How to help Extremely itchy adrenal ferret

[ferretlove]

My ferret has the malignant kind of adrenal disease and had surgery 1 1/2 months ago to remove as much as possible and freeze the rest with cryo. Unfortunately since the tumor had grown so quickly we couldn't get all of it as it had started to invade the vena cava and liver.

3 weeks ago he got a des implant

So far I have seen no hair growth and his hair has continued to fall out and he is still extremely itchy... always biting and scratching himself.
I was wondering if it is best to give him either melatonin or fish oils to help with his itchiness until the des starts working.

I was told the des can take a month or two to work so I'm trying to be patient but I'm really worried about my little guy and I want him to be more comfortable.

Can anyone recommend which is best? Or can I give him both? And in what amounts?

[raynebc]

I often see the melatonin implant recommended alongside the DES implant to improve itchiness and fur growth.

[Heather]

I would strongly suggest a melatonin implant (ferretonin) to help with the skin and fur issues
ciao

[katt]

As others have said - melatnonin implant (also called ferretonin). Des is the best for TREATING the DISEASE, but it is not great at treating the symptom of fur loss. Melatonin on the other hand is a band-aid in that it does not address the underlying process of the disease at all, but it is great for fur regrowth. I would definitely ask your vet about adding a melatonin implant in addition to the Des.

In the meanwhile, keeping her well hydrated will minimize any excess dryness of the skin, and oatmeal soaks may be soothing.

[Sherry]

I agree. Melatonin implant, combined with oatmeal soaks. Put regular long cooking oatmeal(about a half cup) in a sock and tie closed. Make water very warm(bathwater warm for you) and put sock in the water so the oatmeal soaks out into the water.