ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/melatonin
US brand names:Melatonin
Melatonin is dosed at 0.5–1 mg/animal (total dose, NOT mg/kg) PO q24h prn in ferrets, per Ramer JC, Benson KG, Morrisey JK, et al. Effects of melatonin administration on the clinical course of adrenocortical disease in domestic ferrets. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006;229:1743-1748. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.950 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 11.8 (Endocrine and Reproductive Disease Agents Used in Ferrets). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Activates MT1 and MT2 receptors. Modulates circadian rhythms, reproductive cyclicity, and coat growth. Anti-adrenal effects via inhibition of cortisol synthesis.
Used for alopecia X (hair loss), Cushing's disease adjunct, and reproductive management in ferrets. Avoid xylitol-containing products. Generally very safe.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 3–6 mg per dog | q8-12h | Weak | Chapter 9 - Hereditary, Congenital, and Acquired Alopecias. In: Hnilica KA, Patterson AP, eds. Small Animal Dermatology (Fourth Edition). W.B. Saunders; 2017:302-352. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.851 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.823, Melatonin monograph spanning p.823-824; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology — ISBN 9781416000280, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781416000280 |
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