Melatonin Implant for Treatment of Generalized and Localized Alopecia in Dogs

Authors : Kerem URAL, Canberk BALIKÇI1, Ümit KARADEMİR, Mehmet GÜLTEKİN, İbrahim AKIN, Adnan AYAN

Pages : 359-363

View : 23 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2015-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background/Aim: Hair loss alopecia is a complex phenomenon, that may be exist during the lifetime of the animal. Alopecia is a common, on the other hand frustrating disorder in companion animals. Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, allergy/atopy, endocrine disease/imbalances and congenital/genetic disorders of hair growth all might contribute to occurence of alopecia. Given the antioxidant effects for melatonin, it might probably has a role within the skin biology. Available evidence suggested that melatonin is capable of modulating hair growth and several researches indicated its usage against alopecia for dogs, whereas detailed studies regarding its topical or subcutaneous usage are lacking. Therefore the purpose of the present study was to report the retrospective results of subcutaneous slow release melatonin implant for treatment of alopecia due to different etiologies among dogs. Material, Methods: In a susbset of two major groups of dogs were studied: group I consisted of 5 dogs presented with generalized alopecia; consisting seasonal flank alopecia, demodicosis and atopic dermatitis. Group II consisted of 3 dogs presenting local alopecia sarcoptic mange . Diagnosis was based on relevant tests for all dogs. Afterwards all dogs underwent subcutaneous melatonin implant for treatment of common clinical sign, alopecia. Clinical recovery following melatonin impant was deemed on hair re-growth and quality of new hair, by clinical scoring. Results/Conclusion: Complete hair growth was evident in 4 out of 5 dogs involved in group I in 6 to 9 weeks. Prior to treatment all 5 dogs presented alopecic clinical scores as 1, where as after melatonin treatment on week 10 4 dogs were annotated as score 3, because of complete hair growth. In other group involving dogs with Sarcoptic mange week 10 scores presented as score 2 or 3, because of partial to complete hair growth. Clinical recovery as deemed by hair regrowth caused by subcutaneous treatment might be practically available. During applications no adverse effect was noticed. It may be suggested that melatonin implant may be safely used in dogs with alopecia due to different etiologies.
Keywords : Melatonin, implant, alopecia, dog