Hereditary deafness in dogs refers to a genetic condition where a dog is born with partial or complete hearing loss. This condition can either be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time, but in the case of hereditary deafness, it is inherited through genes passed down from the dog’s parents.
Hereditary Deafness is rare in English Toy Terriers. Some lines were known to be affected in the past but with selective breeding over time, the condition is very seldom reported in English Toy Terriers in the UK.
- Symptoms of Deafness
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- Genetic Inheritance
- BAER Testing for Hereditary Deafness
Symptoms of Deafness in Dogs
The most common symptoms of deafness in dogs are:
- Lack of response to auditory cues (e.g., not reacting to sounds like clapping, doorbells, or their name being called)
- Sleeping more than usual or seeming unaware of their surroundings
- Excessive barking or whining (possibly because of disorientation)
- General signs of anxiety or confusion
If you are concerned that your dog may be affected by impaired hearing or complete loss of hearing, seek advice from a vet.
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Genetic Inheritance
Hereditary deafness in most dogs is associated with white pigmentation, blue eyes, or merle coat colouring. The English Toy Terrier has none of these associated with the breed. The genetic inheritance of deafness in English Toy Terriers is not well understood but any dog affected should be excluded from breeding programmes.
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Diagnosis and Treatment
A vet can diagnose impaired hearing or a loss of hearing in dogs using a physical exam, hearing tests, and a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test (see the testing section below).
Treatment for impaired hearing or loss of hearing varies depending on the cause and severity.
Impaired hearing can be a temporary condition relating to issues such as ear infections, blocked ear canals, tumours in the ear, etc. Where impaired hearing is a permanent condition, hearing aids and cochlear implants are increasingly used to help improve hearing for affected dogs.
When there is a permanent loss of hearing, lifestyle management plays a critical part in maintaining good quality of life for the affected dog – the use of hand signals in training, using puppy or baby gates to keep your dog from wandering into dangerous areas, walking a dog on a leash, creating consistent routines for feeding and walking and generally provide a safe and secure environment for the dog.
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BAER Testing for Hereditary Deafness:
The most common and accurate way to test for deafness in dogs is through a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test.
The BAER test is a non-invasive test that measures the brain’s response to sound stimuli. Electrodes are placed on the dog’s head, and a series of clicks are played through headphones. The test detects electrical signals generated in the brain in response to the sound.
The BAER test can be done at any age, but it’s often performed in puppies between 6 and 8 weeks old, as early detection of hearing impairment can help with early intervention and training. If the dog is an adult, the test is still useful to confirm whether deafness is present.
Your vet will advise on arranging a BAER test.
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