Frequently Asked Questions 
                 

How do I order Implants?                

To ensure the safety of all ferrets and integrity of our business along with the precision needed to subcutaneously implant Ferretonin you must have your Veterinarian order the product. 
Please have your Veterinarian contact Professional Veterinary Products at 800-228-0077  or MWI  Veterinary Supply at 800-824-3703 to get pricing and to place an order (see order page).

NOTE:  All the information below also applies to the Dermatonin implants as they relate to dogs, with the noted of difference to the  size of the doses, and the disease (see DOG page).

When,Where and How Much to implant?

This is a question that is critical to the results that you will see in your ferrets. Each case of Adrenal Disease is different from ferret to ferret, but here are some generally followed guidelines:

  When?  ASAP and then continue every 3-4 months as you see needed.  NOTE: Since Ferretonin is 100% natural melatonin, it can be administrated with other Adrenal Disease remedies that are available to the veterinary.

  Where?  Between the shoulder blades under the fur in the subcutaneous layer. Melatek will send your veterinary an Instruction Program for information. The disposable implanter is no larger than that used to implant microchips, and is a highly cost-effective way to deliver the melatonin.

 How Much?   1 Ferretonin Implant (5.4mg. melatonin) once every  4 months, it will continually administer a consistent amount of melatonin to the ferret over this period.

Can I implant before/after Adrenal surgery?

YES  in fact MELATEK highly recommends you do both to assist your ferret in the reduction of STRESS.  Even after both glands have been removed you should use Ferretonin to assist the ferrets recovery ( weight gain, hair regrowth) and continued health.

Can I find out more information on Implants?

MELATEK, L.L.C has provided you with a list of web sites that will assist you in the search of more information.  Please see the rresearch page for links to research, testimonials and words from veterinarians on the World Wide Web.  MELATEK is working directly with some of the nations top ferret research Veterinarians, so if we cannot answer your question we can get you in touch with one of our  experts who can. 

 How long before I see the benefits of the Ferretonin?

 Ferretonin benefits will begin to show with in 1 - 2 weeks after implantation.  Total reversal of the Adrenal Disease depends on the ferrets; age, time/length of the disease and overall health. But generally the ferrets hair will start to regrowth within 6 - 8 weeks (this looks like bruising at first). The ferrets behavior and eating habits should happen with in 2-3 weeks, and other symptoms will disappear over a 8 -12 week period. As the case after surgery the swollen vulva will take longer to reduce to normal size.  Like humans each case differs, but these are the average times, if you see other situations please contact your veterinarian.  

Does this work better than a daily pill of melatonin?

YES,  not only does Ferretonin administer melatonin consistently over a 4 month period, but you do not have to worry about trying to get your ferret to take a bad tasting pill at an exact  time of the day. The half-life on an oral pill can be 90 minutes, and the amount (mg) is considerably less than the 5.4mg in a Ferretonin implant.

 Can I use the Ferretonin with other Adrenal Drugs? 

YES "In addition the implant is a low cost option to treat adrenal gland disease. Plus it can be used with Lupron. It can also be used with Propecia for males with prostate problems, and with Arimidex for females with estrogen-induced anemia."   Article by Dr. Jerry Murray.  Remember 100% natural melatonin.

Does my Vet have to sedate my ferret before implanting and are there any side effects?

"NO, the vast majority of ferrets  can be giving the implants without sedation. I give them a treat such as ferretone, ferret vite, nutical, or laxatone. While they are eating I give them the injection of the implant before they realize what I am doing. In young or hyperactive ferrets, scruff them and hold the treat up to them as you give the implant." Dr. Jerry Murray     As for side effects; it has been shown that your ferret may experience 1 - 3 days of being lethargic.  It is a natural reaction while the body regulates itself to the new levels of melatonin.   

Does the implant dissolve?

The Ferretonin implant has been inserted into over 30 million small animals including ferrets.  The implant does not dissolve, although there is research currently being done on this subject.  This small (size is smaller than a piece of rice) implant has been added up to 10 times in ferrets with no side effects (with exception of a small bump), but each time the veterinarian performs the implant procedure have them inspect the area.  If needed the Ferretonin implant can be removed by your veterinarian with a small incision, as an out patient procedure (note we have ferrets that have over 10 implants with no side effects and we have never heard of anyone removing the implant).

What is the shelf-life and are there any side effects?

If stored as instructed (in a dark cool place) the implant has a shelf life of up to 2 years.   It in not required to refrigerate, but the product will have a longer shelf life.  The only side effect is that the ferret may be lethargic after the administration of the Melatonin implant for a period of 2 to 5 days  (if lethargic period is longer please contact you veterinarian).

Will this cure Adrenal Disease?

The simple answer to this question is unfortunately no.  There is no cure for AD, but research shows it will assist you and your ferret with the effects of the disease as we have listed under the benefits on the Home Page of this web site. Note that Ferretonin can be used with or better yet without other non-natural drugs that you?re veterinary may be using. 

How much will Ferretonin Save me?

As you are aware the surgery cost for Adrenal Disease can cost over $700.00, and the other remedies that are available can cost over $100.00 every month.   So if you opt for no surgery or just want help after surgery with your ferrets AD effects, Ferretonin can save you Hundreds of dollars, lots of time and give you a peace of mind. Note it is less than 1/4 the cost of other drugs on the market.

What else?  (Just ask us we are here to help!)

 For other questions please contact us by E-mail simply click the link below:  

 Melatek Customer Service. 

Melatek has gathered a panel of veterinarians that can answer any questions that you may have, all veterinarians have been working with this product for years.
 
 

Last revised: July 2007 Ferretonin / Dermatonin  Copy Right 2004 All Rights Reserved