From:
Stephen and Robin Price
Date: 2002-06-22 22:40:00 UTC
Subject: Blind ferret
I think that my younger ferret, Wiz, (2 1/2 y.o. neutered male) has
become blind. I think he can still see slight differences in light and
shadow but I think for all intents and purposes he is blind. This is
also a recent thing for him, perhaps in the past 2-3 weeks. Is this
possible? Has anyone else had a relatively young ferret go blind?
There was never any obvious trauma to his head that I or my husband has
seen. His pupils are still reactive to light but he walks into things
(the wall, a dresser, me) constantly and never used to do so.
He still gets around well, since he knows where everything is. We
certainly will NOT be rearranging the furniture ever! But he doesn't
want to play like he used to, when we get him out of the cage he poops
and pees, grabs a bite to eat and a drink and then goes under a chest of
drawers and goes back to sleep.
We also think he may have a partial hearing loss. Doesn't respond to
our voices (used to) or when we come in the room (used to come running
to say hello) or to loud noises right behind him (clapping, shouting,
etc.). But if the dogs are in the next room and start barking he will
stop what he's doing and turn his head in that direction.
We love our now special-needs child very much but are just wondering if
anyone else has experienced rather sudden onset blindness (with or
without hearing problems) with any of their ferrets. Thanks in advance
for any input.
Robin, Steve, and the Dynamic Duo (Bandit and Wiz Kid)