From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2001-12-21 20:35:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Bob C: Hip Dysplasia in Ferrets? (Text)
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., Bob C <rrc961@m...> wrote:
> A: First, I am not a veterinarian; I am a zooarchaeologist
intensively
> trained in comparative osteology (among other things). Most of the
vets
> on this list know far more about hip dysplasia than I do. I hope
they
> will speak up and correct any mistakes I might make in this
response.
>
Another wonderful post by Bob, which I hope everyone reads in
detail. I certainly will take no issue with this well-crafted
treatise on hip dysplasia in ferrets, and I know that a number of
newsletters and magazines prowl the FHL for publication material - I
HOPE THIS INFO GETS OUT.
> Q: "I have sent you a copy of the e-mail i sent [NAME OMITTED],
bcause
> [NAME OMITTED], told me that hip dysplasia is not a problem in
> America....i du not agree that ferrets don't have the
weight/muscle/bone
> growth imbalance like large dogs. Do you agree with [NAME
OMITTED]? Hip
> dysplasia is a problem in ferrets in Denmark, but they do not show
any
> pain what so ever, and i think that is why the problem does not
exist in
> America, because no x-rays have been taken."
I am probably [NAME OMITTED] and that's great! I hope everyone has
the ability to question, and to comment - that's what the FHL is for.
One item that I would have to comment on in the original question is
that "ferrets show no pain whatsoever". I think that this is very
telling as to whether ferrets get hip dysplasia.
The malformity of hip dysplasia does not cause pain in affected
animals; the pain is the result of arthritic changes as the hip
attempts to stabilize itself. Hip dysplasia is a painful condition -
all therapy, medical and surgical, is intended to alleviate present
and future pain. I believe that without evidence of pain in these
ferrets over time (assuming these animals are being tracked), the
diagnosis of hip dysplasia is difficult to make.
Here's to proving me wrong, though! It'll be tough - I've got Bob C
on my side....
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM