Chinese Herb for Bleeding Dog Cancers
ByToday I would like to post on a topic from TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
Many dogs are afflicted with cancers that are associated with bleeding, like internal hemangiosarcomas. Sometimes the treatments for cancer (many chemotherapy drugs) may increase bleeding tendencies.
So it would make a lot of sense that providing a supplement that helps the body stop bleeding might help our four legged companions. Especially nice would be something that can be given in a capsule at home.
Although it seems that we lack this in our Western system of veterinary medicine, let’s remember there is more to healing than what we may have been exposed to. My alma mater is the number one-ranked vet school in the nation, and I was not aware of the following until I started my own studies after graduation.
Yunnan baiyao, also called yunnan baiyao, is “The white medicine from Yunnan province.” This is a well-known treatment in China. In TCM, most of the items used are blends of different components. Yuannan paiyao is no exception.
Some of the ingredients include various yam roots, ox gall bladder, pseudoginseng, sweet geranium, and more. The precise recipe is a guarded secret in China.
It is believed to work by activating the platelets, which are the small blood components that help make blood clot. Blood clots are the first step in a scab. They are like little plugs or corks in the way they stop hemorrhage.
Yunnan paiyao taken by mouth has been shown to decrease liver bleeding in lab animals. Similarly, it has been shown to decrease bleeding times in ponies who took it orally. The same was shown for rabbits. It also works when the powder is applied to a bleeding surface.
Yunnan paiyao should be used only after consultation and in cooperation with your dog’s veterinarian. Here is some data.
How much to give? The following dosing is a bit rough. These are general guidelines:
- For dogs under 10 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth one time a day.
- For dogs from 10 to 30 lbs, give 1 capsule by mouth two times a day.
- For dogs above 30 but less than 60 lbs, give 2 capsules two times a day.
- For dogs above 60 lbs, give 2 capsules three times a day.
Do not give Yunnan paiyao on an ongoing basis. It is best to give it on alternating days, or for a 5-day on, 5-day off cycle that repeats. There is some possible evidence that this medicine may elevate liver markers if given daily for prolonged periods of time.
There is an excellent pdf available online, called “Yunnan Baiyao-Where’s the Clinical Evidence?”
for those who would like more detail.
Yunnan paiyao can be purchased on line, in herb stores, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine locations.
For more tools to help fight dog cancer that you may have not heard of, get a copy of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide.
Best to all,
Dr D
About the Author
Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM is known as the "dog cancer vet" and is author of Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Beyond Surgery, Chemotherapy & Radiation. Visit his blog and sign up free to get the latest information about canine cancer. Go to http://DogCancerBlog.com.
7 Comments
October 6th, 2009 at 8:34 am
On the topic of alternative treatments do you know anything about an enzyme called serrapeptase?
It is supposed to stop ‘unhealthy inflammation and clear inflamed dead tissue’and supposedly has been effective in treating animals when more conventional treatments have failed..
October 6th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
My dog has a cancerous bladder tumor. I opted for non-surgical remedies which have slowed the progression down and she has already beaten the odds big time. However, while walking my dog, she tends to “mark” a lot and after marking quite a few times, only blood comes out from her vulva area. Perhaps Yunnan paiyao would aid in clotting the capillaries in the tumor?
October 17th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Judith, it is worth a try. Please use under veterinary supervision. Good luck and hope it helps,
D
November 15th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
my 12 year old dachsund has just been diagnosed with a cancerous mass around the adrenal glands invading the vena cava – he has cushing disease and pericardial effusion.. retroperitoneal hemorrage.
I am going to a second opinion since the emergency clinic recommended authanesia.
December 4th, 2009 at 6:54 am
My 10 yr. old golden retriever Jackson, was diagnosed with an oral tumor called acanthomatous ameloblastoma in July 2009. Surgury was not deemed appropriate. Believe me, we would have done anything to take this thing away for him. We have been using palliative care since and up until three weeks ago, we were all able to manage it pretty well for him.
But then the bleeding started out of his mouth and our vet said that the tumor was eating away the gingiva in his mouth. We’ve been periodically using ice packs and pressure in his mouth and on the outside on the tumor when the bleeds occur but my vet had no other suggestions to stop the bleeds. Under the guidance of a woman who’s been using essential oils to help with canine issues, we used cypress oil in diluted form inside and outside on the tumor. He also was taking Inisitol IP6 and a herbal tincture hoxsey as well as a chinese herbal mix to support immunity. But as the bleeding increased and clots came out of his mouth, I backed off of all of it and he’s a bit better with the bleeds-less frequently and less blood. But perhaps it’s gone on too long now since his gums are now beginning to pale a bit indicating anemia. Should I consider giving him yunnan baiyao to halt the bleeding and something to help with the anemia? We are feeding him very wet Honest Kitchen dehydrated raw food. Everythingihng he takes must be in a soup form. He is tired, yet he still loves to walk around outside and look for chipmunks in our landcaped stone walls and he still loves his meals and the sound of the cookie jar opening. He is such a dear, sweet boy. Thank goodness you are here helping people through these issues. My helplessness with this comes from my vets inability to offer much, since surgery and medications are not appropriate for him.
Please let me know if you think the yunnan baiyao is appropriate for him as well as something for anemia. THANK YOU.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:29 am
YES! Try the yunnan baiyao! I lost my goldendoodle Ellie in 9/09 to hemangiosarcoma. We found out about Y.B. right at the very end and I wish so much that we had learned about it earlier. There is no doubt this herbal mixture saved Ellie more than once. It was just too late for it to be a long-term answer. You need to know there are the regular pills PLUS small red emergency pills that can help with extreme anemia and shock – you may not need the emergency ones unless things get very serious. If you have a blister-pack of regular pills, there should be an emergency pill right in the middle of the pack — it’s very easy to overlook. If there is no holistic vet near you that can sell you the Y.B., you may be able to get it from a Chinese herbalist (if there is one nearby). You can certainly get it online, but I suggest you get this ASAP. If you do not have a holistic vet nearby that can help you with dosing, etc. . . then you should at least try to find one that will give you info over the phone or via e-mail. You will not regret trying this amazing herb! Please also consider K9-Immunity!
December 6th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Barb, these are very tough. Use the yunnan paiyao with your vet’s supervision. Another idea is injectable Neoplasene available from Buck Mountain. Have your vet call Dr. Buck, who makes it. It can be injected in the tissue around the tumor. For more ideas, check out the Dog Cancer Survival Guide.
Best,
Dr D