Health Testing Rhodesian Ridgebacks - Early Onset Adult Deafness (EOAD)

I am a advocate of health testing and research for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and this conclusion of Early Onset Adult Deafness research by ProjectDog in California, USA summarises my feelings welll. “It has been indicated that the gene responsible for adult onset deafness in the Ridgeback is highly likely to be responsible for a similar deafness in humans. Specifically, human genetics literature suggests that this human deafness affects infants before they learn how to speak, thus sentencing these children to a lifetime of challenges in communicating. It is hoped that a successful conclusion of this research will enable Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders to improve the health of future generations of dogs, and beyond this, have important implications for improving human health as well. Dr. Neff and his team have expressed deep appreciation for the long term commitment and patience by the Ridgeback community, and for the continued support of this important research”.

I am happy to report that having forwarded a donation to ProjectDog and DNA for 3 Colkeririn Hounds, results are:

Colkeririn Your Good Elf - Verde: High Confidence CLEAR

Colkeririn’s Sunlight - Kamba: High Confidence CLEAR

Colkeririn Indigo Lightly at Lonaza - Lana: High Confidence CLEAR

We are proud to support the research at ProjectDog and thank the generous donors from the RRCUS community who enabled the DNA sequencing and analysis, research and to subsidize DNA testing against the hereditary basis of Early Onset Adult Deafness in a large number of Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.