Disorder - Deafness

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative Names
Hearing loss
Sensorineural deafness (Inherited)

Brief Description

The loss of hearing in one, or both, ears.

Presenting Signs

Hereditary deafness in dogs involves a decreased ability of the dog to hear. The condition ranges in severity from partial to complete deafness, in either one or both ears. For example, some dogs may not respond to a human call, but will respond to a dog whistle quite well. Others will be unable to detect any sound. Dogs with deafness can be at risk of motor accidents because they cannot hear the traffic. The inner ear of the dog degenerates early in development, so the dog cannot pick up sound with these structures. Some dogs may begin to ignore certain calls if no reward is given repeatedly for response to these calls. However, this should not be confused with deafness.

Dogs at Risk

Dogs with coat coverings of predominantly white, merle, or piebald colouring.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
American foxhound
Australian cattle dog
Australian shepherd
Boston terrier
Bull terrier
Collie (Rough and Smooth)
Dachshund (long, smooth and wire haired)
Dachshund (miniature - long, smooth and wire-haired)
Dalmatian
English setter
Fox terrier (Smooth)
Fox terrier (Wire)
Foxhound
Great Dane
Labrador retriever
Maltese
Norwegian dunkerhound
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Toy)
Pyrenean mountain dog
Scottish terrier


PubMed References
Deafness

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
259


Contributor
Samuel Power