Re: melatonin
 
There is a lot about melatonin in the FML Archives.  That is a treasure
trove of info.  The address is in header of every day's FML:
http://listserv.cuny.edu/archives/ferret-search.html
 
You'll also find a lot in the FHL complete archives which include the
Ferret Health List posts from the Smartgroups address we have had for
the last few years plus the ones from our previous years in Yahoogroups
(at an address which someone else has recently acquired):
http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org
 
FIRST, though, start with this write-up since that will answer most of
the questions you will have and then the archives can help with any
remaining:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc/melatonin.htm
---
 
Also in the Miamiferret site (and probably also up in the AFA site now)
is the new write-up (March 7, 2005) on DIM/mystery disease from Dr.
Katrina Ramsell:
http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc
for the pdf
 
There is not a consensus on the most likely cause between the two
research groups at this point, and since neither has found the actual
cause that remains speculative.  There may be some degree of progress
in treating but that will not be known for a while.  Tissues from
infected ferrets are being studied in NW Zoopath for one group, and in
the Michigan State for the other.
---
 
Also seeking vets who encounter a specific problem is a group studying
cystine stones in ferrets.  When you pass along the info on DIM to your
vet for the vet's files, please, also pass along contact info on this
study:
Dr. Michelle Hawkins VMD DABVP (Avian) who your vets can reach at:
2108 Tupper Hall, University of CA, Davis, CA 95616
1-530-752-1363 (phone)
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[Posted in FML issue 4816]