From:
williamsb.comcast.net
Date: 2002-07-03 00:14:43 UTC
Subject: Ferret Hip Dysplasia
,
> I would like to ask for any info available regarding hip dysplasia in ferrets.
Dear Robin:
I have heard buzz on hip dysplasia in ferrets, but no one that I know has ever seen a real case. The natural socket of the hip is fairly shallow,and to vets who haven't looked at a lot of ferret X-rays, they may resemble those of a dysplastic dog.
> I have a 2 year old male that had injured his back. I brought him to the
> Vet where took X-rays and was amazed at the spondylosis of his spine. It
> was obviously a congenital problem since he is so young. It appears that
> several of his vertebrae have fused together and it looks as though several
> more will in order to keep his spinal column from being damaged.
Once again, this is an unusual problem, and I would love to see an image of those radiographs. The ferret spine is a wonderful engineering feat, but it is also often misdiagnoed due to the ferrets small size. Spondylosis, or ventral fuing of vertebrae by bony bridging would be a very unusual finding.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM