Hereditary Cataracts (HC) 2004-2021 (Updated 2022)
The graph below shows eye tests undertaken for both affected and unaffected Giant Schnauzers. Up to the end of 2021 there have been 17 reported cases affected Giants with HC, the graph shows that the number of affected dogs has remained constant between 0-3 cases per year since eye testing for HC was added to schedule A of the BVA/KC eye scheme in January 2004.
Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD) Litter Screening
The graph below shows the % of affected puppies since 2013, the number of affected puppies has reduced since a sudden spike in 2015. However not all litters are tested. During the pandemic in 2020, only 50% of registered litters were tested.
Adult Eyes – Sightings Report
In 2014 the British Veterinary Association (BVA) began issuing a ‘Sightings Report’ for adult dogs, which made it possible to monitor other conditions as the Kennel Club currently only officially record the results for Hereditary Cataracts in the Giant Schnauzer, as it is the only test that is ‘required’ at the moment within the breed.
The following data is the BVA sightings report since 2012 for the Giant Schnauzer. During 2016 there were 2 cases of GPRA like appearance researched by the Animal Health Trust and found to be a novel type of PRA, now known as PRA5 (NECAP1) for which a DNA test was developed and is currently a pre-breeding recommendation.
Puppy’s Eyes – Litter Screen Sightings Report
As with adult eyes the BVA began issuing a sightings report for puppy litter screens, the graph below shows the sightings report for litter screens since 2013.
