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>ferrets, especially in a ferret that is as young as Kako... Because we
>do not have a definitive cause for Kako's condition we are uncertain as
>to whether the other eye will become affected later in life.  I would be
>interested to find out if anyone has had ferrets with congenital
>glaucoma, or could provide us with some more information regarding the
>common causes of glaucoma in ferrets.
 
Glaucoma is the result of an obstruction of the filtration angle - a
drainage angle at the outer edge of the iris through which the aqueous
humor (which is constantly produced), must drain.  If the angle does not
drain, then the fluid builds up, the pressure builds up, and you get
glaucoma.
 
It is very difficult in this case to tell which came first - the detached
lens or the glaucoma (sort of like the chicken or the egg).  However, I
have seen a number of glaucoma cases and the lens is usually not
detached.  While a congenital defect of the filtration angle is possible
(This type of defect is seen in certain breeds of dogs - so-called
primary or congenital glaucoma.), I suspect the reverse is likely here.
A displaced lens can also occlude the drainage angle and precipitate
glaucoma.
 
As such, it is likely, although not guaranteed that the other eye may
not develop glaucoma.
 
Why does the lens get displaced - trauma is the most common cause, but
sometimes they just break loose with no apparent cause (or none that we
can tell.)
 
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
[Posted in FML issue 3945]