B.A.E.R. Testing for Congenital Deafness
Canine Companions Veterinary Hospital is proud to be one of the few locations in the Midwest offering BAER testing for congenital deafness in dogs. Veterinarian Dr. Joanna Jones has been involved with Australian Cattle Dogs (a breed with a high incidence of deafness) for the past decade and has seen firsthand the need for quality, affordable BAER testing in the Midwest. One of her own dogs is deaf in one ear.

Congenital deafness has been reported for approximately 80 breeds, with the list growing at a regular rate; breeds with white pigmentation seem especially prone.

Dr. Jones has been conducting BAER tests since 2005. Her BAERcom instrument is linked to her computer to provide printouts of the BAER tracings for each dog or puppy. You will receive a copy of this official tracing. If you wish to send the results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), please bring your OFA paperwork with you to your session. Dr. Jones will sign your paperwork so you can send it to the OFA.

The recommended age to test puppies for deafness is at least 5-7 weeks of age. In general, Dr. Jones does not find sedation is necessary; only in very rare instances is it recommended. Off-site testing is considered only on a case-by-case basis and requires a minimum number of dogs. Dr. Jones also provides counseling on steps to take if any hearing impairment is detected.

Extensive information about deafness in dogs and cats, including how to live with and care for them, is available from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and Louisiana State University.

Pricing:
$65 per dog for each of the first three dogs/puppies
$30 per dog for each additional dog/puppy after the first three

Request your B.A.E.R. test

Dr. Jones has BAER hearing-tested my last 2 Dalmatian litters. Her professionalism and proficiency were matched by her compassion and kindness, making a potentially stressful experience much less taxing on all of us— human and canine alike. With her invaluable assistance, we are making advances in our goal of producing a sounder and healthier Dalmatian, whether destined for the show ring or to serve as someone’s best loved couch potato or BOTH! We will be using her BAER testing services for all of our future litters and wholeheartedly recommend her to others.
~ Jan Warren, Matchless Dalmatians

CH Matchless Heir Apparent & his littermate CH Matchless Lady Justice
Both BAER bilateral hearing