From:
"Montgomery, Vicki E"
Date: 2005-06-09 12:52:58 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Melatonin not a cure for adrenal
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <31519478.1118342415179.JavaMail.nobody@vanadium.smartgroups.com>
I have read several posts that sound as if Melatonin is thought to be
curative of adrenal disease. Surgery is curative to the point that it
removes as much of the tumor as can be removed (by each individual Vet's
appraisal and skill) and Lupron is being studied for it's curative
ability.
Melatonin, however, as I understand it, is not a treatment to cure
adrenal tumors, but rather it helps relieve the sympotoms of adrenal
disease until a curative measure, such as surgery, can be administered -
or in the case of Lupron, concurrent administration. Hair grows back,
itching should lessen, aggression may or may not lessen as well.
Although I use Melatonin as a stop-gap measure to buy me time to get
funds together to pay for surgeries (up to 4 months) - I view it as a
first aid -- knowing that true treatment is still necessary.
I have been warned by 2 vets to NOT rely on it to give anymore results
than temporary relief.
Perhaps the vets on this list could weigh-in on the benefits of
Melatonin in adreanal treatment.
Vicki
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It looks a though Dr Jerry Murray has offered information on this
subject and Sukie has kindly added the below information to help with
understanding Melatonin better.
Dr. Jerry Murray has posted a lot about this and his posts can be
found in the archives at
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
and you can find a marvelous write up of his on melatonin at
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/melatonin.htm (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Melatonin in study has NOT cured any adrenal growths in ferrets
(though it has reduced adrenal growths in rabbits). It HAS stalled
the progress of some types of adrenal growths in ferrets, though.
Note that it does not work for all types.
In comparison, in study, Lupron has reduced some types of adrenal
growths and so has Suprelorin (which is similar to Lupron, and less
expensive but not yet available in the United States), but -- like
melatonin -- it does not affect some types of adrenal growths.
It pays to use Lupron and melatonin simulataneously. Also see this
recommended read:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/adrenal.htm
[One Sukie Note: I goofed. Mike Janke wrote the melatonin write-up with Dr. Jerry
Murray reviewing it for accuracy. So, thanks and credit where thanks and credit are
due, and mea culpa.]