DERMATONIN Implant

DERMATONIN melatonin implants give veterinarians a 100% natural way to treat an often recurring cosmetic condition - hair loss - in canines (and other animals) without use of harmful drugs. It is a continual release melatonin implant that can be used for canines and other animals with Alopecia X and seasonal flank alopecia. Approximately the same size as a piece of rice, it's implanted in the exact manner as a micro chip tag and subcutaneously between the shoulder blades. Because it's implanted in the animal, it eliminates the need for twice daily dosing of other forms of melatonin, and provides a consistent level of melatonin for maximum effectiveness.

The product comes in a gas sterilized, pre-loaded, disposable, implanting device to ensure the safety and wellness of animal patients, and the implantation must be administered by a veterinarian or an experienced technician. The implant is safe enough to be used every 6 months, for the remainder of the animal's life.

This condition affects over 100,000 dogs yearly; many who exhibit the condition every year. It is not completely understood and is often associated with abnormal levels of sex hormones (i.e., progesterone, estradiol, testosterone) originating from the adrenal glands. Additionally, dysfunctional hormonal receptor on hair follicles likely plays a role.

Melatonin is being researched by veterinarians across the United States, as well as many European Countries, for its use in controlling the symptoms associated with Alopecia X and seasonal flank alopecia. Alopecia X (also called Atypical Cushings disease or hypothyroidism, Nordic breed alopecia, pseudo-Cushings syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasis-like syndrome, Canine Recurrent Flank Alopecia [CRFA]) affects a number of dogs and other animals, and it causes them to lose hair seasonally in patches.

It is an endocrine dermatosis and causes bilateral alopecia, affecting mostly young adult dogs. Clinical signs include gradually progressive, symmetrical, nonpruritic, and non-inflammatory hair loss on the trunk, tail, thighs, and neck which spares the head and front legs. Hair loss initially involves the long, guard hairs, leaving a woolly puppy coat, which also is usually lost. The condition is characterized by adult onset symmetrical alopecia (hair loss) usually by the age of 3 years. Typically,veterinarians will notice a symmetrical gradual loss of hair over the body andback legs while the head and forelimbs maintain their hair.

Most frequently affected breeds include Chow, Pomeranian, Keeshonds, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Samoyedo, and toy or miniature poodles.

DOSAGE

• Dogs under 25 lbs: One 8.0 mg melatonin implant every 6-9months
• Dogs over 25 lbs: One 12.0 mg melatonin implant every 6-9months
• Dogs over 50 lbs: One 18.0 mg melatonin implant every 6-9months
• Cats all weights: One 18.0 mg melatonin implant when needed
• Other Large Animals: One 24.0 mg melatonin implant when needed

STORAGE
May be shipped and stored at room temperature, but keep out of direct UV light. We recomend storage of the implants in a refrigerator between 36º and 46º F (2º and 8ºC) estimated shelf life of the product is two years, if maintained in correct storage conditions.

For more information, you may consult Current Veterinary Therapy XIII, pages 546-549 (article entitled "Melatonin Therapy for Canine Alopecia"), or the author of the article, Manon Paradis, DVM, Professor of Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal.

DERMATONIN Implanter Instruction Sheet (PDF)

DERMATONIN Implant Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

DERMATONIN Implant for Animals at Drugs.com