< >APPEARANCE/ MORPHOLOGY: LEGS, SPINE AND TRACKS with literature reports for the Ferret - Mustela putorius furo: Use sub-contents list below, or simply scroll down the page to view findings.

LEGS, SPINE AND TRACKS - Editorial Comment

Editorial Comment

• Ferrets have short legs. 
• They are plantigrade and have five digits on each foot.
• The vertebral column is very flexible dorso-ventrally.

(References are available in detailed literature reports below)

Legs and Tracks

Source Information

• The legs are short. (B631.17.w17)
• The normal vertebral formula for ferrets is C7, T15, L5-7, S3 (fused), Cd18. (B631.17.w17, B631.19.w19)
  • The vertebrae are relatively large. (B631.17.w17)
  • The vertebral column is very flexible. (B631.17.w17)
  • There are large transverse processes on the lumbar vertebrae for attachment of the trunk muscles. (B631.17.w17)
  • Interdigitation of the cranial and caudal articular processes allows extensive dorsoventral flexion but with limited lateral movement. (B631.17.w17)
  • The spine is long and flexible. (B602.1.w1)
• The ferret is plantigrade. (B631.17.w17)
• Mustelids have five digits on each foot. (B602.1.w1)
• The first digit of each foot is shorter than the other digits. (B631.17.w17)
• Growth plates close in ferrets at seven months. (B631.19.w19)