but can they can make a mini schnauzer more prone to developing common dog eye disorders like glaucoma, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Unlike retinal dysplasia, the retina of a dog with PRA has attached successfully while developing in the womb, but then deteriorates as the dog ages. The Miniature Schnauzer Club of Canada also warns that mini schnauzers can have congenital juvenile cataracts or CJC. All of these conditions can make a dog blind or require surgical removal of the eyes.
Urinary Stone Disease
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About 30 percent of all miniature schnauzers will develop urinary stone disease or urolithiasis, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. It is unknown what causes the development of stones, but genetics may play a big role. Developing hypoglycemia or diabetes can make a dog more prone to developing urinary stones, because a dog with blood sugar problems will urinate far more often than normal. Symptoms include passing blood in the urine and urinating more frequently than usual. Other symptoms may include vomiting, loss of appetite and lack of energy. The dog will need changes in diet, medication and possibly surgery. If the stones are left untreated, they will grow to the point of blocking off the dog’s urinary tract entirely.
Diabetes
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Miniature schnauzers are also prone to developing the potentially deadly disease diabetes mellitus, where the dogs cannot properly process blood sugar. Toy-sized or very small dogs like mini schnauzers are prone to developing hypoglycemia, which can lead to diabetes. Early symptoms of canine diabetes include a great increase in thirst and hunger, which in turn causes more frequent urination. Symptoms can appear when a mini schnauzer puppy is as young as 2 months old, according to The Veterinarians&' Guide to Your Dog&'s Symptoms.
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