Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Deafness rates and coat color links in high-risk dog breeds
By Strain, George M·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2004·School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that certain dog breeds are more likely to be deaf, especially Dalmatians, who had the highest rates of hearing loss. Other breeds tested included English setters, English cocker spaniels, and bull terriers. The research showed that blue-eyed Dalmatians and those with white coats were more prone to deafness, while color patterns did not significantly affect hearing. Additionally, if a dog's parent was deaf, their chances of being deaf increased. This information can help owners of these breeds be more aware of potential hearing issues.
People also search for: deafness in Dalmatians · blue-eyed dog hearing loss · English setter deafness risk
Abstract
Hearing function was tested in dogs from breeds at risk for pigment-associated congenital sensorineural deafness - Dalmatian, English setter (ES), English cocker spaniel (ECS), bull terrier (BT), Australian cattle dog (ACD), whippet, Catahoula leopard dog, and Jack Russell terrier. Deafness prevalence was highest in Dalmatians and lowest in ECS. Phenotype correlation studies were performed in breeds with >100 brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) tested subjects. No gender differences were observed. No differences were seen between black- and liver-spotted Dalmatians, among the ES roan colour varieties, among the ECS parti varieties, or among the ACD colour varieties. Blue eyes were positively associated and patches were negatively associated with deafness in the Dalmatian. Blue eyes were also associated with deafness in the ES and ECS. White BT were more likely than coloured BT to be deaf. Having one or more parent's ear deaf was positively associated with deafness in Dalmatians, ES, and ECS.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14623147/