Can Melatonin Treat Cushing’s Disease?
- Canine Cushing's Alliance
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
A common question from owners of dogs with Cushing’s disease is whether there are any natural products that can be given instead of medication. Some of you might have come across melatonin, a supplement promoted by many online retailers as a safe and holistic way to lower cortisol levels and remedy Cushing’s symptoms. This article provides an overview of melatonin and things to consider before using melatonin to treat Cushing’s disease.
About melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain. Its main role is regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin can also be made in a laboratory and sold as a supplement. Most melatonin supplements for dogs are marketed as either a calming aid or a remedy for Cushing’s disease.
Effectiveness for treating Cushing’s disease
The goal of treating Cushing’s disease is to decrease symptoms by controlling the excessive amounts of cortisol produced by the adrenal gland. So far, research on melatonin’s ability to lower cortisol has mostly been conducted in humans, rather than dogs, and has shown mixed results.
Several studies involving human patients suggest that melatonin’s effect on cortisol is heavily dependent on the time of day, the specific health condition being studied, and the patient’s age. While some studies show a decrease in cortisol from melatonin, others show an increase in cortisol levels or no effect.
Many supplements combine melatonin with lignans, which is claimed to increase melatonin’s effectiveness for dogs with Cushing’s disease. It’s worth noting that there is limited evidence to back up these claims. Only one study has been conducted on how melatonin and lignans affect cortisol or other steroid hormones. That study, published in 2011, involved human adrenal tumor cells. There has been no research on the effects of melatonin and lignans in dogs.
Everything considered, there is no way to know if melatonin will be effective for your pet. If you decide to use supplements to treat Cushing’s disease, we recommend closely monitoring symptoms and making sure your dog’s cortisol levels and other blood values are regularly checked.
Safety
Melatonin is generally safe for most dogs. When purchasing, make sure the product you choose is not rapid or extended release and does not contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. Also, talk to your veterinarian before giving melatonin to a diabetic pet, since some studies show that it has potential to increase insulin resistance in diabetics. More information about melatonin and diabetes can be found here.
Treatment considerations
Every dog is unique, and treatment should be based on their individual needs. Although Vetoryl effectively manages Cushing’s disease in most dogs, medication is not appropriate in every case. For pets with chronic kidney disease, primary liver disease, or another medical contradiction with Vetoryl, supplements may be a safer choice.
No matter which treatment you pursue, it’s always important to do your own research and never hesitate to ask your veterinarian questions. Here is advice from Glyna Pomerantz, the administrator of another Cushing’s group:
My greatest advice to pet owners dealing with Cushing’s is to educate yourself on the disease and whatever pill/capsule/liquid you are putting in or on your dog and never be afraid to question your vet if something doesn’t seem right to you or is contrary to published protocol. If your gut is telling you something, listen to it because it’s usually right. We are our dog’s only voice and we need to turn up the volume at times, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Strive to be that fabulous human being your dog thinks you are by not placing blind faith in anybody to be all knowing, and act in the best interest of your beloved dog. His/her well-being could depend on it.
Where to buy melatonin and lignans
Melatonin and lignans are available from a variety of retailers. Popular brands include:
Note: there are two types of lignans: HMR and SDG. HMR lignans are extracted from spruce trees, whereas SDG lignans are primarily derived from flaxseed hulls. Both are generally safe, but SDG lignans can cause gastrointestinal side effects due to their high fiber content.
References
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Assessing the Efficacy of Dietary Changes and Holistic Treatments, by Dr. Catherine Barnette, DVM
Effect of combined lignan phytoestrogen and melatonin treatment on secretion of steroid hormones by adrenal carcinoma cells, Am J Vet Res. 2011 May
Melatonin & Lignans and Other Alternatives to Conventional Treatments, by Glynda Pomerantz