From:
sukiec@optonline.com
Date: 2003-02-15 00:03:15 UTC
Subject: Re: Blaze and deafness ??
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <14766470.1045267395129.JavaMail.root@scandium>
> I do agree that breeding to produce blazes and pandas is probably not a g=
ood
> idea. Also, using a ferret that is known to be deaf as a breeder is not
> good. However, my experience is that when a blaze or panda occurs from a=
> breed between 2 non-blaze/panda parents, the ferret usually is healthy.
> Danee
> ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
> For more information visit: <A HREF=3D"http://www.geocities.com/
>russiansmom">http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom
I find that a very perceptive distinction and well worth thought. Thanks s=
o much for making it.
It's easy to see why this could be so. There are multiple routes through w=
hich complexes such as WS or KIT can be achieved. These are very ancestral=
mutations according to geneticist Leigh Whittacker (sp) in discussions at =
ferret-genetics on Yahoogroups in past posts. So far something like 5 rout=
es to WS are known and the genetic locations differ so when two WS individu=
als mate there may be a double helping of one of the mutated genetic allele=
s rather than just one, or an individual might actual wind up with mutation=
s at more than one genetic site (locus) so mating these individuals could w=
ind up with kits who have a number of mutations simultaneously and that cou=
ld at times cause more concern with the possible number of mutations increa=
sing through selective breeding over generations with more breeding togethe=
r of individuals who have these variations. It may at times that health pr=
oblems may show up with a double helping but not a single one, or with two =
or more mutations piled on together.
Personal note: I pretty well have a bee in my bonnet about selective breed=
ing that isn't based upon health and longevity because we have a history of=
taking in some very deformed ferrets from such efforts and because I also =
knew others' ferrets who had such problems like a marvelously cuddly line w=
hich had the most beautiful patchy pelage I've ever seen (non-bilateral on =
the head) but for the same genetic reason as the coloration the line had fa=
tal aortic problems that are consistent with this aortic arch defect. Like=
the neural crest disorders such as KIT and WS which are mutations of early=
fetal cells that devlop into multiple structures, so do the early cells th=
at mark aortic arch mutations develop into multiple structures later in fet=
al life. So, when you read my notes on such a topic do take into account t=
hat I have a pet peeve from knowing the all too sad downside too well.
=