Auditory testing of dogs with inherited retinal degeneration

Auditory function was tested by brainstem-evoked response (BSR) audiometry in dogs affected by hereditary retinal degeneration (HRD). Comparison of BSR thresholds and latency-intensity functions revealed no significant difference between progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD) affected and unaffected miniature poodles, and no evidence of sensorineural hearing loss in HRD-affected English cocker spaniels and miniature schnauzers. The authors conclude that hearing loss is not a feature of the retinal degenerations in these dogs.