BAER test (deafness)
Description
The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is, in the breeding programmes approved by DWV, the examination for deafness. It is mandatory for a few breeds, including the Dalmatian. For some forms of deafness a breeding programme uses a DNA test instead.
How the examination is carried out
Age: from 6 weeks. Frequency: once.
How to read the result
The result is normal (normal hearing in both ears), unilateral (completely deaf in one ear and normal hearing in the other) or bilateral (completely deaf in both ears). The breeding advice is only positive when both parent dogs have a normal result; the other combinations are subject to a breeding ban.
Breeds for which this screening is recommended
We are rebuilding the health information for each breed from the official breeding programme of Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). Until then, you can find the mandatory and recommended health tests for this breed in the breeding programmes under the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). View the official breeding programmes
