Deafness and Vestibular Syndrome of Dobermans in Dogs

Category: Ear & Hearing
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 5

Overview

An inherited inner ear disorder can disrupt hearing and balance from early life. In Doberman Pinschers, this combination is often called DINGS. The parts of the ear that detect sound and help the brain track head position do not develop normally. One genetic form causes deafness in both ears, while another affects at least one ear. Balance problems vary in severity and can worsen.

Signs to watch for

Little or no response to sounds
A persistent head tilt
A wobbling or bobbing head
Unsteady movement or poor coordination

Signs start early in life and may be evident in puppies.

When to get help Book a vet visit if you notice hearing loss, a head tilt or poor balance.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet evaluates hearing and balance and may use a brainstem auditory evoked response test, called BAER, to measure the hearing response to sound. DNA testing can identify the known DINGS variants in Doberman Pinschers. These tests distinguish carriers from dogs with two copies of a disease-associated variant.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Large

Doberman PinscherLarge · Working Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.