From:
Bob C
Date: 2001-12-21 06:37:00 UTC
Subject: Bob C: Hip Dysplasia in Ferrets? (Graphic)
This little illustration represents the arthritic changes that might be
noticed in a dysplasic ferret hip. The head of the femur flattens and
remodels, the neck of the femur shortens, and the walls of the
acetabulum erode. Arthritic lipping is present on both the femur and
portions of the acetabulum, and reactive bone is present on all
surfaces. This obviously represents long term damage; pain is
associated when cartilage is first eroding and bone is still unaffected.
The hip joint on the right has been left normal for comparative
purposes. Usually if hip dysplasia is present on one side, it will also
be found on the other.
This drawing is of a female ferret pelvis and associated femora, but the
bone damage was overlaid based on hip dysplasia damage to a cat
skeleton. While I have seen similar damage to ferret hips, the cause
has been either infection or injury. I have never seen damage from hip
dysplasia in a ferret.
Bob C
Attachment 42k (image/jpeg) Ferret%20Hips.jpg