From:
brettm@uga.edu
Date: 2006-02-15 13:34:09 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] RE: Using Melatonin Implants as a preventative
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Author wrote:
> How effective are the implants at prevention? Is it safe?
Those are the two key unanswered questions.
As for safety, I have not yet been able to find any credible reports of bad side effects. I know that some adrenal ferrets have received 10 or more implants over the course of 2-3 years without a problem, being implanted every 3-4 months. For prevention, the implants are only given twice a year, so it would take 5-6 years for a healthy ferret to receive that many. We can't say for sure yet what the effect might be over a ferret's whole lifespan, but it appears to be at least as safe as anything else we do to our fuzzies in the name of prevention, such as heartworm meds or vaccinations.
The real question is whether any risk at all can be justified, since there are no scientific studies proving that the implants reduce the chance of adrenocortical disease. The whole debate is based on a theory on the causes of ACD. It's a very, very good theory, and is backed up by the effectiveness of the implants in ferrets where ACD has already happened, but no one can give you any statistics on how well it works in healthy ferrets.
Personally, I'm becoming more and more convinced that it is worth the minimal risk. But, it's one of those judgements we have to make on our own for now, since a lot of vets are either unaware of the implants or have reservations about them because of the lack of scientific studies.
Brett
*SLMW 1.0* They're not just ferrets, they're adventures!
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