Some of the spotting and white patterns to which you refer are neural
crest genetic disorders (some of them very ancient and widely spread
categories of mutations) that affect early fetal cells before
differentiation. There has been a lot out there on this (though nowhere
near enough) but in relation to ferrets themselves a lot more learning is
needed for ferrets than for a number of other species. For example, it
is not known which of the neural crest disorders are seen in ferrets or
which are most often seen, nor which of the common complications are
seen. It does seem likely at this time that Waardensberg (I never can
be sure of the spelling so check that) and KIT are among the types seen.
Because of the nature of these cells expression is very variable in those
with the conditions so these categories can kind of go "underground" in
relation to how they present for a generation or three then badly affect
some offspring. It is very easy also to hide the markings under other
causes of white markings such as albinism or cleanly deliniated mitts and
bibs (which appear to not themselves be associated with these disorders
but spotting and unclean margins on such markings can be).
You're wondering about a population genetics aspect if I read you right,
but this may be still be useful for you.
There are a number of health problems that are seen in relation to some
of the neural crest disorders among mammalia from skull malformations to
deafness to vascular over-placement, retention of fetal cardiac vessels
that are later lost, and on. I have NOT heard of those cardiovascular
problems being associated with the most commonly seen neural crest
disorders in ferrets but it is possible (since some of them are
associated primarily with fetal death) that this may occur but not have
been reported. I do know of a long ago, culled (through sterilization)
line with a disorder marked by lack of bilateral head pelage which had
serious cardiovascular problems.
Here is one of the Brett Middleton posts that you might enjoy. He is
geneticist and professor who deals with this sort of thing at the
University of Georgia:
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org/browse.php?msg=YG3069
---
Oh, oh. Someone has once again called forth the First Sukie? Are you
sure that you don't mean the First Sukie Ferret? Sure hope you mean the
second. The Oracle is sure to be worried about this, and as the holder
of all information in her job as Seer she needs to educate the world.
This is getting spooky! Oracle, Proclaim! Teach us, oh, great Seer.
At least the Loch Ness Monster isn't involved; the last time Dr. Who had
to control the creature was quite shocking time for London! At all cost
keep those ferrets and spirits away from the Loch if they are armed with
whiskey and fairy spells. Keep them from the Loch...
If control can't be exerted either Dr. Who or a Balance Keeper will need
to be called forth to restore order. Talk about secret beings thought to
be mythological whose reality is usually kept to the Council alone...
Signing off,
Sukie
Lily this is Ashling sneaking on. Yes, the same ferret who yesterday got
on Steve's computer, accessed the Daily Show site, then went to Comedy
Central, then the Chappel Show and finally to the rap music I wanted. I
danced on the key board to the music then and typed "Asssskkkkkkkimmm".
The humans here are still asking which Kim and what to ask. Heee, hee,
hee. I love doing this to them.
Anyway, I wanted to tell you that only humans mind Mommy's gas; we
ferrets come running and use the pot whenever she does that; it's great.
You'll love it. Think skunk only more powerful. Everyone has to have a
super power and that is the one she has; humans just don't appreciate it.
Poor them! Now Daddy's gas is another matter. I think that is because
he is a vegetarian. All I can say is Mommy must like you a lot or maybe
your human needs to find out about her super power! (Mommy says that
your mommy has super word powers; I heard her myself.)
When Mom wakes me up and carries me to get my medicine every night she
uses her wattles to keep the bright lights out my eyes till i wake up
more. She sure is old but she is a kind old fart to me...
I think that we good ferrets have to figure out a way to get Switch for
that nasty trick... Hmmmm...
Oh, and I like your outfit. Could you make one for me, too? I'd like a
red cape, and blue and yellow boots with it.
--Ashling
[Posted in FML issue 4129]
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