Deafness: acquired

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Standard treatment, Prevention, Prophylaxis, Sequelae, Prognosis, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Agnes Delauche DVM MRCVS DACVIM DECVN AdvCertCIM
Dr Rosanna Marsella DVM DipACVD

Introduction

  • Rare.
  • Non-hereditary deafness.
  • Two forms: conductive abnormalities due to outer and/or middle ear pathology; sensorineural due to cochlear abnormalities.
  • Cause : infection, ototoxins, presbycusis (deterioration due to ageing), trauma, fetal damage (intrauterine infection or drug toxicity) or malformation.
  • Signs : often missed. Partial, unilateral or bilateral hearing loss.
  • Diagnosis : signs.
  • Treatment : none.
  • Prognosis : guarded.
    Print off the owner factsheet Living with a deaf cat  Living with a deaf cat  to give to your client.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • No Preyer's reflex (ears should move at and towards sound created outside field of vision). Air movement and vibration must be avoided.
    Hearing cats may tolerate new sounds and stop responding. Observation of initial response critical.
    Does not detect partial or unilateral deafness. /li>

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Hereditary deafness  Deafness: congenital (hereditary)  .
  • Vestibular disorders  Vestibular disease  .

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Guarded - depends on etiology but hearing may not be recovered.
  • Unilaterally deaf animals may appear normal.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Gregory S P (2000)Middle ear disease associated with congenital palative defects in seven dogs and one cat.JSAP41, 398-401.
  • Strain G M (1991)Congenital deafness in dogs and cats.The Compendium - European Edn13, (2) 106-111.
  • Strain G M (1996)Etiology, prevalence and diagnosis of deafness in dogs and cats.BVJ152, 17-33.

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