Juvenile ocular abnormalities in a litter of black-footed ferrets.

A novel constellation of ocular malformations with primary congenital and secondary to ophthalmia neonatorum etiologies is described in black-footed ferrets. Due to endangered status of black-footed ferrets, small genetic pool and the requirement for adequate vision for wild-release, congenital ocular abnormalities such as anterior segment malformation and likely the cataracts described are of particular concern. Further investigation and monitoring are warranted to determine the heritability of these ocular abnormalities.