Early Onset Adult Deafness, EOAD
This form of Early Onset Adult Deafness is due to a variant in the EPS8L2 gene which likely causes degradation of inner ear hair cells.
-
Signs and symptoms
Signs of hearing loss can include no longer responding to sounds like clapping, knocking, doorbells, or the dog's name. A dog with hearing loss may also be difficult to wake.
Affected dogs may have normal hearing after birth, but exhibit progressive hearing loss between 4 and 24 months of age. -
Diagnosis
Hearing disorders are generally clinically examined by using brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) testing to confirm unilateral or bilateral deafness.
-
Treatment
There are no widespread treatments. Management is aimed at lifestyle changes, training, and reducing the risk of injury.
-
What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Train using visual cues instead of sounds
- Avoid startling the dog
- Put tags on leashes or collars identifying the dog as deaf
-
Genetic Information
This variant was first described in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The prevalence of this variant in other breeds is unknown.
This form of EOAD has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance; that is, a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of the disease from the variant.
Gene names:
EPS8L2 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
-
Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
Learn about your dog’s unique genetic health
Dog owners
Breed identification, health and trait insights, personalized care recommendations, and the world’s first canine relative finder—all in one leading dog DNA test.
Learn about the report for dog ownersShop the test
Breeding programs
Embark’s test for breeding programs is one comprehensive DNA test designed with your needs in mind.
Learn about the report for breedersShop the test
