Early-Onset Adult Deafness

Body function:

Ear

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Early-onset adult deafness is a genetic condition affecting Rhodesian Ridgebacks caused by a mutation in the EPS8L2 gene. The mutation causes the degradation of hair cells in the inner ear, leading to progressive hearing loss.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Rhodesian Ridgeback

A black and white dog with large ears is looking up at the camera with a curious expression.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no known treatment for early-onset adult deafness. Once signs of the conditions appear, it’s recommended to increase training while dogs can still hear in preparation for total hearing loss. Hand signals and vibrating collars can help owners communicate with dogs once hearing is gone.

Symptoms

Signs of early-onset adult deafness typically appear between 4 months and 2 years of age. Dogs show increasing signs of hearing loss, like a lack of response to loud noises or their own name. Dogs may also be increasingly sleepy and difficult to wake.

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