The Schnauzer is a playful, affectionate breed that loves their family. With their distinctive look, most individuals know the Schnauzer for his or her mustached faces and thick eyebrows. This is one breed with a whole lot of personality! This unique breed is obtainable in Miniature and Standard sizes, with the Miniature Schnauzer weighing between 11 to twenty kilos and the larger Standard Schnauzer weighing as much as 50 kilos.
Although generally easygoing, the Schnauzers are known to get a bit feisty and might be barkers, but their big personality is a component of their charm. Like some other dog, there are some breed-specific genetic health risks that each Schnauzer mom and dad should concentrate on. Here’s what it’s good to learn about your Schnauzer’s health.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism in Miniature Schnauzers
Also often called an FCE or spinal stroke. FCEs are more common in Miniature Schnauzers than some other breed, with one study showing 24% of the cases included were amongst Miniature Schnauzers. A spinal stroke can occur very suddenly and normally happens after a dog has been very lively. Sudden paralysis, dragging legs, and a stumbling gait are common signs a dog has an FCE.
Depending on where the stroke occurs within the spine, a dog may only have one side of its body affected or simply the front or back legs. With quick treatment and rehabilitation, most dogs can walk again. During treatment, a dog wheelchair could also be used to assist support the dog and keep them mobile as they get better. A Schnauzer wheelchair may also help the dog overcome balance issues, assist them to face or walk, and help the dog throughout their FCE rehabilitation.
Eye Problems – Cataracts
Although known for his or her bushy eyebrows and dark eyes, the Schnauzer is predisposed to several eye problems, including cataracts. Cataracts can appear at any age, with a cloudy film covering the lens of the attention. A cataract could cause blindness, which might be treated in some cases with corrective eye surgery.
Additional eye issues that Schnauzers are liable to include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Glaucoma. Make your Schnauzers’ eye health a priority and have their eyes examined during every annual checkup. In between veterinary checkups, look ahead to any visual changes to the attention, including discoloration or cloudiness in the attention, as this will indicate a change in a dog’s vision.
Hip Dysplasia
Although hip pain can affect any size dog, Hip Dysplasia is more common within the larger Standard Schnauzer than its smaller cousin. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative joint condition that may impact a dog’s mobility and cause joint pain. There are various degrees of hip dysplasia. Young dogs might be diagnosed with the condition but may not feel the results of the hip condition until they’re much older, because the dysplasia can progress over time.
Early diagnosis is vital to keeping your dog’s hips healthy. For young Schnauzers diagnosed with hip dysplasia, it’s best to maintain your dog at a healthy weight and introduce them to a joint complement at a younger age to advertise joint health and ease occasional stiffness. Your veterinarian will check your Schnauzer’s hips during their annual checkup, in search of any signs of discomfort and impact on its range of motion.
Luxating Patella
Patella luxation occurs when a dog’s kneecap slips out of the patellar groove. This is sort of common in smaller dog breeds similar to the Miniature Schnauzer. A healthy kneecap should move up and down as a dog’s knee flexes and moves. When the kneecap luxates, it essentially dislocates and pops misplaced, which could cause discomfort and impact a Schnauzer’s ability to maneuver normally. When this happens, it’s possible you’ll see your dog hold their back leg behind them as they get around on three legs until the kneecap pops back into position.
Depending on the severity of the patella luxation, the knee may pop back into place by itself, with assistance, or in essentially the most advanced degree surgery could also be really helpful.
Myotonia Congenita
A genetic muscle disease that causes hyper-reactive muscles that contract easily. When the muscle stiffens, the muscles can bulge making it difficult for the Schnauzer to maneuver. And in some cases, this will even impact the Schnauzer’s ability to swallow. The condition is incurable and impacts about 2% of the breed, with roughly 20% of all Schnauzers as genetic carriers of the condition. Any Schnauzer exhibiting signs of Myotonia Congenita have to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Understanding Your Schnauzer’s Health
It’s essential to know that the Schnauzer is, overall, a healthy dog breed that makes a wonderful pet. Although it’s essential to grasp any health risks so that you could concentrate on any signs your dog’s mobility or health is changing, with regular checkups and living a healthy lifestyle, your Schnauzer should live an extended and joyful life.