We are lucky in the breed to have very few serious congenital problems. The main one besetting the Breed - congenital deafness - can now be accurately detected at 6 weeks by a BAER test. Indeed it was only after Testing had begun that Breeders became aware that Dalmatians could be Bi-laterally deaf or unilateral (hearing in one ear only) and more importantly at least 35 other breeds of dog can also suffer from deafness, including Australian Cattle Dogs, English Setters, Border Collies, and Boxers.

The Clubs support testing but unfortunately there has been a slow take up to the Scheme by Veterinarians in Britain. This means that there are currently few sites where the Test can be done, however, to help with the current lack, there are day sessions set up at various locations around Britain, according to breeder and litter demands.

The test is done on very young puppies (5 -7 weeks old) and to many breeders the lengthy journey and the time involved means that they are unable to avail themselves of the facilities at the Testing Sites.

In 1992, following a published American Report disclosing alarmingly high rates of deafness in American Dalmatians, The Animal Health Trust and the BDC jointly, set up the initial Scheme and format.

Deafness Research: Prof. George Strain has written a short piece on his research to help Dalmatian owners clarify some points about his research. Article.

It is hoped the results gained from these Tests will not only allow Breeders to sell puppies with hearing abilities accurately assessed, but also that these figures may in some way shorten the time when a DNA blood test can be made available. However that time is not yet around the corner.

Details of the Centres and contact names are as current as possible and there also follows a helpful leaflet issued by the Animal Health Trust to all breeds undergoing the test.

Appointments can be made by contacting the individual centres direct. ALL breeds, puppies and adults can be tested.

ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST: Centre For Small Animal Studies, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU
Telephone (01638) 552700) Fax (01638) 555600
Clinics Tuesdays and Thrusdays - however the Animal Health Trust prides itself on being flexible and will try to accomodate those wishing to have BAER tests at other times.

University of Glasgow Faculty of Veterinary Medicine :
BAER hearing tests are no longer being carried out at Edinburgh. However there is a new facility is available in Glasgow at:The Small Animal Hospital, Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1QH Tel: 0141 330 5848 - Dr Jim Anderson

Hythe, Southampton
The Hearing Assessment Clinic has been transferred to Kate McMorris. Kate is a veterinary surgeon based at Seadown Veterinary Group in Hythe near Southampton. Her address is  
 Seadown Veterinary Group, Frost Lane, Hythe, Southampton, Hants. SO4 6NG Tel: 02380842237 or
Email

REFERRAL CENTRE, WOKING:
Miss S. Fitzmaurice BVSc., MRCVS, DipACVIM(neurology), DipECVM
American & European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
For details and appointments ring: 01483 729194
VALE VETS, ANIMAL HOSP., STINCHCOMBE, nr DURSLEY, GLOS. Tel. for appts 01453 542 092, Vet. nurse in charge will give you details. The Vet will be Miss S. Fitzmaurice BVSc., MRCVS, DipACVIM(neurology), DipECVM They hope to be testing there once a month.

CRANMORE VETERINARY REFERRALS:
Cranmore Veterinary Centre,
140 Chester Road, Childer Thornton, S. Wirral, Ch66 1QN, Tel:01244 853823
Appointments for testing at almost any time. Judith Skerritt
CHURCH FARM VETERINARY CLINIC:
Neston Road, Willaston S. Wiral CH64 2TL
Clinics held in KENT as required.
G.C.Skerritt, BVSc, DipECVN, FRCVS, RCVS & European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
For details and appointments contact:01244 853823
Charges for BAER test are £20.00 +VAT. Sedation is used only when strictly necessary in adult dogs and is charged in addition (price depends on bodyweight). Clip electrodes or needle electrodes available

Mr Pitt-Boydell, Manchester: Tel: 0161 881 3329

In addition, sessions are sometimes organised around the Country periodically, in response to the number of litters. For more information or to book a test at the next session contact Mrs Mary Greening. Telephone: 01952 691518

This is the first leaflet produced by the AHT.
(Click here to see the second, updated AHT leaflet)

The Animal Health Trust
Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, England
Direct Telephone (01638 552700) Fax (01638) 555600 Main Switchboard (01638) 751000

CANINE HEARING TESTS - THE BAER

What does BAER stand for?

BAER stands for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response. This is the electrical response of the patient's brain to a series of clicks passed into each car in turn through a headphone.

How do you record the response?

Tiny, fine acupuncture-like needle electrodes that are slipped under the skin on the dog's scalp pick up the electrical activity of the brain in response to the click. This is shown as a recognisable pattern on a small TV-type screen.

Does it hurt?

In most cases, the patient does not react at all to the placing of the electrodes, some pups even remain asleep during this process. However, if it should cause a squeak, this is only momentary, and the patient settles down again straight away. This is a far quicker and more satisfactory way of obtaining the information than using stick-on surface electrodes, which would involve clipping the hair and degreasing the skin to get a good contact.

Can the test be done whilst the dog is conscious?

Yes, in nearly all cases, the test is done on a fully conscious animal. We do not sedate puppies being screened at 5-8 weeks of age, and many adults will sit still for long enough to acquire the trace we need. However, some patients are very wriggly or tense, therefore it can be necessary to give a light sedative to allow a good trace to be recorded. ALL ANIMALS SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY FOOD ON THE DAY OF THEIR TEST TO AVOID ANY SICKNESS WHICH MAY SOMETIMES BE RELATED TO SEDATION. They can be given water, however.

How long does the test take?

If the patient is co-operative, a trace can be obtained from each ear in around five minutes. However, it may take a little longer in cases where the dog does not settle, or if the trace needs to be repeated for any reason. If sedation is used, it takes 15-20 minutes for it to take effect before trying to obtain a trace. Average consultations last about 30-45 minutes. For puppy screening, it takes about an hour for every 5 puppies, so a litter of 7 puppies should take around 90 minutes.

Can I stay with my dog?

Yes, in most cases it helps the dog to settle if it knows a familiar person is with them - very often the owner will be the one holding and stroking the dog whilst the test is carried out. Of course, if you would prefer not to do this, that's all right too!

How much does the test cost?

For a simple screening hearing test without sedation, it costs £16.00 + VAT per animal. If sedation is required, the cost is £42.00 + VAT per animal. If the test is part of a Clinical examination, there may be a charge for professional fees.

Will I get any kind of documentation after the test?

You will get a papercopy of the trace and a Certificate signed by the attending clinician stating the hearing status of your dog(s).