Persistent fetal intraocular vasculature in the European ferret (Mustela putorius): clinical and histological aspects

Abstract

Persistent fetal intraocular vasculature in ferrets appears similar clinically and histologically to persistent fetal intraocular vasculature reported in humans and dogs. The ferret may be a suitable animal model for vasculogenic mechanisms of persistent fetal intraocular vasculature and for evaluating vasoinhibitory growth factors and angiostatic test compounds.

Mustelids

“…Cataracts are common in older ferrets, and several studies have described incidence in genetically distinct laboratory populations. Persistent fetal vasculature has been implicated as a cause in young ferrets, but in most animals, cataracts develop in middle age and progress over time (Lipsitz et al, 2001). Central retinal degeneration is also relatively common in older ferrets and mink.…”

Unilateral persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in a rabbit

“…Histologically, in this case, the retrolental fibrovascular tissue appeared similar to those described in other species, particulary in Boeve's study in the Doberman Pinscher. In the ferret, the condition was associated with osseous metaplasia and cataract . In the South African Fur Seal, the retrolental fibrovascular tissue was associated with retinal detachment and pre‐iridal fibrovascular membrane, causing entropion uvea and blocking the iridocorneal angle .…”

“…It has been described in many species including dogs, cats, horses, rats, mice, llamas, ferrets, rabbits, and recently in pinnipeds . Many canine breeds are affected.…”

Surgical management and histologic and immunohistochemical features of a cataract and retrolental plaque secondary to persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis/persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHTVL/PHPV) in a Bloodhound puppy

“…Anterior PHTVL/PHPV refers to the presence of retrolental fibrous connective tissue, persistence of components of the hyaloid–TVL system, and a variably progressive posterior polar cataract 1 . These anomalies are relatively uncommon in animals and have been reported as a hereditary disorder in the Doberman Pinscher, 1–6 Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 7 and more recently the Bouvier des Flandres, 8 and the ferret 9 . Although the exact mode of inheritance is not clear, an autosomal incomplete dominant trait has been suspected in the Doberman Pinscher and Staffordshire Bull Terrier 2,7 .…”

“…1 These anomalies are relatively uncommon in animals and have been reported as a hereditary disorder in the Doberman Pinscher, [1][2][3][4][5][6] Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 7 and more recently the Bouvier des Flandres, 8 and the ferret. 9 Although the exact mode of inheritance is not clear, an autosomal incomplete dominant trait has been suspected in the Doberman Pinscher and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 2,7 PHTVL /PHPV has been extensively described in Dobermans.…”