Symptoms of Dog Hearing Loss
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Dog Hearing Loss - General Canine Observations
When you are worried about your pet dogs or puppies it is wise to make general observations and a note of your dog's general well-being before considering a health issue and problem such as Dog Hearing Loss. Overall physical condition? Mental attitude? Appetite? Condition of bowels and urinary apparatus? The nose of healthy dogs or puppies is moist and cool but in sick dogs it is usually hot and dry. Hair loss? Dry skin? Discharges? These general observations are useful to consider whilst checking out the symptoms of Dog Hearing Loss. There are two types of deafness or hearing loss that dogs can suffer from:
Bilateral Deafness - This occurs when hearing loss affects both ears. A dog who is bilaterally deaf has very poor hearing or is completely deaf in both ears. Unilateral Deafness - This term refers to a dog who suffers from deafness or hearing loss in one ear with normal hearing in the other ear. It is more difficult to detect than bilateral deafness. Dogs who suffer from this type of deafness are usually able to hear a sound but may not realise where it came from.
Some of the causes of hearing loss are:
Genetic Defects - Occasionally a dog can be born deaf due to a genetic defect, this is known as congenital deafness. Certain breeds are more susceptible to hearing problems, Dalmatian's for example can suffer from hereditary hearing loss.
Infection - Untreated ear infections can lead to partial or complete deafness. If you suspect your dog is suffering from an ear infection, it is vital they are examined and treated with antibiotics if necessary.
Injury - If the dog has a trauma to his ear, the hearing can be affected if the inner ear is damaged.
Build up of Wax - Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a build up of ear wax which can affect their hearing. If you suspect that the dog has a build up of wax, make an appointment with your canine health care professional to clean the dogs ears and remove the build up of wax.
Foreign Objects - If the dog suddenly starts scratching its ear frantically and shaking its head then it could be a sign that the dog has something in its ear, a seed for example. Do not try to remove the object yourself as it could cause it to become lodged further into the ear. Take the dog to your canine health care professional who will be able to remove the object, under sedation if necessary.
Old Age - Like humans, hearing loss in dogs can be gradual and can worsen with age.
Drugs - Unfortunately hearing loss can be a side affect of certain drugs taken for other conditions.
Loud Noise - If a dog is exposes to a very loud noise, they can suffer from temporary or even permanent damage.
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Symptoms of Dog Hearing Loss
Dog Hearing Loss symptoms may include the following: - Dog Hearing Loss symptoms - Poor or no reaction to noise including short, loud or handclaps.
- Dog Hearing Loss symptoms - Failure to respond to calling name
Treatment and Remedies - Canine Treatment of Dog Hearing Loss
The remedies and treatment of Dog Hearing Loss may include the treatment of dogs as follows. To accurately diagnose canine hearing loss, the BAER test is used. BAER stands for Brain Auditory Evoked Response test and it is the most accurate way to determine the extent of hearing loss or deafness in dogs. The BAER test uses computer-based technology and it records electrical activity in the inner ear as well as the auditory pathways in the dogs brain. The Brain Auditory Evoked Response test is painless and can even be carried out on young puppies (recommended from 5 weeks of age). An anaesthetic is not required, however dependant of the temperament of the dog sedation may be required. The test takes approximately 15 minutes and the results are available immediately.
There is no treatment or cure for dog hearing loss but there are different levels of severity ranging from partial to complete deafness. Dogs who are completely deaf can be trained using hand signals and by the use of lights. If a dog is found to be suffering from congenital deafness, it is advisable not to breed the dog to stop the faulty genes being passed onto future generations. Temporary deafness can occur due to the build up of wax, it is recommended that you consult your canine health care professional for expert advice. Dog Symptoms and Canine Health - Canine Insurance / Pet Health Insurance for Dog Hearing Loss
Pet Insurance for Dog Hearing Loss. Remember canine insurance / pet dogs health insurance for treatment of health and medical problems such as Dog Hearing Loss. Unexpected visits to the vet and veterinary treatments for your dogs and puppies due to illnesses such as Dog Hearing Loss can quickly add up so get quotes for canine health / pet insurance coverage for treatment due to accidents, treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, surgeries and possible hospitalization treatment for your dogs or puppy. Get the best deals for pet insurance from pet insurance comparison websites - make sure you get the best rates for canine health insurance to cover visits to the Vet for the diagnosis and treatment of unexpected ailments such as Dog Hearing Loss. Disclaimer - Dog Hearing Loss Section of Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health Website
The sole purpose of the Dog Hearing Loss section on the Dog Symptoms and Canine Health website is to act as a reference guide to provide useful information to the owners of dogs and puppies. This article on Dog Hearing Loss 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, or problems associated with Dog Hearing Loss, please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately for professional treatment. Your vet will diagnose whether Dog Hearing Loss is the problem and prescribe appropriate medication and treatment. Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Hearing Loss
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