Miniature Schnauzer Health Care
This section contains information about the special health issues faced by Miniature Schnauzers and how best to treat them. In brief it contains information about:
General Advice
Breed Specific Conditions
As with virtually every breed of dog, the Miniature Schnauzer can some time inherit a hereditary disease. The Miniature Schnauzer is particularly prone to cataracts (both hereditary and congenital hereditary forms) and generalised progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These are passed onto Miniature Schnauzer's by recessive genes in their parents.
To help overcome these inherited diseases it is essential that you have you Miniature Schnauzer eye tested every year.
Cataracts
Just as with humans, cataracts in Miniature Schnauzers can cause a loss of vision and, if left untreated, blindness.
Vets can detect hereditary cataracts in a dog from 6 months of age and congenital hereditary cataracts can be detected in a dog from 6 weeks of age.
Again just as with humans, cataracts in your dog can be treated with surgery. The results of operations to remove cataracts are excellent.
PRA
PRA is a condition in which your dogs retina degenerates but it is not detectable in Miniature Schnauzers until the age of 3. If you dog inherits PRA you will notice that he will gradually lose his vision and will ultimately go blind. There is no treatment.
Eradicating Hereditary Eye Conditions
To help eradicate hereditary eye conditions, the Schnauzer club of Great Britain recommends, regular testing:
" Puppies can be tested for the Congenital format 6-8 weeks. You should only buy a puppy that has been tested. Hereditary cataract and PRA need annual tests as they both develop later. The former can only be diagnosed from about 6 months so all puppies should be tested again at 12 months, and annually after that. PRA may not appear until 3 years of age upwards. All dogs should be tested annually up to the age of 8 years.”
If your dog is diagnosed with a hereditary eye condition they offer the following advise:“Should your dog be diagnosed with any of the above conditions it is VITAL that you immediately inform the Miniature Schnauzer Club, Schnauzer Club of Great Britain, Northern Schnauzer Club and its breeder, this is the only way to stamp out these conditions ".
