Waardenburg Syndrome In Ferrets

The disease is genetic and develops, usually in the ferrets 'snow', ie white copies with black eyes. The most characteristic symptom is partial or total deafness. The relationship between albinism and deafness has been known since the mid nineteenth century by Charles Darwin, who already speaks of the disease in his work Is the Treaty of the Origin of Species.

According to Antonio J. Santoyo, responsible for the website Mundohuron.com, "studies estimate that 75% of ferrets with exotic colors (white with black eyes, pandas, blazes or white patches on the knees) can carry the disease, but having it not develop means. "

What is Waardenburg syndrome?
This condition is the result of a genetic disorder, so it is transmitted from generation to generation. Today is widespread and the outlook is very positive, since there is no treatment.

"The most characteristic symptoms, apart from deafness, are difficulties in socialization, severe constipation that may require removal of part of the large intestine morphological problems in the bladder and spinal cord disorders" as we said responsible Todohuron.com portal, Karina Morales.

How to detect the disease?

Antonio Rodriguez Gonzalez, Veterinary Clinic Forest, notes that "one can sense the external appearance of the ferret: deformation of the cranial vault, abnormal skin pigmentation and total and partial deafness." It also recognizes that it is very difficult to find with the naked eye when you buy a copy.

Once at the vet, to examine whether our ferret suffer deafness is subjected to the 'Test of Evoked Potential' which is to connect the skull of the animal sedated to electrodes that detect whether or not to transmit certain brain activity sounds.

Learning to live with it
Most affected ferrets live a normal life, even many owners do not realize that their ferrets have it. For Karina Morales, "the possibility that the ferret lead a normal life, depend on the degree of penetration of the disease. Most important is to understand its limitations and receive special training."

One problem in these animals is their aggressiveness. We must understand that the ferret does not hear us closer, so it is normal to react sharply when touched. May be surprised to escape or even bite. Morales warns that "they can not listen when we complain about being bitten too hard."

Tricks to make your life easier
If your ferret is deaf, we are not any good shout. We must teach them to obey through visual cues. One option is to establish with him a sign language to be used by all persons who are related to the animal.

Another effective trick is to teach obedience by strong light. Morales tells us that we must project the light toward the ferret to catch your attention, when the ferret is directed toward the light will give a treat or prize. This training requires patience, but gradually our ferret will know exactly where you are calling.