A what? 😂
(B.A.E.R. Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response), is a non-invasive hearing test to test the hearing of animals in each ear independently. (OFA certifiable).
Congenital deafness is actually a "thing". Specific breeds of dogs are prone to congenital deafness. Do you know if your breed of dog has congenital deafness in it's bloodlines? (Check this list by Dr. George M Strain of Luisiana State University). Several breeds of dogs and cats are affected by congenital deafness, yet it is not determined exactly what causes it. Studies have revealed on multiple occasions that the white hairs in the cochlea may be a commonality. However, it is not always a factor. (Sigh). Scientists still do not have a definitive cause.
The BAER test is a simple, non invasive test that we can check the hearing status in the ears one at a time. If you want to watch a video clip, this is a quick fun one. The portable testing unit does not give us detailed audiology report giving us a percentage of loss, but the results tell us if the dog has normal hearing in that ear. Typically the B.A.E.R. test will take less than 15 minutes in total. (The initial set up can be tricky if the puppy is wiggly). After the testing is completed, the results are downloaded, and sent to a veterinarian to interpret the results. The results are sent via email to the owner once it is processed and signed by the veterinarian. (Typically less than 3-5 days). The puppies are unharmed, and usually unaffected by the whole process.
As a breeder, it is of utmost importance to test all potential breeding animals to verify they have normal bilateral hearing. By only breeding dogs that have normal hearing, it is an attempt to eliminate deafness from the gene pool. For my breeding program, I also test all of the puppies we produce here at Tin Roof Australian Cattle Dogs. I feel it is valuable information to document the offspring at Tin Roof ACD's with the OFA database (an example of one of our girl's testing, offspring, and siblings/half siblings) for public viewing, and for possible use in continued studies. Last, but not least, I want to provide the hearing test results for the puppies' new families.
I started offering the hearing testing service in an attempt to make it easier for the animals' humans. Alright, enough with the technical jargon, so why did I start offering hearing tests for animals you ask? An unfortunate medical diagnosis caused me to forced to retire from my career of 18 years at a prestigious equine hospital. Devastated by the new rules I had been been recommended to follow by doctors, I was going to have to recreate myself. 👀 I had to figure out a way to feel I was serving a purpose. I wanted to give back to the community somehow, find a way to spread joy. I asked myself, How did I find joy in my life through hard times (besides horses as that was not a safe option for me anymore)? Then I thought, "That's it! My dogs have always been a support system for me in difficult times. I need to give back to humankind and the amazing creatures that love us unconditionally!" I decided that my passion for Australian Cattle Dogs (blue heelers, red heelers, Queensland heelers, ACD, Bluey or however you want to refer to them), was going to be my focus. My focus had gone to the dogs. To preserve, and improve upon the ACD breed traits, promote health, and improve upon the education to interested people about this breed so the cattledog does not continue to be misunderstood. I wanted to develop new relationships with people, and see the joy in people's eyes when they see a puppy or watch a video. To be a part of a blossoming relationship between one of our puppies and the new Tin Roof family member and their puppy is the best feeling ever! The videos and photos of adventures, mishaps, training, fun and love that we receive from the families are so rewarding. I determined that I was going to indulge into educating myself more and more on the science and medicine of dog breeding, puppy development, and options for proper education and promotion of the ACD. They definitely are not the breed of dog for everyone, and people interested in them should know what they are going to have to do.
Let us get back to the BAER testing, as a breeder, I struggled finding BAER testing options for my puppies. Then Covid happened, and it was impossible! I felt it was absurd to not be able to find hearing testing. Especially for those that were trying to do the ethical thing. "Voila!" There it was, as a Registered Veterinary Technician, I wanted to somehow utilize my license to benefit this problem. I was able to team up with Dr. Dawn Love DVM, practice owner, of North Orange Veterinary Hospital, in Fallbrook CA. I am able to offer hearing testing, and Dr. Love interprets the results and makes a diagnosis. This way breeders will have another option for testing, will not have to wait a month to get an appointment, and they can stay with their puppies during the testing. Another thought came to mind, if you have ever tried to take a litter of puppies for a car ride, you know the potential joys of screaming, pooping, puking puppies. Taking them to the vet is not always the most favored option. Not only the traveling, but there's also the concern of the possibility that the puppies may contract an infectious disease at the veterinary hospital. I decided that I would offer mobile services to aid in avoiding the trips for breeders with their pups.
I am so blessed with my continued health to be able to do testing for people, and it has given me great joy meeting all of the animals and their owners. If you have a pet that you are concerned about, I can test them for you. Our pets mean just as much to us as any of the rest of the working animals. So just because you are not a breeder or competitor doesn't mean you can't utilize baer testing. Dogs bring so much joy and companionship for many people needing it so badly. I feel it is only right to give back to the animals that save so many humans lives. Giving and working for the animals is what I have done my entire life. 💖
I hope that this helps you understand a little better what a baer test is for, and why it is so important to utilize this test. If you'd like more detailed information, check out the baer testing page on the tinroofacd website.
Have a wonderful day!
Jen V. RVT
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