Species: Dog
Condition: Congenital Deafness & Vestibular Disease
Organ System: Musculoskeletal
Vestibular disease is a disorder which is almost unique to Dobermans, although it has occasionally been seen in the beagle, Akita, English cocker spaniel, German shepherd dog, Shetland sheepdog, and Tibetan terrier. Your dog’s hearing organs develop normally in the womb but begin to deteriorate after birth usually resulting in total deafness by the age of about 3 weeks. Typical symptoms of vestibular disease include head tilt, lack of coordination, and circling, although these may disappear as your pup learns to compensate for the disorder. Your vet can give advice on managing and training your dog appropriately.
Breeds exposed to Congenital Deafness & Vestibular Disease – Research Reference
Alsatian Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Golden Retriever Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Airedale Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Irish Setter Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
German Shepherd Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Irish Red and White Setter Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Doberman Pinscher – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
German Shepherd – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Great Dane – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Alsatian – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labradoodle – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Airedale Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Bull Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Dobermann – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Golden Retriever – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Irish Setter – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Golden Doodle (Groodle) – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Irish Red and White Setter – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labrador Retriever Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Great Dane Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Bull Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labrador Retriever – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labradoodle Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Congenital Deafness & Vestibular Disease or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
