Doberman Vestibular Deafness (aka DVDob or DINGS)
What is DINGS? DINGS (also known as DVDob or vestibular deafness) in Dobermans is a congenital (heritable) disease characterized by deafness combined with vestibular dysfunction that is expected to affect approximately 13% of all Dobermans. DINGS was first reported in Dobermans in the early 80s and was characterized as a disease in 1992.
Genetic Testing for DINGS. Researchers in Michigan and New Brunswick (Canada) found a causative genetic mutation of PTPRQ. This mutation is believed to be autosomal recessive (possibly with variable penetrance -- see below), which means that breeders can eliminate this disease by testing and breeding carriers only to clear dogs. It is believed that for a puppy to inherit this disease, both parents must have carried at least one mutated gene. DINGS testing is available through the non-profit Doberman Diversity Project as a part of a broad, research-grade DNA testing panel from their testing and research partner, Embark Veterinary.
What DINGS Looks Like. DINGS affected puppies typically display head tilting and loss of balance, and are often described as "bobble-headed". This can show up in the first week or two of life, or may first appear later. Breeders familiar with DINGS report observing problems as the puppies develop during the first week or two, noting that DINGS-affected puppies often have a hard time finding their mother's nipples and are often pushed away by their mothers. These puppies reportedly cry constantly and have a hard time quieting down and getting comfortable. Why are these puppies in distress? The cochlea (responsible for a dog's hearing) receives and amplifies sounds, and in DINGS-affected puppies does not function properly. The vestibular system, which is located in a dog’s inner ear, can malfunction and cause vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, vision problems, hearing problems, cognitive and/or psychological changes, and problems with spatial orientation. Puppies who cannot hear and/or experience these problems can suffer severe distress and express that distress by inconsolable crying and disoriented movement/navigation.
Prognosis for DINGS-affected dogs. Some puppies with DINGS may improve over time without treatment if their neurological systems compensate for deficits. These dogs with mild cases of DINGS can lead relatively normal lives despite being deaf and appearing to have a permanently cocked head. Other puppies are severely affected and their prognosis is grim. Breeders often euthanize more severe cases due to the complications of raising and placing them.
Diagnosing DINGS. Affected puppies may show minimal or pronounced signs of the disease. Symptoms can progress over time. Your vet should perform a neurological exam and a hearing test (BAER) to identify vestibular disease and deafness.
Research on DINGS. Researchers are working to publish for peer review in early 2019. One researcher reported finding two dogs who tested affected (two copies of the mutated gene -- one from each parent) but who did not show clinical signs of the disease. This could be, the researcher noted, a result of a different genetic mutation or an indication that the known gene has variable penetrance (meaning that the disease is expressed differently in various dogs). Dogs tested for DINGS through the Doberman Diversity Project will benefit research into DINGS as their data will be used and shared by researchers investigating this disease.
Research Articles/Additional Reading:
1 Chrisman CL. Vestibular diseases. Veterinary Clinics of North American Small Animal Practice. 1980;10:103-129.
2 Wilkes MK, Palmer AC. Congenital deafness and vestibular disease deficit in the Doberman. J Sm Anim Prac. 1992;33:218-224.
New Research/PDF Articles on DINGS:
Genetic Testing for DINGS. Researchers in Michigan and New Brunswick (Canada) found a causative genetic mutation of PTPRQ. This mutation is believed to be autosomal recessive (possibly with variable penetrance -- see below), which means that breeders can eliminate this disease by testing and breeding carriers only to clear dogs. It is believed that for a puppy to inherit this disease, both parents must have carried at least one mutated gene. DINGS testing is available through the non-profit Doberman Diversity Project as a part of a broad, research-grade DNA testing panel from their testing and research partner, Embark Veterinary.
What DINGS Looks Like. DINGS affected puppies typically display head tilting and loss of balance, and are often described as "bobble-headed". This can show up in the first week or two of life, or may first appear later. Breeders familiar with DINGS report observing problems as the puppies develop during the first week or two, noting that DINGS-affected puppies often have a hard time finding their mother's nipples and are often pushed away by their mothers. These puppies reportedly cry constantly and have a hard time quieting down and getting comfortable. Why are these puppies in distress? The cochlea (responsible for a dog's hearing) receives and amplifies sounds, and in DINGS-affected puppies does not function properly. The vestibular system, which is located in a dog’s inner ear, can malfunction and cause vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, vision problems, hearing problems, cognitive and/or psychological changes, and problems with spatial orientation. Puppies who cannot hear and/or experience these problems can suffer severe distress and express that distress by inconsolable crying and disoriented movement/navigation.
Prognosis for DINGS-affected dogs. Some puppies with DINGS may improve over time without treatment if their neurological systems compensate for deficits. These dogs with mild cases of DINGS can lead relatively normal lives despite being deaf and appearing to have a permanently cocked head. Other puppies are severely affected and their prognosis is grim. Breeders often euthanize more severe cases due to the complications of raising and placing them.
Diagnosing DINGS. Affected puppies may show minimal or pronounced signs of the disease. Symptoms can progress over time. Your vet should perform a neurological exam and a hearing test (BAER) to identify vestibular disease and deafness.
Research on DINGS. Researchers are working to publish for peer review in early 2019. One researcher reported finding two dogs who tested affected (two copies of the mutated gene -- one from each parent) but who did not show clinical signs of the disease. This could be, the researcher noted, a result of a different genetic mutation or an indication that the known gene has variable penetrance (meaning that the disease is expressed differently in various dogs). Dogs tested for DINGS through the Doberman Diversity Project will benefit research into DINGS as their data will be used and shared by researchers investigating this disease.
Research Articles/Additional Reading:
1 Chrisman CL. Vestibular diseases. Veterinary Clinics of North American Small Animal Practice. 1980;10:103-129.
2 Wilkes MK, Palmer AC. Congenital deafness and vestibular disease deficit in the Doberman. J Sm Anim Prac. 1992;33:218-224.
New Research/PDF Articles on DINGS: