Chinese Herbs: Can They Treat Cancer In Dogs?

Traditional Chinese medicine is a holistic mind-body practice that involves different body and mind practices (like tai chi and acupuncture). In addition to these techniques, TCM includes herbal remedies that can be used to treat specific conditions or symptoms. Many of these herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years by practitioners in China—and they're still being used today!

Our blog revolves around a herb known as ‘Yunnan Baiyao’ or ‘Yunnan Paiyao’. It may sound odd but this herb helps in curing cancer in dogs.

Does Science Support The Efficacy Of Chinese Herbs?

In China, the herb has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments including fever, coughs, and diarrhea in humans. In modern times, it has been found by studies that the herb can also be used for treating heart diseases, respiratory diseases, mental disorders, and cancer. The best thing about these herbs is that they don’t cause any side effects so they can be used safely by both humans and pets alike.

However, some studies show different results and have mixed reviews about the effectiveness of these herbs.

Are Chinese Herbs Safe To Use?

Chinese herbs are generally safe for consumption. In China, there are no strict regulations on what can go into these herbs and how they are made. This leads to concerns about whether or not the herbs contain heavy metals that could be harmful to consumers.

However, some herbal medicines have toxic compounds, animal and plant materials, pesticides, and heavy metals that have very serious side effects.

What Is Yunnan Baiyao?

Yunnan Baiyao is a specific type of Chinese herbal medicine that has been in use for more than 100 years.

Yunnan Baiyao was first developed in 1902 in China. During the war, Yunnan Baiyao was often used to treat soldiers who had been injured on the battlefield. It could be used to stop bleeding and prevent infection, but it also had an almost magical effect on morale: soldiers who felt their life was in danger would be given Yunnan Baiyao as a kind of last resort treatment if there were no other options available.

The formula for this medicine is a closely-guarded secret, but it is said to contain a blend of different herbs and minerals. Panax Notoginseng is the main ingredient in this formula. The main function of Yunnan Baiyao is to prevent angiogenesis and increase platelet function.

Can You Use Yunnan Baiyao In Dogs?

Yes, Yunnan Baiyao can be used in dogs. It is considered safe for people and dogs to use Yunnan Baiyao for minor cuts and scrapes. Veterinarians also use it for many bleeding disorders in pets:

• Haemoabdomen
• Epistaxis
• Pericardium hemorrhages
• Haemangiosarcomas

Does Science Support The Fact Of Yunnan Baiyao Treating Cancer In Dogs?

Yunnan Baiyao is very effective at preventing and controlling bleeding cancers by slowing the growth of cancerous cells, preventing them from spreading through the body, and preventing blood loss. Some recent studies show that it can also be used in vitro to kill haemangiosarcoma cell lines in dogs. Therefore it has many clinical benefits.

There isn't much evidence that Yunnan Baiyao alone is better than standard care therapy but it has more promising effects when combined with anticancer therapy.

Currently, some studies are going on by veterinary Oncologists in the USA about the safety of this herb and its clinical benefits for dogs suffering from haemangiosarcoma. Until now the results are encouraging and it is safe but further research is needed on whether it will improve the survival time in canines with haemangiosarcoma.

The best therapy for dogs with haemangiosarcoma is to continue researching this herb as a treatment for this disease. We hope that future studies will be able to show that dogs suffering from haemangiosarcoma will benefit from this herb.

Are There Any Side Effects Of This Yunnan Baiyao Herb On Dogs?

The effects of Yunnan Baiyao on dogs are still relatively new, so it's too early to tell whether or not the herb is safe for long-term use. For now, it's best to monitor your pet's health closely if you are considering using this herb.

If you're starting your dog on chemotherapy, it may have a lower tolerance to the treatment than other dogs. In this case, it's best to start with a small dose of the herb and increase it gradually as needed.

Once dogs are used to their chemotherapy regimen, they can be started on this herb after two weeks, as they've tolerated their regular medications.

What Is ‘Red Pill’ Along with Yunnan Baiyao?

The red pill in each packet has the concentrated Yunnan Baiyao in it and it is only advised to use in severe cases of bleeding.

Tips for Pet Owners:

• Chinese herbs can help treat pets with cancer, but they are not a treatment. In general, Chinese herbs are used in conjunction with Western medicine to treat dogs with bleeding cancer.
• If you're considering using TCM (like Yunnan Baiyao) or other alternative medicines, speak with your veterinarian first. Your vet may have concerns about the effects of these treatments on your dog's outcome with anti-cancer therapy. Your dog's safety is the priority so use it with caution.
• If your dog is currently taking TCM, please inform your vet about it. We have heard that it may be safe for dogs to use TCM and other medications together, but we always recommend that you ask your vet before administering any new medication.
• TCM is not a substitute for standard-of-care therapy. While TCM can address some symptoms, it cannot replace or delay standard care therapy.
• When it comes to using TCM, there's a lot of anecdotal evidence and recommendations out there. But it's important to remember that these little bits of advice are just that… little bits. They're not necessarily backed up by science, and they're certainly not a substitute for actual evidence-based research. As such, we recommend that you base your use of TCM on the scientific evidence available.
• Please take good care about the source from which you take Chinese herbs. There can be contamination and safety issues. Moreover, there are concerns about dosage in animals.