Message Number: YG13063 | New FHL Archives Search
From: dr_bruce_williams
Date: 2002-05-11 21:23:00 UTC
Subject: Re: cataracts? Or something else?

--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., imfifth@a... wrote:
> I have a male that I adopted very recently, he's a bit shy of a
year old.
> Wednesday his eyes were fine, I was out all day Thursday so I
really didn't
> get a close look at the ferrets but today he has a blue look
(cataract like)
> to both eyes.
> Is this cataracts? Do they come on so quickly or could he have
something else
> going on? I'm of course calling my vet first thing in the morning.


Dear Dawn:

Cataracts don't really pop up overnight, and they give a frosted look
to the pupil rather than a blue look. (However, if you are not
familiar with ferret eyes, this is probably a horrible description. -
At least I know what I am saying...)

A remote possibility would be anterior uveitis, an inflammation of
the inside of the eye. Vascular changes inside of the cornea cause
edema and a bluish cast to the cornea. Another remote possibility
might be glaucoma.

However, acute ocular emergencies are uncommon in ferrets (outside of
trauma), and I'm going to bet that your vet will give you a good
explanation for this.

wiht kindest regards,

Bruce Williams, DVM