If you own a small animal like the Dalmatian ferret then you may be familiar with retinal atrophy and other eye related illnesses. This disease typically develops in older ferrets; although, younger ferrets have been known to develop the disease in rare cases. Some experts have found the condition to be genetic while other experts including veterinarians believe it may be caused by a deficiency of the amino acid, taurine. The disease itself has no cure and most ferrets will lose their sight over time. Symptoms may not always be visible. In some cases, owners do not even recognize that their Dalmatian ferret is having trouble with his vision or that his eyes of becoming more and more dilated. Even though vision is almost always lost, ferrets tend to do well relying on their other senses living full and otherwise healthy lives. Talk with your veterinary clinic Poway, CA for additional information.