Yunnan Baiyao for Dogs: Chinese Herb for Bleeding Dog Cancers
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: April 27th, 2023
Summary
Yunnan baiyao for dogs with cancer may sound weird because it’s used for bleeding problems. But in certain cases, it is really useful.
Today’s article is about an herb from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): yunnan baiyao for dogs with cancer. Yes, the chinese herb, also spelled yunnan paiyao, can be used in some cancers.
This episode of our podcast Dog Cancer Answers addresses yunnan baiyao.
Bleeding Cancer Causes
Some canine cancers are associated with bleeding, like internal hemangiosarcomas. Hemangiosarcomas are tumors that occur in the linings of the blood vessels, so they can be pretty bloody.
But even other types of cancers can bleed. For example, sometimes chemotherapy drugs increase bleeding tendencies. Sometimes tumors rupture, and internal bleeding results.
Again, not every tumor is bloody. But when they are, finding a way to control that internal bleeding is a good idea.
Especially nice would be something that can be given in a capsule at home.
A Supplement That Stops Bleeding??
Conventional veterinary medicine teaches us that there is no such thing. But hey, let’s remember: there is more to healing than what we may have been exposed to here in the West. My alma mater is consistently ranked number one or two best veterinary school in the nation, but I didn’t learn about supplements until I started my own studies.
Yunnan baiyao is a good example. This is a well-known treatment in China. Its name means “The white medicine from Yunnan province.”
It’s well researched in China, and, perhaps more importantly, comes from a medical tradition that has been in existence for thousands of years. Our Western medical researchers are beginning to show interest, and so far, most studies here show that there are reasons to study it more.
Yunnan baiyao is a blend of herbal ingredients, not one single plant. Here in the West, we’re used to thinking about individual treatments for individual problems. Supplements are usually made of only one ingredient.
That’s not the way TCM thinks about remedies or treatments. With their thousands of years of experience, they often make blends of several different components. Yunnan baiyao is no exception.
The precise recipe is a guarded secret in China, but the ingredients include various yam roots, ox gall bladder, pseudoginseng, and sweet geranium.
How Yunnan Baiyao Works (we think)
It seems that yunnan baiyao activates the platelets, the tiny blood cells that help form clots. Why is this important?
Well, because blood clots are the first step in a scab. When platelets are active, they form little plugs, or little corks. That’s the way they stop a hemorrhage.
Think of the last time you cut yourself. Remember how the blood flowed, and then slowed down, and a red oozy mass formed? That’s your platelets in action.
So we think when a dog takes yunnan baiyao, the herbal formula activates the platelets, which slow bleeding down and help stop it.
Keep in mind that this remedy is not fully understood, and there are some veterinarians who just don’t think using it is worth it. But there are plenty who disagree and feel that as long as it’s safe, using it in serious cases is warranted.
For more tools to help fight dog cancer that you may have not heard of, get a copy of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide.
When To Use Yunnan Baiyao
I wouldn’t recommend using yunnan baiyao without consulting with your veterinarian. It might not be necessary for your dog’s specific case. But if your dog is having internal bleeds, or if your dog has the bloody cancer called hemangiosarcoma, your veterinarian might want to use it to help control bleeding.
How much to give? The following dosing is a bit rough. These are general guidelines that you should check out with your veterinarian:
- 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 baiyao 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. You should also be aware that there is some evidence that this medicine may elevate liver markers if given daily for prolonged periods of time.
Best to all,
Dr D
Editor’s Note: Where to Buy Yunnan Baiyao
It is not as easy to get yunnan baiyao online as it once was. If your veterinarian doesn’t sell it (and most who recommend it do), the best bet is to check your local supplement store, particularly if they stock other TCM remedies. If they don’t stock it, you might ask your veterinarian to order it for you from Jin Tang http://tcvmherbal.com/. You can also try Pine Street Clinic: https://pinestreetclinic.com/products/yunnan-baiyao
Further Reading & References
Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMA, Yunnan baiyao for patients with hemorrhage, neoplasia, Veterinary Practice News, December 11, 2017
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s discussion on Yunnan Baiyao
Institute of Traditional Medicine Discussion of Yunnan Baiyao
Tansey C, Wiebe ML, Hybki GC, Patlogar JE, Murphy LA, Bianco D, Nakamura RK. A prospective evaluation of oral Yunnan Baiyao therapy on thromboleastographic parameters in apparently healthy dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2018 May;28(3):221-225. doi: 10.1111/vec.12712. PMID: 29727528
Morris BR, deLaforcade A, Lee J, Palmisano J, Meola D, Rozanski E. Effects of in vitro hemodilution with crystalloids, colloids, and plasma on canine whole blood coagulation as determined by kaolin-activated thromboelastography. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2016 Jan-Feb;26(1):58-63. doi: 10.1111/vec.12345. Epub 2015 Jul 28. PubMed PMID: 26220153.
Ness SL, Frye AH, Divers TJ, Rishniw M, Erb HN, Brooks MB. Randomized placebo-controlled study of the effects of Yunnan Baiyao on hemostasis in horses. Am J Vet Res. 2017 Aug;78(8):969-976. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.78.8.969. PubMed PMID: 28738008.
Lee A, Boysen SR, Sanderson J, Wagg CR, Chalhoub S. Effects of Yunnan Baiyao on blood coagulation parameters in beagles measured using kaolin activated thromboelastography and more traditional methods. Int J Vet Sci Med. 2017 Apr 12;5(1):53-56. doi: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2017.01.004. eCollection 2017 Jun. PMID: 30255049
Wiinberg B, Jensen AL, Rojkjaer R, Johansson P, Kjelgaard-Hansen M, Kristensen AT. Validation of human recombinant tissue factor-activated thromboelastography on citrated whole blood from clinically healthy dogs. Vet Clin Pathol. 2005 Dec;34(4):389-93. PubMed PMID: 16270265.
Frederick J, Boysen S, Wagg C, Chalhoub S. The effects of oral administration of Yunnan Baiyao on blood coagulation in beagle dogs as measured by kaolin-activated thromboelastography and buccal mucosal bleeding times. Can J Vet Res. 2017;81(1):41-45.
How One Company Brought Traditional Chinese Medicine To The Modern World And Made Billions, Forbes, Michael Schuman
Yunnan Baiyao – What’s the Clinical Evidence? by L. Graham
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Oops 65 lbs 🙂
My dog has been bleeding through her nose. A LOT! The vet gave me this to try and it did stop the bleeding. I have been giving her 1 capsule twice a day and she seems to be comfortable. But to day we noticed a lot of her fur in coming out. Can this be a side effect? I didn’t know to give her a break on this. Should I go to once a day or every other day? She is an 85 lb. Doberman and we believe she has cancer.
Dr. D,
My 11 year old Rottie, Minnie, has been diagnosed with Splenic Hemangiosarcoma as of January 4th of this year. The cancer was on her spleen and had spread to the left lobe of her liver. My vet consulted with other vets and they consider her to be a good surgical candidate. On January 10, Minnie had her spleen removed and part of left lobe of her liver resected. My vet and the surgeon said I had approximately 2-4 months. She’s now 3 weeks out from surgery, but she’s just not herself. She tires easy and is not happy that often. I’m thinking some of that could be what I’m feeding her. She’s a picky eater and she gets pancreatitis, so I need to keep her diet low fat. I’m in the midst of reading your book, and I see the diet you prescribe which I plan on trying. As of now, I’ve been feeding her organic grilled chicken breast, organic ground turkey, organic minced fresh spinach and organic pureed pumpkin. I use the pumpkin to make her eat the spinach, which she won’t eat by itself. I also give her 2 tablespoons of low fat organic cottage cheese once a day. Supplement wise she’s getting 5000 mgs of fish oil a day, Vitamin E 800 IU’s a day, Milk Thistle, 2 Turmeric pills, 2 tsp. of Bragg’s apple cider vinegar, 9 K9-Immunity pills a day, a whole food vitamin called “Spark” made by Rocky and Belle and a digestive enzyme/probiotic called K-9 Zyme made by Earthsong Ranch. Where am I going wrong? I read all these different things on the internet about pumpkin and carbs, what to give, what not to give, and I’m just simply lost at this point. I’m meeting with a holistic veterinarian tomorrow, but whatever advice you can give would be beyond appreciated!!! This dog has been my savior for so long. The ultimate friend! I want to give her the best until the end! Please help!!!
I have a 12 year old American staffordshire terrier who has been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Her spleen was removed back in October right after hurricane sandy hit. My vet recommended YB which she’s been on since 11/19 (1 pill every 12 hrs). My vet is not a holistic vet but he said its worth giving it a shot. I’ve noticed that her gums have been pale and she’s been quite lethargic for the past 2 days. After her surgery I switched her diet to Orijen (senior diet) and wellness (wet food also senior). She’s also getting metacam once a day in her food. I didn’t know until today after reading your article that I should give her the YB for 5 days on and 5 days off. Could that be the reason for her lethargy and bad appetite? Should I stop the pills for a few days? She has an appt with her vet tomorrow. Thank you.
Dear Deborah, getting your dog in is a good choice. I worry about bleeding from a metastatic site somewhere…
Dr D
I have a 14 year old Cocker mix diagnosed with epitheliotropic cutaneous lymphoma in July 2012 but was manifesting the skin lesions back to February 2012, just not diagnosed by the vet, being treated for skin infections. He began chemo in August 2012 also Prednisone, the oncologist now states there is no more chemo he knows to give and only Pred 20mg/day being given. He has moderately enlarged lymph nodes, but it seems mainly confined to the skin which is extremely severe, almost compleete hair loss, skin shedding, bleeding, draining tumors, lesions, scabbing on 95% of the body. What do I do now? He eats well, is mobile, sleeps alot. I startedTransfer Factor tri formula plus a month ago, fish oil caps, home cooked diet . What would be the most important thing I could do now?
My 12 year old Italian Greyhound recently had his mandibular and sublingual salivary glands removed. There was an additional mass deep in the glands that was removed as well. He has now been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. However, xrays and ultrasounds found no tumors on his spleen, or liver, or kidneys, etc. Only thing was a small spot on his heart but he was diagnosed with heart disease 2 years ago and is on blood pressure meds. We opted for no further surgery and no chemo. There is still a small part of the tumor that remains in his neck that I was told by the vet is very deep…close to the trachea. He is on a high protein, low carb diet. The tumor has bled a small pocket in his neck again. Not sure what to do next…maybe try the Y.P.???? Our vet said his tumor is not textbook…so we are confused as to next move, if there is one.
Suggestions????
Thank you
My dog, Keeley, had surgery on March 9 to remove his spleen. He had several small tumors (hemangiosarcoma) that had metastisized to his liver (small tumors that the vet described as “nodules”. He was doing great until a couple of weeks ago when he got extremely lethargic and lost his appetite. He was diagnosed as being anemic and feverish. He was treated with antibiotics, a B-12 injection, Pet-tinic, cold laser therapy, and yunnan baiyao. He’s made an amazing recovery, but is still running a bit of a fever. Is there anything I can do for his fever? He eats a healthy diet and is currently on Apocaps, mushroom combo, IP6, papaya and bromelain, and American ginseng supplements. He used to be on astragalus and aloe vera juice as well, but I took him off those when his appetite waned and haven’t added them back yet.
My dog is 8 years old. Veterinary found mass in her spleen and remove it. The mass seem like to be cancer(may be hemangiosarcoma). The biopsy result will know next month. I would like to know about herb and diet for keep cancer don’t spread rapidly to another organ. Thank you very much
Dear Akiko
I am very sorry to hear about your dogs mass. Hopefully it is not hemangiosarcoma but this is common. To answer your question: have you read the Guide? This is a complicated question which is answered in the book in detail. You should be considering chemotherapy, apopcaps, beta glucans, dog cancer diet, among other things. Please discuss these with your vet.
All my best
Dr D
My 12 year old dog has oral squamous cell carcinoma. My vet said the tumor was too large to remove, He debunked it, but it didn’t help very much. She bleeds from her mouth and has a lot of mucus with a tinge of blood from her nose. I have ordered ES Clear for her and was just wondering if the yunnan baiyao capsules might help with the bledding. She drools a lot and that is when I see the blood.
Dear Anne,
please take a little time and read the Guide. There is much there that can help and it is easy reading. The yunnan might help but won’t if your dog is accidentally or intentionally chewing the tumor. It should be debulked. I would be thinking apocaps/neoplasene/low dose palladia, among other things…please read about these items and discuss with your vet.
I hope this helps-
Dr D
My dog doesn’t have cancer but she has a serious bleeding disorder. I hace a three year old Sheltie with type III Von Willebrands disease. She has been an in-patient in a veterinary clinic twice in the past two weeks for severe nosebleed. The bleeding stopped after cryoprecipitate. She started bleeding again tonight. It was suggested I try Yunnan Baiyao. I’m praying this will stop her bleeding. I can’t sleep and was looking online for help. Would you please tell me how long it will take for me to see the bleeding stop. Is there hope with her serious disease?
Thanks