In memory of Sidekick May 24, 2013

[spiritdog6]

It is believed that my dog now has Alopecia X. He is a Pom. I read that melatonin might help, but I also read that a dog with diabetes might have a problem with melatonin.

Does anyone have any knowledge or articles about diabetes and melatonin?

There is no definitive test for Alopecia, but he has lost fur in one area and the skin is black. The rest of his fur seems thinner too.

He also has Cushings.

Any help will be appreciated. His Spec. said to go ahead and try melatonin, but he didn't mention anything about it and diabetes.

[CarolW]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Did the specialist see him, Jean? I'd be tempted to take him in for a look-see.

If he's been seen, and melatonin was suggested, maybe I'd try it. Are you testing BG levels?

Wishing him a lot of luck - you, too!

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 04:13:57 (PDT)

[spiritdog6]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

As far as the Alopecia, yes the Spec. saw him. Though he has been known (by me) to be wrong a time or 2. He has a huge ego, this Spec.

And in some ways I feel he has given up on us, 3 x now I have been told how my dogs adrenal tumor will burst and he will bleed to death quickly (he always says that when I prove him wrong). He keeps sticking with that "2 years for adrenal dogs" theory.

My dog now has 8 diseases. But no one can tell except me. He is still a bouncy happy little guy. But I do feel he is my ticking time bomb dog.

[nibbles-mommy]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

i'm not sure if the melatonin will effect his bglevels, but a few months ago some peoplle on here and the vet said that it would be ok to give to my nibbles to help sleep at night. i didn't try it because we went with the valium. i even bought 2 bottles of it. and few people over at the cushings forum us it with there dogs.

[spiritdog6]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

I don't need to use it for sleep, I want to try and stop/help the Alopecia if possible. The articles I have read said that it can help with that disease, of course not all dogs.

Then I read one article that said with diabetes make sure your vet agrees that you should try it. He did agree, but he never mentioned what it might do to the diabetes.

I know cush dogs use it, but am interested in diabetic dogs and melatonin.

[eileen]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Melatonin is a hormone and used to treat Atypical Cushings and some cancers, I don't know about it's use for Alopecia.

Unless advised by a vet I, would not give it to a diabetic dog as a sleep aid.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mel...SECTION=safety

***

Elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) have been reported in patients with
type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), and low doses of melatonin have
reduced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Caution is advised in
patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or
supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be
monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary

[nibbles-mommy]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

You can try doing a search on the forum (above) and search for melatonin in "posts" and read about the people that have used it.

[spiritdog6]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

This is the article I read regarding Alopecia and melatonin.

http://www.malamutehealth.org/articles/cf_alopeciax.htm

Eileen I read your article, pretty scary stuff.

As I said earlier, I don't want to use it as a sleep aide, but for the Alopecia.

[nibbles-mommy]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Yes, but didn't you want to know what effect it could have on diabetic dogs regardless of what it is intended to treat?

[spiritdog6]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Yes that is what I wanted to know, because of a little blurb I read in another article about melatonin and diabetes. My Spec. said nothing about it. That is why I asked, and read eileens article. As I said scary stuff.

I doubt I'll use it now. I don't want to do anything to knock us off the very fine line we walk with 8 diseases.

[nibbles-mommy]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Yes, I wouldn't want to complicate anything more than it is either.

Good Luck!

[spiritdog6]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Here is a photobucket link to my little guy who still wants to play with the BIG dogs. I hope this is ok to do???

http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c1...t=MVI_0016.mp4

[nibbles-mommy]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

He's Adorable!

[spiritdog6]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Thanks! Yes one would never know he was 12 yrs. old with 8 diseases. Sigh.

[MaryLea]

Re: Melatonin & diabetes question

Precious! Tks for the video. He's spunky!!!

Mary