UQ Small Animal Clinic treats dog deafness

Dog breeders have travelled from all over eastern Australia to bring their dogs to be treated for deafness at The University of Queensland’s Small Animal Clinic at St Lucia.

Small Animal Clinic academic surgeon Susan Sommerlad has a special interest in ear, nose and throat surgery.

Mrs Sommerlad’s team has been investigating sensorineural and conductive deafness in dogs and cats, and has tested 9000 animals over 13 years.

Mrs Sommerlad’s study was facilitated by the purchase of a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing machine through the Canine Control Council of Queensland, and other private donors.

The study has assessed various forms of deafness, including the screening of puppies from breeds that are prone to Hereditary Sensorineural Deafness.

The study also led to the world’s first implantation of a bone-anchored hearing aid in a dog for conductive deafness, which was performed in collaboration with Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Head of Audiology Deborah Mackenzie.

At a recent breed show, Cattle Dog and Kelpie Club of Queensland President Craig Kuhler presented Mrs Sommerlad with a plaque “in appreciation of her commitment, patience and dedication to their breeds”.

While the School of Veterinary Science relocates to UQ Gatton campus in 2010, the Small Animal Clinic will remain at the St Lucia campus.

The Small Animal Clinic offers a range of services, including: a fully equipped veterinary hospital, health checks and vaccinations, a retail outlet including flea treatments and pet food and a 24-hour emergency service.

UQ staff and students receive a five percent discount and free boarding on the day of the appointment. The clinic will be open for tours on UQ’s St Lucia Open Day on August 2.

To schedule an appointment for your pet, please call +61 (07) 5460 1788.

Media: Mrs Sommerlad (0418 988 397) or UQ Communication, science.media@uq.edu.au.