In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. 2011. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that in some GSs tends to occur in the toenail bed, the base of the nail where the toenail itself forms and grows. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. The breed also requires regular grooming, including brushing and stripping, so owners should be prepared to spend time maintaining the breeds coat. Regular professional grooming recommended. Copyright 2022 ePet Websites | Powered by WebDVM, Eagles Peak Animal Clinic Robesonia, Pennsylvania, Protective of owners; excellent guard dog, Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices, Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly, Sees cats and small animals as prey unless trained otherwise, Territorial with larger dogs, especially of the same sex. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc. [cited 2013 Apr 11]. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Ranging in size from 23_ to 27_ inches tall at the shoulder. His coat, including the beard and eyebrows that are the Schnauzer hallmark, is solid black or salt and pepper. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. I am forever thankful to great friends and mentors like Olga Grishina (Rus Astershvarc kennel) and Zarina Obez (Zarinas Design kennel) for our wonderful dogs. Because of the significant risk of heart disease, well pay special attention to his heart during each examination. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. 2nd Edition. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. The Giant is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds and has been extensively utilized in Germany as a guarding and police dog since World War I. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Giant. They especially love having a job to do. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Crook A, Dawson S, Cote E, MacDonald S, Berry J. Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. Breed Info Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. Some breeds like your GS can be born with a variety of heart defects. It usually starts at around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Shes a smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or shell get bored. 511 West Penn Ave Well perform his annual glaucoma screening to diagnose and start treatment as early as possible. (Yes, dogs can get braces!) That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), and redness in the whites of the eyes. Unfortunately, Giant Schnauzers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We can help! An extremely intelligent, energetic, strongly territorial dog, the Giant Schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Second edition. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. TPMT is an important enzyme in the metabolism of thiopurine medications such as azathioprine. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older GSs . The condition is often controlled with dietary supplements and other medications. Ackerman L. The Genetic Connection: A Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! We can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto minimize discomfort and pain. Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your GS. We call this skin allergy atopy, and GSs often have it. They can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function. Sometimes your GSs kneecap (patella) may slip out of place (called patellar luxation). SMS Text Message, Email, etc.). Of course! If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Giant looking and feeling her best. He learns quickly, however, and can distinguish between friend and foe. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Fri & Sat: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. If your dog has a seizure: Carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but dont try to control his mouth or tongue. This, along with a urine culture and veterinary examination are basic tests that should be done on all leaking pets. Chances are that you chose her because you like Giant Schnauzers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: However, no dog is perfect! Unless your pal requires treatment for an immune- mediated disease, no additional diagnostics will be required. Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. I am a member of Giant Schnauzer Club of America and Oriole Dog Training Club and involved in conformation showing, obedience, rally, barn hunt, lure coursing, dock diving and nose work competing and training. Jackson, Wyoming. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. Let us help! Yikes! A DNA test is available to test for the specific mutation associated with the disease; however, once stones are present they often must be removed surgically. Giant Schnauzers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. First and foremost I breed for health, stable temperament and sound structure. Having less of this enzyme means he will have trouble tolerating azathioprine, a drug used for immune-mediated diseases. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. If your dog has the condition and has developed an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg(s), rehabilitation exercises may be required. Naturally a bit wary, shes distrustful of strangers; bond her to children early to trigger protective behaviors. Our dogs are fed raw diet and we follow Dr. Jean Dodds minimum vaccination protocol. Have questions about our services, policies, or payment options? For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www.Genesis4Pets.com. Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Giant Schnauzers. Our goal is to produce a total Giant Schnauzer thatcan excelin the show ring,as well asin performanceevents and mostimportantlymakes a great life long friend. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Giant Schnauzers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections the same ones that all dogs can get such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. Stiffness in your GSs elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. Medications may be used to control this disorder and in more extreme cases surgery may be necessary. Monroeville, PA 15146, Mon Thurs: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. I have been involved with dogs since 1986, training and competing in different dog sports first with my Airedale Terrier and later with my Giant Schnauzers. And unfortunately, your Giant Schnauzer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Giants body, inside and out. Von Willebrands disease is a blood clotting disorder frequently found in Giant Schnauzers. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy is a disorder of the toenails more common in GSs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Then he kicks his leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place, and hes fine again. Often multiple feet are involved, with very sore toes, giving rise to lameness, especially if his claw splits or tears. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. Uric acid acts like fertilizer for bladder stones and sometimes kidney stone development. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Giant Schnauzers commonly afflicted. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. Bred to drive livestock, they eventually became excellent watchdogs. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. In fact, your Giant Schnauzers life span may be cut short by one to three years! Shes full of personality, and you love her for it! Our goal is to provide the best health care possible: health care thats based on her breed, lifestyle, and age. Available from: http:/ic.upei.ca/cidd/breed/schnauzer-giant, Breed Specific Health Concerns [Internet]. Well conduct diagnostic testing for blood clotting time or a specific DNA blood test for Von Willebrands disease or other similar disorders to check for this problem before we perform surgery. Gough A, Thomas A. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Giant Schnauzers. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Learn more about what this means and why it is considered the standard of veterinary excellence. If you see symptoms, dont wait to call us, go to an emergency clinic! Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Stones can form in the urinary bladder resulting in irritation and potentially obstruction. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Without a DNA test, we may recommend frequent urine analysis, x-rays or ultrasound to make sure he doesnt have these painful stones. Giant Schnauzer. Well take X-rays of your dogs bones to identify issues as early as possible. Eagles Peak is proud to be AAHA accredited. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. An active and spirited dog, his sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant wiry coat make him one of the most useful, powerful, and enduring working breeds. Shes your best friend, companion, and a source of unconditional love. Hi, we areMarina, Alex and our son Michael. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Our puppies are whelped in our bedroom and socialized with many people and kids, exposed to variety of things from early on, including exposure to many different type of noises and surfaces, as well as Early Neurological Stimulation program that is proven to provide the following benefits: Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate), stronger heart beats, stronger adrenal glands, more tolerance to stress, and greater resistance to disease. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. I consent to being contacted via the channels I have provided (eg. With proper exercise and socialization she is a calm family companion. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. One of the best things you can do for your GS is to have her spayed (neutered for males). The Giant Schnauzer is a working dog that originated in Germany in the late 1800s. Regular stripping or clipping is also required for her wiry double coat. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. We live in the beautiful Baltimore Maryland suburbs. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. Reactive seizures are caused by the brains reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Giant live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Thats when the naughty stuff starts. Fax: 610-693-4158, Home PLEASE NOTE: There is no need to provide a +1 with your phone number. Well look for this condition upon examination; if your pal exhibits pain when the area is squeezed or palpated, well take X-rays to diagnose the problem. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Failure of the urinary sphincter to function adequately can be due to a variety of reasons most commonly related to hormones in the body. Or looking for something different? If we determine cancer is the cause, amputation of his toe is needed to prevent the cancer from spreading. We do not have kennels; our dogs are our companions first,a big part of our family, and our son's best friends. Dont worrywell show you how! Teton New Media; 2012. The GS is an alert and loyal companion that requires a strong leader and adequate exercise. Brushing your dogs teeth daily will prevent periodontal disease. Please just provide the Area code, and the 7 digit phone number. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Your GS counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Phone: 610-693-4151 Giant Schnauzers are very active and intelligent dogs and we enjoy sharing our lives with them. By knowing about health concerns specific to Giant Schnauzers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. Despite his name, the Giant Schnauzer is not a giant breed, but simply a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite.
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