From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2002-10-23 01:30:54 UTC
Subject: RE: Glaucoma in Ferrets
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <28542129.1035336654092.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> ferrets, especially in a ferret that is as young as Kako.
> Because we do not have a definitive cause for Kako's condition we are uncertain as to whether the other eye will become affected later in life. I would be interested to find out if anyone has had ferrets with congenital glaucoma, or could provide us with some more information regarding the common causes of glaucoma in ferrets.
Marcy:
Glaucoma is the result of an obstruction of the filtration angle - a drainage angle at the outer edge of the iris through which the aqueous humor (which is constantly produced), must drain. If the angle does not drain, then the fluid builds up, the pressure builds up, and you get glaucoma.
It is very difficult in this case to tell which came first - the detached lens or the glaucoma (sort of like the chicken or the egg). However, I have seen a number of glaucoma cases and the lens is usually not detached. While a congenital defect of the filtration angle is possible (this tye of defect is seen in certain breeds of dogs - so-called primary or congenital glaucoma), I suspect the reverse is likely here. A displaced lens can also occlude the drainage angle and precipitate glaucoma.
As such, it is likely, although not guaranteed that the other eye may not develop glaucoma.
Why does the lens get displaced - trauma is the most common cause, but sometimes they just break loose with no apparent cause (or none that we can tell.)
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM