From:
Rbossart@aol.com
Date: 2002-02-09 08:28:00 UTC
Subject: Re:Lupron VS Melatonin
>>Can anyone tell me if they use Melatonin instead of Lupron. What is
the difference? Do you use them together? Does melaonin work as well?<<
I'm not a vet, just a shelter operator. I suspect that, like most things
dealing with ferrets, it depends on the individual ferret.
I've used both Lupron and Melatonin. So far I've had about equal results and
presently only using Melatonin. The advantage I found with the Lupron is
that it only has to be given about every month or six months depending on the
type of time release used. The Melatonin has to be given every day. The
liquid Melatonin from GNC is about $10 for a 60 ml bottle (2.5 mg/ml) that
lasts almost 5 months. It has a citrus flavor that some like, others don't.
I give 1 mg/kg of the Melatonin, once an evening. I know some people say
that it should be given 8 hours after sunrise (I believe that's the
recommendation) but have not found that the timing is critical. It took over
a month to notice any relief from symptoms in one ferret; about a month with
another; nearly 2 months in another. All eventually regrew their hair; their
skin returned to normal.
My experience only. Your results may vary.
Dick B.