There are several reasons why a ferret can go blind.  And, although you
may think it happened suddenly, it *could* have developed over time.  I
have a blind boy now and lost another last year.  Oscar had developed
cataracts over time, but they did not interfere until he lost all sight.
 
Some of the reasons:
1) cataracts
2) retinal degeneration
3) retinal detachment
4) illness
 
All four of these should be diagnosed by a vet, who can tell you what is
going on.  You may be able to see the cataract, but you may not.  Dr.
Tom Kawasaki presented information at the 2005 Symposium that retinal
degeneration is one of the most common and least diagnosed problems with
a ferret's vision.  If you want some references, please feel free to
contact me.
 
To help your fuzzy find his way around, try scent marking.  Give an odor
trail.  Try not to rearrange the furniture.
 
Finally, genetic problems can cause blindness.  Your ferret may have a
syndrome that includes blindness.  Have the other problems checked out by
the vet.  The blindness will not interfere too much once he has learned
his way around the house.
 
renee :)
 
Ferret Aid 2006
June 23 - 25, 2006
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 4902]