Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Melatonin implants may not prevent recurring hair loss on dogs' flanks
By Verschuuren, Millie U M Y et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2022·Dierenartsen Combinatie ZuidOost, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The efficacy of subcutaneous slow-release melatonin implants in the prevention of canine flank alopecia recurrence is uncertain: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 21 dogs with a history of canine flank alopecia (CFA), which causes hair loss on their sides, were treated with either a melatonin implant or a placebo to see if it would prevent hair loss from coming back. After several months, the results showed no significant difference between the two groups; about 56% of the placebo group had no recurrence of hair loss, while only 25% of the melatonin group did. The melatonin treatment was well-tolerated, but it didn't prove effective in preventing CFA from recurring.
People also search for: dog hair loss treatment · canine flank alopecia prevention · melatonin for dogs hair loss
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Canine flank alopecia (CFA) is characterized by seasonally recurring noninflammatory, occasionally hyperpigmented alopecia predominantly in the thoracolumbar area. Previous studies suggest that reduced production of endogenous melatonin may play a role in the pathogenesis of this condition, and placebo-controlled studies on the efficacy of preventative melatonin treatment are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous slow-release melatonin implants in the prevention of CFA recurrence. ANIMALS: Twenty-one client-owned dogs with a history of CFA were included in the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At time (T)0, a general physical and dermatological examination was performed on each dog, blood was collected for serum biochemistry analysis and two skin biopsies were taken from alopecic areas on the nonsedated affected dogs after subcutaneous injection with 2% lidocaine. Dogs with normal blood work and histological results compatible with CFA were included in the study. Participating dogs were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 18 mg melatonin subcutaneously in the interscapular area, approximately 2 months before expected CFA onset (T1). CFA recurrence was scored qualitatively as complete, ≤50% recurrence, or no recurrence at 5 and 7 months after the intervention (T2 and T3, respectively). RESULTS: At T3, in dogs treated with placebo (nine of 17), the percentages for complete recurrence, ≤50% recurrence and no recurrence were 44%, 0% and 56%, respectively. In dogs treated with melatonin (eight of 17), these percentages were 25%, 50% and 25%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the scores between melatonin-treated dogs and placebo-treated dogs (p = 0.40). In three of eight melatonin-treated dogs, mild transient swelling was observed at the injection site. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not provide evidence that an 18 mg melatonin implant treatment, although well-tolerated, is efficacious in preventing recurrence of CFA in affected dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36106629/