Lisa wrote:
>Roaning is not WS - but a stray white toe and knee patch are.
 
Errrr, actually, they may not be, or they might be at times but it is
unknown if something else might also cause them.  The known (apparently)
DEFINITE signs found in mammals with WS are possible HEAD markings like
panda and blaze (DEWs might be sometimes WS and sometimes not), possible
widely spaced eyes, and possible hearing loss or limitations.  This is
especially true when two or more of these things shows up in the lines
among the individuals.  Some experienced breeders have SPECULATED that
those other markings might indicate WS, but without firm data it has to
be treated as a speculation so far.
 
The picture in relation to WS is turning out to be very, very complex;
three known possible genetic routes in mammals, with some individuals
possibly have more than one present, and possible further mutations on top
of WS which is a very old type of variant, as would be expected in
something seen so widely.
 
Roaning is like graying or getting white hairs in humans and as Lisa points
out it's not WS.  From what I have read over the years about this in an
assortment of mammals, the Waardenburg Syndrome fur pattern is ALWAYS
there in those with WS as would be expected with a genetic anomaly
including a neural crest one like WS; it does NOT develop later in life.
 
There's been excellent discussion on this at the Genetics List and Leigh,
who is finishing up her doctorate in genetics, has been a TREASURE!
 
In relation to colors there are these added problems: there are foods which
change colors, and colors may more reflect the skin oil at times since some
individuals may produce more skin oil or more tinted skin oil which tints
the fur.  This has also been a lively discussion at the Genetics List.
 
As Amy wrote yesterday:
>Come join in!  To subscribe send a blank message to
>[log in to unmask]
 
BTW, there have been some ferrets with WS markings living to normal
lifespans being mentioned and even one possible with long life, but young
deaths still seems to be the usual with those markings.  This could be ONLY
a number quirk and nothing more, or could be a real concern, or maybe one
WS route or strain is more likely to die young.  Mysteries abound and the
data to get the answers is still lacking, but there are those who have the
time and desire to find out, and all hope that a vet student, vet, or a
geneticist with access to enough records might find this a good future
project.
 
Docking points for defects could certainly work except, of course, when all
in a class have malformations.  Allowing ones with handicaps and genetic
problems only into altered or "infirm" grouping could also make sense since
it would not penalize a loving person who took in a sweet but hurting one,
while it would penalize breeders of things that undermine health.  I really
think that problems which can be dangerous to health should be out and out
disqualified, or either docked so very many points that they are
effectively disqualified.  Ex: something like a major skeletal malformation
is NOT kind to the ferrets being bred.  Whatever route is used the aim
should be to get breeders who are undermining health to change their
practises.  HEALTH should be the bottom line.  Many ferret people,
including breeders, can benefit form education and when they benefit then
the ferrets benefit.
[Posted in FML issue 3219]