Summary: Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD) is a Border Collie-specific disease known to cause increased hearing loss in Border Collies starting at the age of 3-5 years old. While the gene responsible is not yet identified, through the help of many years of research and studies there are several gene marker tests that have available, though not yet proven to be reliable. For best practice in a dog with at risk test results, a BAER hearing test should be done early in life to set a baseline, and evaluated again intermittently throughout the dog’s life to track disease progression. The only way to reliably test hearing currently is BAER hearing tests.

Screening: Genetic screening is currently available via marker tests in two different labs. Some differences in the tests exist so Border Collie owners are encouraged to do their own research to decide which test is ideal in their particular situation. These marker tests have not yet been proven to reliably diagnose an affected dog.