Hereditary deafness is widely spread among multiple dog breeds with differing age of onset, diverse clinical symptoms and various genetic causes. The observed deafness in Rhodesian Ridgebacks differs from the same disorder in other breeds because it is not pigment-associated, and the hearing loss occurs before adulthood. This variant of hearing loss is named early onset adult deafness (EOAD), with the average age of onset being between 1 to 2 years after birth. EOAD is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for the growth and maintenance of hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in the deterioration of the inner ear hair bundles and progressive hearing loss. The affected dogs become bilaterally deaf but show no other accompanying clinical symptoms.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation:  EPS8L2 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age. 

Disease control: read more

DNA test sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.