Ed LIpinski wrote: >Your discourse, Lynn, of malformed, incompletely closed, non-fusioned kit >spines was wholly absorbing and very interesting. Do you understand that >these defective kits were birthed under the responsibility of woman >ferret breeder located in Federal Way, Washington State? Is it known by >you that she's ignorant, doesn't give a damn, or rather, is she just an >unlucky lady. What can you tell us that you retained, because you >possibly fear repercussions from persons who live only some 30 miles from >you? Ed. I think neural tube disorders is more accurate here, because it encompasses a range of possible symptoms, including, hydrocephalus, malformed kidneys, susceptibility to bacterial infections, and spinal, urinary tract, and even heart problems, according to Dr. Williams. In talking about Squeek and neural tube (NT) disorders, my intent isn't to judge or condemn anyone. There is no solid proof of what causes neural tube disorder. Dr. Williams has collected evidence and has theories, which I presented partially and to the best of my abilities in Saturday's FML posting (hope it's okay, Dr. Williams). However, I know of no one else who's seriously looked into the causes of NT in ferrets. No breeders have written me with any information about it, though I've received questions. Dr. Williams, based on what he's seen, says that ferrets that produce NT babies are genetically suspect, and suggests the safest way of avoiding more of the same (noting that the defect may skip a generation before showing up again) is not to continue breeding those ferrets. And, since he almost always sees the defects in kits from two color-diluted ferrets (mitts, blaze, pandas), he suggests avoiding these combinations too. My plea was and is for any breeder who has seen neural tube in their lines to please look hard at Dr. Williams information (and notify him with any information you have). And please look at the sadness NT can bring to a tiny kit's life... then decide about breeding again a ferret that has birthed neural tube babies... and look harder before deciding to breed kits for breeding. Because the consequences that may be paid, may be paid by others, some of them as innocent as a newborn kit. And, should a kit or kits survive in a litter with neural tube kits, I just wanted people to know that there is a vet that knows something about the syndrome (for example, Sqeek had three vets and not one of them knew his giant kidney was part of this syndrome and was probably a non-functional liquid-filled sack, or that he'd be prone and probably succumb, as many neural kits do, to bacterial infections... in six months he had about four infections). Dr. Williams can talk about the physical weaknesses these kits may be prone to. If I'd known Dr. Williams had seen quite a few neural tube litters, I would have called him much sooner. And Squeek would have had better care. These are the ideas I meant to discuss. I didn't post the information about neural tube disorder to judge, condemn, or "ID" anyone. I don't want Squeek's memory dragged through an ugly battle, which would drive people apart, rather than leading them toward an attitude open to effective dialogue. In writing Squeek's story I want to relive the wonderful memories of him, the things he taught me. There are already so many sad memories of his illness, it is hard to remember his wonders. So, in his story, I'll concentrate on the beautiful things, and touch upon the hard stuff enough, I hope, to move people to think more deeply about neural tube disorder, because even one little surviving baby can hurt so deeply. >As another one of your neighbors living close by, I, as well as our >membership, would ask you to ID this lady fully for the recognition she >deserves. How about it, Lynn. >Edward Frettchenvergnuegen Lipinski, >der Frettchen Meister von Mercer Inselreich, >Der Staat Washingon, >Die Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika I'd be interested in hearing about the Ferrets Northwest membership you mention above. Earlier in a post you mentioned you were located "clandestinely" on Mercer Island, and I was curious what that meant. If you have more questions about neural tube, feel free to e-mail me. Lynn Mc. & the Gang of Eight Furbusters (& the little spirit frettchens) [Posted in FML issue 1816]