Vet Dermatol 15: 2530. There is evidence to suggest that elderly insomniacs have lower levels of melatonin than age-matched controls. Sue Paterson has been seeing a considerable number of autumnal alopecias and discusses the value of melatonin and its uses in treating a variety of conditions in dogs and other animals.Melatonin is a hormone that is synthesised by the pineal gland in response to darkness.
Although it undoubtedly has many potential benefits, it should only be used under veterinary supervision and it should be used with caution in animals with autoimmune disease and in animals that are intended to be used in breeding.Melatonin secretion each day is directly proportional to the length of the night and is regulated by the pineal gland by light exposure to the eyes. Melatonin levels are reported to reduce with age.
Diaz, S. F., Torres, S. M. F., Dunstan, R. W. et al (2004) An analysis of canine hair regrowth after clipping for a surgical procedure.
Dogs ten to 25 pounds usually take 1.5 mg. For dogs 26 to … Its dosage is based on the dog’s weight in general as follows: 1 mg for less than 10lbs, 1.5mg for 11-25lbs, 3mg for 26-100lbs and 3-6mg for dogs weighing above 100lbs. Its effect to inhibit the secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone may be the reason why it has been useful in some of the more unusual “endocrine type” alopecias in dogs such as Alopecia X. Veterinarians and pet owners alike are experiencing success using melatonin therapy for alopecia in dogs (hair loss in dogs). Although therapy is the preferred option for many owners, it should take into account the benign nature of the disease so that the side-effects of therapy should never be more detrimental than the disease itself. It has also been shown to have immune stimulating effects and the author will use it as a non-specific immune stimulant in some cases of demodicosis. Very similar patterns are seen in other species. Melatonin has also been shown to be beneficial in some of the tardive onset breed specific follicular dysplasias (Table 2). Edinburgh, Scotland, p53. Mink exhibit a seasonal fur growth cycle which is regulated by photoperiod. Paradis, M. (1996) Melatonin therapy in canine pattern baldness. It has been shown that having a consistent level of melatonin in the body can help support balanced cortisol output by the adrenal glands. In: Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide, 2nd edition. Her passion is helping people find natural solutions for mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional challenges–for themselves and their pets!Copyright © 2020 Natchez Trace Veterinary Services, All rights reserved. Cyclical flank alopecia (CFA) is, as its name suggests, a disease that waxes and wanes with changing photoperiod. In: Bonagura, E. D. (ed) In Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XIII Small Animal Practice, W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp546-549. Vet Dermatol 15: 278284. Sometimes the condition recurs year after year, and sometimes it only occurs once in the dog’s lifetime.
During the winter months, starting in Northern latitudes in about September, as daylight length decreases melatonin levels increase, initiating the growth of a thick winter coat. Because many dogs become affected with seasonal alopecia in the spring, researchers have concluded that lack of sunlight may be a cause.Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps regulate hormones and the body’s circadian rhythm. Some breeds of dogs are more likely to be affected by seasonal alopecia than others.
Vet Dermatol 11: 107122. The best evidence for any drug’s therapeutic benefit is from studies using dogs with a history of CFA for more than three years, where the risk of recurrence in a subsequent year is 80%.
One of the best examples of melatonin’s effect on hair quality is in the mink. Morris, D. O. Melatonin has important effects on integrating photoperiod and affecting circadian rhythms. Many of the tardive onset follicular dysplasias also benefit from a similar dose regime with melatonin. Whilst both hair cycle arrest alopecia and the follicular dysplasia are cosmetic diseases, with no concurrent systemic involvement, they are unacceptable clinical manifestations to many owners, especially in the plushcoated breeds such as the Chow chow and Pomeranian. (2004) Disorders of hair and hair growth.
Pattern baldness is another disease that may benefit from melatonin. Melatonin implants have been used commercially for many years on mink farms to produce high quality “winter” coats out of season. Frank, L. A., Hnilica, K. A. and Oliver, J. W. (2004) Adrenal steroid hormone concentrations in dogs with hair cycle arrest alopecia (Alopecia X) before and after treatment with melatonin and mitotane.