From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2001-06-10 15:44:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list]RE: Melatonin query
Hi Ulrike,
Sorry it took so long to answer your questions.
Sorry to hear about difficulties in getting Lupron and
melatonin over there. Here in the US, melatonin is sold
as an "over the counter" supplement. It is also available
as a long lasting implant that is used by the mink and fox
(fur) industry. The recommended dose is 1mg/kg orally
once a day about 8-9 hours after sunrise or the "male mink"
implant every 4-6 months. If it is not available over the counter
then check
with a human pharmacy to see if it is available as a prescription
item over there. If there are any mink or fox farms in your area,
they may be able to help you get the melatonin implant.
As for what to do when the melatonin no longer controls the
adrenal gland disease, I would suggest using a higher dose
1.5 - 3 mg/kg per day. The main side effect seems to be lethargy
for roughly the first week of treatment.
Lupron depot (leuprolide acetate) is a human "prescription only"
medicine here. I would suggest checking with a human cancer
specialist to see if it available in England or Germany. For humans
it is used to treat prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine
fibroids,
and some mammary cancers. I would be surprised if this GnRH
analog is not available in Europe; however, if it is not then ask
them
what GnRH analog is available there. You may also want to check with
a vet school over there. They may be able to import it as an
"experimental
drug for animal use."
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM