Schnauzer Syndrome
Miniature schnauzer syndrome is also known as sterile pustular erythroderma or suppurative necrotic superficial dermatitis. It is an exclusive disease of this dog breed, and we will describe it below.
If you have a schnauzer, keep this in mind
The miniature schnauzer is one of the most coveted dog breeds as it is small animals with a calm character, perfect for life in the city. In addition, it is necessary to highlight the predisposition of other small breeds – such as French bulldogs – to visit the vet often, while schnauzers are usually in good health.
But it is true that they tend to develop diseases of genetic origin, such as some skin pathologies –such as the one we are going to describe below–, kidney diseases, retinal atrophy or hypothyroidism, among others.
In order to prevent them, it is necessary to know them and maintain adequate control of the symptoms through regular visits to our trusted clinic. In this way, we can guarantee our pet sufficient health and quality of life.
Schnauzer syndrome: brief description
We are talking about a disease classified as rare. It has a severe condition of the skin and viscera that occurs exclusively in dogs of the miniature schnauzer breed. However, a similar syndrome has been described in other dog breeds. But just as in the schnauzers the first case described in history was related to the use of herbal shampoos, in the rest of the breeds no similar connection has been appreciated.
Etiology
The causative agent of this disease is still unknown, but an adverse reaction to different allergens or immunogens absorbed during the use of hygiene products or other similar chemicals is suspected.
Symptoms of schnauzer syndrome
- General symptoms : it is common for fever to appear accompanied by depression and lethargy.
- Skin symptoms : alopecia and erythema, usually on the trunk, although cases have been described in which the head or extremities were affected.
The appearance of darker and edematous spots stands out, sometimes with a tendency to ooze. Pustules and blisters may appear, due to the high temperature of the affected area. And in areas where the erythema worsens, skin erosion, ulceration and necrosis may appear.
Evolution of the disease
At first the lesions are localized, but they quickly become generalized and begin to affect the internal organs. Blood tests show signs of inflammation and very low levels of albumin. Signs of heart, lung, and liver damage may also appear, which could be indicative of upcoming systemic failure.
Schnauzer syndrome diagnosis
The diagnosis will be by collecting the mentioned clinical signs, and the pertinent laboratory tests. Among these tests, the biopsy of the skin lesions stands out, to then proceed to their microscopic analysis.
The differential diagnosis will be made with other skin diseases, some even of toxic origin. The most similar is known as Sweet’s syndrome or sterile neutrophilic dermatosis. The two are quite similar and have sometimes been considered related phenomena.
