From:
sukie crandall
Date: 2004-08-31 19:47:49 UTC
Subject: Oh, and one other genetic thing
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-id: <A3AD8528-FB86-11D8-98FC-000A95CD182C@optonline.net>
Be careful if breeding for the combination of short face and incredible
pelage. Achrondoplasic dwarfism can carry medical conditions due to
those genetic variants which often cause short faces and also usually
result in about the most beautiful hair or fur anyone could possibly
imagine (Yes, I was very jealous as a teen of a friend's hair...).
Unfortunately, it also can result in very painful joints and early
arthritis in a number of those who have it. Among the free-bie ferrets
with medical problems we have had was just just an individual. She
suffered a great bit and we had to help each day during most of her
adult life with pain reduction.