Waardenburg syndrome

Waardenburg Syndrome

Our model here is Dante. Dante is a sable blaze/badger. White markings on a ferrets head are often an indication of Waardenburg syndrome. Waardenburg syndrome is a genetic defect which results in the underdevelopment of the hearing mechanism of the inner ear. Many ferrets that are deaf have Waardenburg syndrome. The deafness is genetically linked with white markings on the face. This usually affects ferrets with "blaze" markings (white stripe on top of the head and a white bib) and those with "panda" markings (white head and bib, with no mask) and dark eyed whites.
It's estimated that 75 percent of blaze and panda ferrets are deaf.

Albinos

Albinos are easily recognized by their white fur and red or ruby eyes. The coat color is not caused by the genetic defect of Waardenburg syndrome, but from a lack of pigment in the skin and eyes. Albino ferrets have abnormally small hearing mechanisms in their middle and inner ear, they can be hard of hearing but are not usually deaf.