Dog Health
Issues - Description of Canine Deafness
Canine Deafness is the lacking or deficient in the sense of
hearing. There are two distinct types - Hereditary Deafness and
Acquired Deafness.
Dog Health
Problems - Hereditary Canine Deafness
Sometimes Hereditary Canine Deafness can be identified in puppies
by checking their reaction to a short, loud, handclap. However,
most puppies are born with some hearing capabilities which
degenerate during the first few months of life so this
identification process can be quite difficult.
Hereditary
Canine Deafness - Cause
The deafness is due to a degeneration of the nerves within the
ear.
Dog Health
Questions - Dogs susceptible to Hereditary Canine Deafness
Studies have shown that there are some breeds that are susceptible
to inherited deafness. Dalmatians are the most commonly
noted together with English Setters, Border Collies, Shetland
Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherd dogs.
Dog Health
Information - Treatment of Hereditary Canine Deafness
There is no treatment for Hereditary Canine Deafness but it must
be understood that there are different levels of deafness from
partial to severe to total. Those with total deafness are prone to
injury as they are unable to respond to any verbal warnings from
their owners. In saying this a dog who suffers from total loss of
hearing can be taught to respond to hand signals and the use of
lights can also be applied in the training and care of this type
of pet.
~~~ Acquired Canine Deafness ~~~
Dog Health
Problems - Acquired Canine Deafness
Dogs with acquired deafness are born with normal hearing but
hearing is lost as the animal ages. Dogs with acquired deafness
are born with the capability of developing and maintaining normal
hearing, but hearing is lost as the animal ages or is due to an
accident or a secondary effect of another canine disease including
the treatment. Deafness is resultant of damage to the ear
components such as the eardrum, middle or inner ear. Finally
deafness can be the result of an untreated canine disease such as
Distemper.
Dog Health
Questions - Dogs Susceptible to Acquired Canine Deafness
Studies have shown that there are no dog breeds that are
susceptible to acquired deafness.
Dog Health
Information - Treatment of Acquired Canine Deafness
As with Hereditary deafness there is no treatment for Acquired
Canine Deafness but it must be understood that there are different
levels of deafness from partial to severe to total. Those with
total deafness are prone to injury as they are unable to respond
to any verbal warnings from their owners. In saying this a dog who
suffers from total loss of hearing can be taught to respond to
hand signals and the use of lights can also be applied in the
training and care of this type of pet.
Dog Health
Advice
We hope that the canine health information and dog health advice
has been of some assistance. But please remember that if you are
in doubt about your Dog's Health please consult your Canine Health
Specialist.
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
The sole purpose of the Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems is as a reference
manual to provide useful information to dog and puppy owners. It
is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a
substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please
remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health
please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately.
