Brainstem auditory-evoked response (BAER) in client-owned pet ferrets with normal hearing.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Auditory Neurophysiology

Background:

• Deafness prevalence in pet ferrets is unknown, particularly congenital forms.
• A standardized clinical method for assessing ferret hearing is lacking.
• Brainstem Auditory-Evoked Response (BAER) testing is a valuable tool for auditory pathway evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of clinical Brainstem Auditory-Evoked Response (BAER) testing in pet ferrets.
• To establish a routine protocol and baseline data for normal hearing ferrets.
• To provide a foundation for investigating deafness in this species.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight clinically normal ferrets were tested under isoflurane anesthesia.
• Subcutaneous needle electrodes and insert earphones delivering 90 dB SPL click stimuli were used.
• BAER waveforms were averaged (500 responses) to analyze wave morphology, amplitude, and latency.

Main Results:

• A reproducible 4-wave BAER pattern (Waves I, II, III, V) was observed in normal ferrets.
• Latency measurements aligned with previous laboratory findings.
• A reliable routine protocol for clinical BAER testing in ferrets was successfully established.

Conclusions:

• Clinical BAER testing is feasible, safe, and effective for assessing hearing in pet ferrets from eight weeks of age.
• This protocol provides essential baseline data for identifying hearing deficits.
• BAER testing serves as a crucial screening tool for congenital deafness in ferrets, especially those with white coats.