Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing is an electro-diagnostic test used to evaluate the hearing of dogs, cats and other domestic animals.

It evaluates the components of the external ear canal, middle/inner ear cavities, cranial nerve and selected areas of the brainstem. It is a non-invasive procedure that takes 5 to 15 minutes to perform. In some circumstances, sedation is used.

From small subcutaneous electrodes and externally applied acoustic stimuli of different intensity, we record numerous waves, each of which represents composite neuronal activity.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a category of different progressive conditions related to retinal atrophy that can eventually lead to blindness. Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-PRCD) is one specific type of PRA that affects many dog breeds. It is an inherited eye disease with late onset of symptoms that are due to degeneration of both rod and cone cells of the retina. These cells are important for vision in dim and bright light.

• The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screens dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia, using a radiographic evaluation system to classify dogs as Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe.

• Dysplasia is caused by abnormal growth of tissue, cells, joint, or bone, and can result in pain and lameness. Developmental, genetic, and food intake factors can affect dysplasia.

The lens of the eye normally lies immediately behind the iris and the pupil and is suspended in place by a series of fibers. It functions to focus light rays on the retina at the back of the eye. When partial or complete breakdown of these fibers occurs, the lens may become partially or fully dislocated from its normal position. Primary lens luxation is a heritable disease in many breeds and spontaneous luxation of the lens occurs in early adulthood (most commonly 3-6 years of age) and often affects both eyes, although not necessarily at the same time. Lens luxation can lead to inflammation and glaucoma that can result in painful, teary, red eyes that may look hazy or cloudy.