| Defective bone formations, often due to hyperphosphorosis, too much phosphorus in the diet, is caused by feeding a diet consisting entirely of, or rich in, muscle meat; this lacks calcium and leads to a deficiency of this vital mineral. |
| The problem usually manifests itself in young ferrets, 6 - 12 weeks, who have difficulty in walking, moving instead with the gait of a seal, with the legs, particularly the front legs, sticking out to the side of the body rather than pointing to the floor, death is common. |
| Veterinary advice must be sought when ferrets have difficulty in walking in a normal manner. |
