UTIs

Urinary Tract Infections - Urolithiasis
occur at a higher rate in Miniature Schnauzers than other breeds. Clinical signs include frequent urination and blood may be present in the urine. Untreated, they can lead to bladder stones. If severe enough this may cause urinary blockage, which is a medical emergency. To muddy the waters, this problem can occur in dogs for reasons unrelated to heredity. Treatment involves prescription diets, antibiotics and/or surgery. Few breeders would risk breeding any dog with a history of these problems

What is Schnauzer comedo syndrome?

Dogs with this syndrome have multiple comedones on their backs. These plugs of keratin and sebum block the hair follicles, and are commonly called "blackheads."

How is Schnauzer comedo syndrome inherited?

The mode of inheritance is unknown.

What breeds are affected by Schnauzer comedo syndrome?

Miniature schnauzer

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed.

What does Schnauzer comedo syndrome mean to your dog & you?

Animals with this syndrome have bumps, scabs and blackheads on their backs, which may only be noticed when the hair is clipped. These usually do not bother the dog unless a secondary bacterial skin infection develops, causing some pain and itching.

The dog's general health is not affected.

How is Schnauzer comedo syndrome diagnosed?

The diagnosis is readily made based on finding comedones or blackheads along the back of a miniature schnauzer. Your veterinarian may take a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This is a simple procedure done with local anesthetic, in which your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's skin for examination by a veterinary pathologist.

How is Schnauzer comedo syndrome treated?

This condition can not be cured but it can be controlled. Mild cases need no treatment. In other cases or where there are repeated infections, regular cleaning with acne cleaning products or mild anti-seborrheic shampoos will be required. Your veterinarian will work with you to find a regime suitable for your dog.

If a secondary bacterial infection develops, your dog will need to take antibiotics for 3 or 4 weeks.

For the veterinarian: Refractory cases may respond to retinoid therapy.

Breeding advice

It is preferable not to breed affected dogs, in order to reduce the occurrence of this common disorder in miniature schnauzers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN

The Miniature Schnauzer has an average lifespan of 15 + years.

Dew claws are removed to keep them from catching and tearing while your dog is out playing. Dew claws should be removed at 2 to 5 days of age. If the dog is older, the dewclaws are firmly attached by bone, and usually aren't removed unless they become troublesome. One exception: The hind dewclaw is attached by a ligament.



Tail Docking

This is the amputation of a dog's tail to suit certain breed standards. This is usually done when the puppy is between 3 and 5 days old. Vets use scissors or a very tight rubber band. Is it painful? yes, there's strong evidence that it is. At this age, the puppy has a fully developed nervous system. Is docking ever justified? Yes, in some medical situations. It could be reccommended to avoid some health problems. One excuse for docking is that it prevents damage to the tail. Another is that the tail has to be short to comply with breed standards.



Ear Cropping

There are many arguments to ear cropping. One is that it gives certain breeds distinctive appearance. Today, many people are questioning the need to crop. Animal rights activists call it animal cruelty. There is no physical, medical, environmental, or cosmetical reason to have the ears altered. There are others who will argue that it helps prevent ear canal infections, but there is no evidence to the fact. Ear infections are common in most breeds. So in conclusion, the choice to crop is a personal decision.

A Lipoma is a benign fatty lump. They are very common in older, middle-aged dogs. Overweight female dogs are especially prone to developing Lipomas. Certain dog breeds may be at risk, including, but not limited to: Doberman Pinschers, Schnauzers (miniatures), Labrador Retrievers, and mixed breeds. They can also appear in cats and horses, but not as often. Lipomas are usually just under the skin, but they can be locally invasive, meaning they are meshed with muscle or connective tissue. Lipomas can also have additional blood or connective tissue as part of the growth. These growths can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most frequently located on the belly (mid-chest and down) and upper legs.
Provided your veterinarian has performed a needle aspirate and is certain that it is indeed a Lipoma, most vets recommend a watch-and-wait approach. The lump should be checked at regular intervals, to make sure there haven't been any cellular changes. Large lumps, especially those under a limb or in another location to interfere with movement or function, should be removed as soon as possible.
Yes, although rare, there is a fatty tumor called a liposarcoma, and that is malignant. Metastasis is rare, but due to their nature (infiltrative) they are difficult to fullly remove, and recurrence is common.

Common symptoms of the acute form of pancreatitis in dogs include a very painful abdomen, abdominal distention, lack of appetite, depression, dehydration, a 'hunched up' posture, vomiting, diarrhea and yellow, greasy stool. Fever often accompanies these symptoms. Animals with more severe disease can develop heart arrhythmias, sepsis (body-wide infection), difficulty breathing, and a life-threatening condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which results in multiple hemorrhages. If the inflammation is severe, organs surrounding the pancreas could be 'autodigested' by pancreatic enzymes released from the damaged pancreas and become permanently damaged.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pancreatitis is made through information obtained from the history, the physical exam, and laboratory testing. Dogs with pancreatitis generally have an increased blood levels of the pancreatic enzymes called amylase and lipase. If the liver also becomes inflamed, liver enzymes as measured in the blood may be increased. A rather new test, serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity, may prove to be a valuable diagnostic aid. The white blood cell count is generally increased in acute pancreatitis. Radiography (x-rays) and ultrasound can also help in making the diagnosis. Biopsy can result in a conclusive diagnosis, but is not commonly performed.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to rest the pancreas, provide supportive care and control complications. Treatment always begins with a withholding of food, water, and oral medications for at least 24 hours. The lack of oral intake stops the stimulation of the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Depending upon the animal's response, food intake can be started again after a few days. The dog is generally fed small meals of a bland, easily digestible, low-fat food. Over the course of a week or more, the size of meals and quantity of food fed are increased. The dog may need to stay on the special diet for life, or it may be possible to gradually reintroduce the former diet.

The second major component of treatment is fluid therapy. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common in dogs with acute pancreatitis, and water intake is often restricted so fluid therapy is usually needed. Fluids are either given subcutaneously or intravenous.

Dogs who are experiencing severe pain can be treated with pain relievers such as meperidine or butorphanol. Antibiotics are often administered prophylactically to protect against infection.

If the pancreatitis was caused by a medication, the medication should be stopped. If it was caused by a toxin, infection, or other condition, appropriate therapy for the underlying condition should be started.

In rare instances, where there are intestinal complications or the development of a pancreatic abscess, surgery may be necessary.

Long-term management and prognosis

Pancreatitis can be a very unpredictable disease. In most cases, if the pancreatitis was mild and the pet only had one episode, chances of recovery are good, and avoiding high fat foods may be all that is necessary to prevent recurrence or complications. In other cases, what appears to be a mild case may progress, or may be treated successfully only to have recurrences, sometimes severe.

Causes

Multiple factors can contribute to the development of pancreatitis. Certain medications, infections; metabolic disorders including hyperlipidemia (high amounts of lipid in the blood) and hypercalcemia (high amounts of calcium in the blood); and trauma and shock can be associated with the development of pancreatitis. Middle-aged dogs appear to be at increased risk of developing pancreatitis; as a breed, Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers appear to be more prone to pancreatitis. Nutrition also plays a role. Dogs with diets high in fat, or dogs who 'steal' or are fed greasy 'people food' seem to have a high incidence of the disease.

Kidney Diseases


The vast majority of dogs live their entire lives without developing significant kidney disease. Because one of the major causes for kidney disease is leptospirosis, it is important that your dog be kept current in its routine booster vaccinations. The water you offer your dog must always be clean, fresh, and available at all times. The important kidney tissues can be damaged by prolonged and chronic lack of water. Dogs require food containing high-quality protein, but the quantity should not be excessive; young puppies require a somewhat higher protein level because they must make body tissues during this rapid growth phase; adult dogs need only maintain body tissues. Foods with very high protein content can abnormally burden the kidneys. Some common household chemicals can severely damage kidney tissue. Automobile antifreeze solution containing ethylene glycol is an example of such and agent. By simply storing antifreeze safely and discarding it properly, much poisoning can be avoided. Some heavy metals that are common ingredients of insecticides also are toxic to the kidneys. Some dogs, if given the opportunity, will drink or eat such products. Here again, prevention is the best medicine. Excessive salt in the diet also can damage the kidneys. Some plants contain toxic elements that can adversely affect kidney function. If you find your dog chewing your houseplants, take action immediately; correct your dog’s misbehavior, eliminate the particular plants, or place them where your dog can on longer reach them.

Cushing's Disease
is also encountered with some frequency. Females are more affected than males and often fall within the six to eight year age group. Initial clinical signs are increased thirst and urination and an increase in body weight. Later observable is a change in body type, a pot bellied appearance, thinning of the dog's coat and other changes involving the skin. Sudden blindness is also associated with this (SARD). All of this is related to over production of adrenal cortex hormones. Various medications are available to counteract this over production.

Canine Hernia

A hernia is a protrusion or bulge of a part of the body tissue, fat, or an organ through an abnormal opening of the surrounding tissues. There are numerous types of hernias, each type named after its affected area.


A hernia which can be pushed back into the abdomen is called reducible. Hernias which are not reducible are called incarcerated. If the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is pinched off the hernia becomes strangulated. A strangulated hernia is an emergency situation and must be brought to the immediate attention of your veterinarian.
Some of the most common types of hernias are:
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In the case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is as a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall.
In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. If the pup has a large hernia, or one that can be pushed into the abdomen with a finger, consult your veterinarian regarding possible surgical repair.

Inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side.
Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s).
Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy, or atrophy of abdominal tissue and musculature due to advanced age.

Diaphragmatic hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is the result of a tear in the diaphragm which allows abdominal organ portions to pass into the chest area. The most common occurrence of a diaphragmatic hernia is following an accident. If the tear is small, there may not be any obvious clinical indications. If the hernia is significant, however, there are indications such as strained respiration, lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing or vomiting. If a large portion of the abdominal organ have passed through the diaphragmatic tear the dog tends to stand with an extremely "tucked up" abdominal area.

Congenital Portal Systemic Vascular Anomalies (“Liver Shunts”)



The AKC Canine Health Foundation approved a funding proposal of $14,500 for an investigation of oxidant stress and antioxidant levels in livers of dogs having congenital liver shunts. In 1998, the AMSC agreed to join the Foundation and other breed clubs in funding the research.



Liver shunts are extra blood vessels that allow a portion of the animal’s blood to bypass the liver. At present, the definitive treatment for large shunts is surgical removal. Unfortunately, efforts at complete removal are often unsuccessful. Dogs with untreated liver shunts often develop progressive liver disease, resulting in liver failure. The proposed research is aimed at comparing (1) oxidative damage, (2) bile acid profiles, and (3) the level of antioxidants (such as Vitamin E) in normal dogs with those in dogs with shunts. If the research identifies decreased liver antioxidant levels in dogs with shunts, the researchers would then propose further studies to determine the benefit of feeding antioxidants to dogs with shunts.

Unless your dog has had the bad luck to experience this condition, few people will have heard of Canine Peripheral Vestibular Syndrome, even though the complaint is not uncommon, especially amongst older dogs.


The symptoms are dramatic and sudden and are often confused with stroke or poisoning, even by some vets who may have had little experience with the illness. The fact is, Canine peripheral vestibular disease has nothing to do with malfunctions of the brain or a morbid appetite, but is caused by inflammation of the inner ear.

Usually there is little sign of any build up to the disease and one of its characteristics is its habit of striking out of the blue. The dog appears perfectly well and happy, eating its meals and taking its usual exercise when for no apparent reason it falls over. When it tries to regain its feet, it staggers in drunken circles, bangs into objects and tumbles down steps.


This alarming site is often made more dramatic by the dog vomiting, which once it has emptied its stomach, tends to be a frothy yellow colour. If you take a closer look you will notice that the eyes shoot rapidly from side to side, the head is cocked to one side and these, together with the drunken staggers and vomiting lead many owners to the fearful conclusion that their pet has been poisoned. Alternatively, when no evidence of any toxic substance can be found, they consider the possibility of stroke.


Neither poisoning or stroke is the cause of this condition, but the inner ear. Examination by a vet may reveal some kind of infection, but usually there is nothing to see within the ear itself and the cause of the onset of the disease usually remains unknown.


What is thought to happen is that the nerves of the inner ear connecting to the cerebellum, which controls balance and spatial orientation become inflamed causing the distressing symptoms previously described, but why this should happen is as yet unclear. There seems to be a link to age as the disease is much more common in old dogs, though younger animals that are around the middle age mark can be affected too.


Symptoms vary in their severity, not all dogs experiencing the same degree of vomiting and unbalanced co-ordination and this seems to correspond to the duration of the illness. Symptoms usually last between three days and three weeks, but the good news is, almost all dogs make a good recovery, although some my be left with a slight tilt of the head.


Relapses can occur, but are not common. Dogs of a more advanced age that were previously fit and healthy tend to suddenly show their age by refusing to take as much exercise as they used to and sometimes there will be a noticeable decline in eye sight and hearing. Whether this is due to the vestibular disease or is just part of the aging process is difficult to say, but many owners do comment on the decline of their pets senses after recovering from the disease.


There is no medical treatment for the condition, although some vets may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect the possibility of infection. What the owner needs to do is provide good nursing and plenty of tender loving care, since the dog is usually very confused and sorry for itself.


Alarming as the symptoms are for the owner, they are terrifying for the dog who doesn’t understand why the world has suddenly started spinning in such a crazy fashion. Usually it seeks the sanctity of its bed and refuses all food and drink. Any attempt to stand or walk precipitates vomiting.


Hand feeding with water and easily nibbled food is the order of the day, although don’t be surprised, if your dog is severely effected, it doesn’t eat for a week. It is also appreciated by the invalid if you offer some support when it does begin to venture back on its feet.


The few dogs that do not quite make a full recovery quickly learn to cope with the head tilt and any unsteadiness and are able to enjoy a quality life which should last to its allotted span.


These five tips should help you to spot vestibular disease, but always get your pet checked by a qualified vet at the onset as there can be other more serious reasons for the symptoms.


1. Dog is perfectly well then begins to stagger and fall about.

2. Dog vomits.

3. Eyes shoot from side to side in a rhythmic action.

4. Head is tilted to one side.

5. Refuses food and or water


If any of these symptoms persist beyond the three week mark then the chances are that this is not Canine Vestibular Syndrome. Other afflictions such as cancer, brain tumors, and inner ear infections can all produce similar symptoms but do not fade with time.

A heart murmur occurs when there is a turbulence to the normal flow of blood through the chambers of the heart. Sometimes it is so subtle as to be barely detectable with a stethoscope, while other times it is so loud that it can actually be felt by touching the chest wall. Although some murmurs are innocent, especially in young dogs, most indicate some problem.

The two main causes of a murmur are severe anemia and incomplete closing of the heart valves. The anemia related murmur is not as common as the heart valve problem. The valve related murmur is found most often in young animals with a congenital heart problem or in older pets with incomplete valve closure do to bacterial deposition on the valves. A very common source of this bacteria is dental disease.

Your dog should drink about 1 ounce per pound a day. But with dry food, they may drink a little more. The urine output, and intake of water should almost be equal. For example: a 20 lb dog should drink 20 ounces on average.

Colitis describes an inflammation of the colon. The cause may be bacteria, stress, parasites, etc. However, there is usually no detectable reason for the inflammation.

What are the symptoms?

Most dogs with colitis look and feel normal. They simply have frequent mucous and occasional flecks of blood in their feces. In severe cases, vomiting may occur. Some dogs and cats will experience severe pain when defecating because of inflammation of the colon, and may actually try and stop the defecation process, thereby, resulting in constipation. There may be constipation or diarrhea, but invariably there will be an abnormal defecation process.

Some breeds are prone to developing colitis. Boxers are very susceptible, but it is not known why this is so. Deep ulcers may develop in the colon wall, and the condition is called "Boxer ulcerative colitis."

What are the risks?

Most dogs have no serious health risk. When deep ulceration of the colon develops, the situation is more serious. Some dogs, especially Boxers, develop chronic colitis and need long-term treatment.

What is the management?

A rectal exam coupled with a biopsy of the colon wall will generally confirm a diagnosis. Fecal exams for colon parasites such as Giardia should be performed in all cases. Bland diets such as cottage cheese and rice will help the colon rest and heal. Sometimes, the dog must be placed on a bland, easily digestible diet for the rest of his life. Antibiotics will help control bacterial causes. Sulfa-containing drugs can be used long-term to control or treat chronic colitis. Azulfidine (sulfasalazine) is one such drug commonly used to control chronic colitis. In some animals, steroids such as prednisone may be used.

What is diabetes?
During digestion in the intestines, food is reduced to components that can
be used by the body: carbohydrates are converted into sugars, glucose
being the most important one. Glucose is resorbed from the intestines into
the blood to provide the body cells with energy. Cells can only absorb
glucose when insulin induces them to do so. When an insulin shortage
exists, too much glucose remains in the blood and this condition is callled
diabetes. Diabetes is therefore really an insulin shortage.
Insulin
Insulin is produced by certain cells (islet cells) situated in the pancreas.
Some of these cells cannot produce sufficient insulin and sometimes none
at all. This condition is usually found in older bitches and castrated male
cats, but diabetes can be seen in young dogs as well. In some breeds the
number of cases exceeds the average.
What are the symptoms?
When blood contains a high concentration of glucose, the kidneys will
start to excrete this into the urine, (the kidney threshold is exceeded).
This takes an extra amount of fluid, and therefore the patient will drink
and urinate more. Because glucose is an important fuel (energy source)
and is being lost, the affected animal will eat more but still lose weight.
The condition of the coat will fall back and the animal is generally off colour.
Diagnosis
The symptoms observed will indicate diabetes, but they also be seen
in other diseases. A definite diagnosis is made by demonstrating too high
glucose levels in blood and urine. The determination of blood levels is more
reliable than the determination of levels in urine.
Treatment
Administration of Insulin
Diabetes is caused by an insulin shortage. Therefore, this shortage should
be replenished daily, at a fixed time (regularly) by injecting insulin. This may
seem dreary to you, but once you are used to doing it you'll find it's not so
difficult after all.
Because the extent of the insulin shortage is unknown, a proper dosage needs to
be assessed. The daily dose needs to be balanced to the insulin need of your pet.
The institution of Caninsulin therapy
Your vet will establish the amount needed, based on the weight of your pet.
He will show you how to draw insulin from the vial and how to administer the injection.
Once you can do this correctly (and is really a lot easier then it seems) your vet
will provide everything you need to care for your pet at home. At first, you will have
to check the urine 3 times a day for the presence of glucose: before breakfast, at noon
before lunch and a bit later in the evening. This test is simply done by dipping a colour
changing strip in the urine. During this period it may also be necessary to have the vet
examine blood samples taken 1 hour before the second meal. Once the insulin therapy
has been stabilized, your pet will rapidly recover.
The animal will become livelier and its coat condition will improve. The frequency of
drinking and urinating will also decrease. The urine may now be tested less frequently.
Regular examinations remain necessary because the need for insulin can change.
Adjustment of the daily dose may then be necessary. Once your pet is on an adequate
maintenance dose, it can lead a completely normal life.
Food and Exercise
Because the daily dose is adjusted to the amount of energy (glucose) your pet needs
every day, regularity in feeding and exercise is important. That is why your pet
always needs to be fed always at the same time with the same amount of the same diet.
Also the amount of exercise needs to be the same. When your pet suddenly uses a lot
more energy (a long walk, excitement about visitors) it will burn more glucose.
Sometimes this leads to a blood sugar level which is too low, and too little energy is
available for the brain. The animal may even lose consciousness. If that happens you
must immediately administer glucose by mouth.
Sterilization
If diabetes is diagnosed in a bitch, she will have to be sterilized as soon as possible.
One of the female hormones, progesterone, has a negative effect on sugar metabolism.
In cases where diabetes has been present for only a short time, removal of the ovaries
may lead to complete recovery. A regular blood sugar test is necessary because the
need for insulin may rapidly decrease after sterilization. Because progesterone-like drugs
are used to stop a bitch coming into season, this treatment needs to be stopped as well.
Expectations
After being stabilized on insulin, most patients are able to lead a normal life. The most
important complication is a too low blood sugar level. Although this is a rare complication,
it is important for you to know how to deal with such cases.
Hypoglycemia
Too-low blood sugar levels
When the blood sugar level is too low, the brain will not receive enough energy (glucose).
This could lead to a potentially fatal situation and it is therefore important to be able to
recognize the symptoms. The following symptoms may be seen:
unrest, trembling or shivering, strange movements, strange behaviour,
muscle twitching and even unconsciousness (coma). What to do:
1. Give food immediately.
2. If the animal refuses to eat, administer a glucose solution as quickly as possible.
1 gram per kilogram body weight. This solution should be poured carefully into
the cheek pouch. If the animal is unable to swallow, rub the glucose powder onto
the gums (especially under the tongue).
As soon as recovery is seen: give food.
Keep an eye on the patient in case signs return.
Note: It is wise to always keep an amount of glucose ready for use.
3. If the condition of the animal becomes worse, (muscle-twitching, unconsciousness)
call your vet immediately.
What you will need for the treatment of diabetes:
1. Caninsulin (insulin for dogs and cats)
2. Insulin syringes 40 internation units (I.U.) per ml
3. Test strips for testing urine for glucose
4. Glucose or glucose water
5. Complete commercial food