Post by Passafist on Apr 8, 2014 19:06:01 GMT -5
I have 2 Marshall Ferrets, (yes i know Marshalls is a ferret mill) my little runt girl "Artemis Prime" (tiny but fierce).
And my Boy James Franco - who was diagnosed by me (after hours of reading & net research) then his Veterinarian that he has Waardenburgs.
I have had them both just over a year, and got Franco first, At the time I had gotten him I had to leave for work at 4 A.M. daily, and began to notice he never woke when i was getting ready to leave and during training he never paused for a NO! "clap".
But responded to scruffing fine.
I had purchased "Ferrets for Dummies" prior to getting him/them to learn more about mustelids and be an informed pet owner.
After suspecting he was deaf I asked his vet about Waardenburgs during his 2nd Distemper booster and Rabies Vac.
She tested him by grabbing a shelter donation can stuffed with change and sneaked up on him and gave it a good shake right over his head (no response from james).
Then she said yes I do believe he is deaf, and deafness/waardenburgs are VERY closely linked.
She then explained because he is a "panda" coloration - Blue eyes, Grey and Silver coloration, with white paws and a distinctive white stripe on his head.
That generally indicates the animal has waardenburgs.
Now dont get me wrong, I love this vet - the attn she gives to her furry patients is A+, and believe she is a VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT small animal Vet.
But admitted herself she has minimal knowledge on the disease other than symptoms and diagnosis.
So the following week on payday, I got another one - Artemis Prime (the 360g runt) to be his "ears" and "lookout" as well as companion. Since then I've noticed he's A LOT happier and 5x as mischievous lol.
My main question is - Does anyone have an older ferret with wardie's? and are their ANY other health problems they are prone to later in their lives due to the disease? I have not been able to find any info ANYWHERE on this....... You know what they say - An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
They eat the best food i could find - 45% Protein, no starches and graines, and gluten free.
As well as freeze dried chicken livers and their daily ferretone.
Any answers would be great!!! thanks much -
-Passafist-
And my Boy James Franco - who was diagnosed by me (after hours of reading & net research) then his Veterinarian that he has Waardenburgs.
I have had them both just over a year, and got Franco first, At the time I had gotten him I had to leave for work at 4 A.M. daily, and began to notice he never woke when i was getting ready to leave and during training he never paused for a NO! "clap".
But responded to scruffing fine.
I had purchased "Ferrets for Dummies" prior to getting him/them to learn more about mustelids and be an informed pet owner.
After suspecting he was deaf I asked his vet about Waardenburgs during his 2nd Distemper booster and Rabies Vac.
She tested him by grabbing a shelter donation can stuffed with change and sneaked up on him and gave it a good shake right over his head (no response from james).
Then she said yes I do believe he is deaf, and deafness/waardenburgs are VERY closely linked.
She then explained because he is a "panda" coloration - Blue eyes, Grey and Silver coloration, with white paws and a distinctive white stripe on his head.
That generally indicates the animal has waardenburgs.
Now dont get me wrong, I love this vet - the attn she gives to her furry patients is A+, and believe she is a VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT small animal Vet.
But admitted herself she has minimal knowledge on the disease other than symptoms and diagnosis.
So the following week on payday, I got another one - Artemis Prime (the 360g runt) to be his "ears" and "lookout" as well as companion. Since then I've noticed he's A LOT happier and 5x as mischievous lol.
My main question is - Does anyone have an older ferret with wardie's? and are their ANY other health problems they are prone to later in their lives due to the disease? I have not been able to find any info ANYWHERE on this....... You know what they say - An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
They eat the best food i could find - 45% Protein, no starches and graines, and gluten free.
As well as freeze dried chicken livers and their daily ferretone.
Any answers would be great!!! thanks much -
-Passafist-
All WS means is they are "special" in the same way Down's Syndrome is "special". Yes, they can be more prone to health issues like cardiomyopathy but it is more something to keep an eye out for rather than be concerned about. 
