Deafness
Also known as: Congenital Sensorineural Deafness · Taubheit · Angeborene Gehörlosigkeit · Sensorineural Deafness · Congenital Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness · …
Overview
What it is
Deafness is a partial or complete loss of hearing that affects the nervous system and auditory pathways. It is often hereditary and frequently linked to specific coat pigmentation genes, such as the merle or piebald genes, which can affect the development of the inner ear. This genetic form of deafness results from a lack of pigment cells in the inner ear, leading to the degeneration of vital sensory cells.
How it presents
Owners typically notice signs in puppies during their first few weeks of life, as affected dogs do not react to sudden noises or acoustic stimuli. These puppies may sleep unusually deeply, fail to wake up during feeding times, or play too roughly because they cannot hear their littermates' cries.
Treatment
Congenital deafness is permanent and cannot be cured, but affected dogs can live high-quality lives when trained using visual hand signals. Diagnostic testing, such as a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test, and specialized training typically cost between 300 and 1500 EUR.
How it's tested
Affected breeds
18 of 18 breeds
Mandatory testAmerican Hairless TerrierMandated by American Hairless Terrier Club of America (AHTCA / OFA CHIC)
Mandatory testBelgian LaekenoisMandated by Deutscher Klub für Belgische Schäferhunde e.V.
Mandatory testBelgian MalinoisMandated by Deutscher Klub für Belgische Schäferhunde e.V. (DKBS)
Mandatory testBelgian Shepherd DogMandated by Deutscher Klub für Belgische Schäferhunde e.V.
Mandatory testBelgian TervurenMandated by Deutscher Klub für Belgische Schäferhunde e.V.
Mandatory testCanadian ShepherdMandated by Rassezuchtverein für Weisse Schweizer Schäferhunde e.V. (RWS)
Mandatory testDalmatianMandated by Deutscher Dalmatiner-Club von 1920 e.V.
Mandatory testEnglish PointerMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testEnglish SetterMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testGroenendaelMandated by Deutscher Klub für Belgische Schäferhunde e.V. (DKBS)
Mandatory testIrish Red and White SetterMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testMajorca Shepherd DogMandated by Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH)
Mandatory testOld English SheepdogMandated by Deutscher Old English Sheepdog Club e.V.
Mandatory testPekingese
Mandatory testStaffordshire Bull TerrierMandated by Deutscher Club für Bullterrier e.V.
Mandatory testWhite Swiss Shepherd DogMandated by Rassezuchtverein für Weisse Schweizer Schäferhunde e.V. (RWS)
RecommendedAmerican Leopard Hound
RecommendedRat Terrier
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Deafness?
Deafness is a partial or complete loss of hearing that affects the nervous system and auditory pathways. It is often hereditary and frequently linked to specific coat pigmentation genes, such as the merle or piebald genes, which can affect the development of the inner ear. This genetic form of deafness results from a lack of pigment cells in the inner ear, leading to the degeneration of vital sensory cells.
How is Deafness tested?
Various clinical and genetic tests are used depending on the breed and presentation.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: American Hairless Terrier, Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Shepherd Dog, Belgian Tervuren, Canadian Shepherd, Dalmatian, English Pointer.