Are Giant Schnauzers healthy?
Giant Schnauzers are sturdy dogs and are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Diseases Giant Schnauzers are prone to include:
- Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Giant Schnauzer, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): This condition causes improper growth of the cartilage in the joints. It occurs in the elbows but has also been seen in the shoulders. The lack of cartilage properly covering the bone creates stiffness in the joint to the point that a dog becomes unable to bend their elbow. High-protein foods designed to increase growth (such as puppy formulas) may contribute to the development of osteochondritis dissecans.
- Others: Autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition that causes low thyroid hormone production; gastric dilatation-volvulus, a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen; cancer; and a self-limiting lameness or temporary limp (known as panosteitis).