Clayton Animal Hospital

One of the most common diseases of older ferrets is an over production of
hormones from their adrenal glands. These abnormally high hormone levels
cause loss of energy & appetite, itching & hair loss, and even difficulty urinating
in males. In some cases surgery can solve these problems. However, in cases
where surgery is not an option the use of a melatonin implant may simply &
affordably improve the symptoms of the disease.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that blocks stimulation to the
adrenal glands and decreases the over-production of troublesome hormones.
The implant is a time-released form of melatonin that sits beneath the skin and
is replaced every four months. The implantation is a quick process done with
light sedation. This procedure has resulted in a consistently improved quality of
life for our ferret patients.