From:
dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-01-22 22:07:00 UTC
Subject: Re: cataracts in ferrets
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "pupsnow" <pupper1997@a...> wrote:
He was thin, he has 2 white
> circles in his eyes, and he aparently had something to tight around
> his neck he has a permanent ring. But he is the sweetest little
guy
> the vet thinks he is between 1 and 2. Is there anything to do for
> them or can they just live that way. He gets around well sometimes
> he gets alittle close to things but he seems to realy be enjoying
his
> new life.
Dear Pupsnow:
Cataracts are generally not treated in ferrets - while they could
conceivably be removed by a veterinary opthalmologist, it is usually
very costly and the difference in life quality is not all that much.
Blind ferrets get around remarkably well, and ferrets with cataracts
are probably minimally sighted, with the ability to determine light
rooms from dark rooms, upcoming walls, etc.
In a perfect world where everyone is independently wealthy, cataract
surgery would be an interesting proposition. But the improvement
will likely be slight at best, the chances of complications are
there, and with four ferrets, you will likely be better off putting
that money toward other surgeries in the future.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, dVM