Melatonin?

[Tamara]

I have seen a few dogs who are taking melatonin in addition to immunosuppressants. Do any of you know what the reasoning and mechanism is ?

[admin]

Melatonin is a hormone which is involved in daily rhythms (which is why it is used by some people for jetlag). It helps to modulate immune function and is an antioxidant. It may help IMHA dogs by slightly boosting the immune system (among other things, it boosts leukocytes), but I haven’t been able to find much about it through scientific studies – so the evidence is anecdotal.

[admin]

Hi Tamara
When you look at http://www.drugs.com/npc/melatonin.html it says people with auto-immune diseases should not take it. WebMD has many contraindications listed too.

Yes – as Linda says, not much in relation to AIHA in particular but have read some medical articles which indicate it MAY increase the effect of immuno-suppressive drugs (e.g. pred, aza, cyclo etc) & MAY slow clotting time & MAY also increase effects of some anti-clotting meds. So caution for us lot I think – vet instruction only would be my view. It also can increase/decrease the effects of other drugs too.

You cannot buy it in the UK or here in France (& the EU) – it is prescription only, but I think you can buy it over the counter in the US. It’s use is mainly for stress, sleep problems, hair loss & seizures in dogs as far as I can see & there is some evidence that it slows the growth of some types of cancer down. Sorry – not much other useful information, Tamara. I remember questioning it’s use with someone on here, but there was never an explanation on why their vet had recommended it. I think this is another Dr Dodds question personally.

Sheena x

[admin]

Me again
Ashley’s Lola was on melatonin but we didn’t really find out much. She consulted Dr Dodds, so maybe it would be an idea to get her opinion,

[Tamara]

Thanks so much Lynda and Sheena. I have seen a few dogs on it and was just wondering why. Interesting that sometimes it’s contraindicated, but that it may increase effects of immunosuppressive drugs and anti-clotting, etc. I will definitely ask Dr. Dodds if we consider it as an option and I’ll let you know what she says!
xoxox
tamara

[Patrice]

The use in dogs has mainly been directed at resolving behavior problems like separation anxiety and other stress related uses. It can have a calming affect.

However, it is a hormone and using the pill form “mimics” the output of the pineal gland in the brain. In humans the output of the pineal gland helps properly maintain the circadian sleep/awake cycle and also regulates the release of reproductive hormones. It is also thought to be a powerful antioxidant.

Being a hormone it can also have negative side effects if dosed in addition to the bodies own production of melatonin. I tried a small dose of this as a sleep aid and it was extremely over stimulating to my system, making me jumpy and had an almost hallucinogenic effect. And there are warnings about the use of this in folks who are on certain types of prescribed medications for depression and mood. I am not, but still had the side effects.

I wouldn’t just pop out to the store and buy some without a vet advising you about dosage and usage. The dosages can be tricky in humans, in fact the usual dose sold is considered by some to be about 2-3 times what is really needed as a sleep aid. I was cutting those pills in quarters and still had the side effects.

If the sole goal is to relax a nervous dog, I think that chewing is very therapeutic in dogs. I know, sounds crazy. But I have seen this in my own dogs many times. I give them marrow bones and they will work on them for a long time. Eventually they will behave like they are almost in a stupor, lying on their sides and lazily holding the bone in their mouth!
my best
patrice

[Jen]

My vet suggested Maggie take melatonin. He told me he had seen positive effects though he did not exactly know why ( I didn’t find that scary at the time but now that I write it perhaps I should have researched more).I have Maggie on 1.5mg per day. She does experience anxiety with separation, thunder, & fireworks!!! She is doing well & tolerating the drugs so I don’t want to mess with anything. Glad to see the topic here & appreciate finding additional information about it!

Jen & Maggie