Disease Description: A skin disease of schnauzers where the skin forms comedones ("blackheads").

Inherit Mode: The mode of inheritance is unknown.

Disease Symptom: Animals with this syndrome have bumps, scabs andblackheads on theirbacks, which may only be noticed when the hair is clipped. Theseusually do not bother thedog unless a secondary bacterial skin infection develops, causing somepain and itching. The dog's general health is not affected.

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: The diagnosis is readily made based on findingcomedones orblackheads along the back of a miniature schnauzer. Your veterinarianmay take a skinbiopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This is a simple procedure done withlocal anesthetic, inwhich your veterinarian removes a small sample of your dog's skin forexamination by aveterinary pathologist.

Treat Method: This condition can not be cured but it can becontrolled. Mild casesneed no treatment. In other cases or where there are repeatedinfections, regular cleaningwith acne cleaning products or mild anti-seborrheic shampoos will berequired. Yourveterinarian will work with you to find a regime suitable for yourdog. If a secondary bacterial infection develops,your dog will need totake antibiotics for 3 or 4 weeks.

Breeder Advice: It is preferable not to breed affected dogs, inorder to reduce theoccurrence of this common disorder in miniature schnauzers.

Disease Description Source: Link