Yunnan Baiyao for Dogs (Yunnan Paiyao)

          

Uses:

Yunnan Baiyao is used orally to stop internal bleeding and has been effective topically in wounds to stop bleeding and optimize healing.

It is commonly used to help control internal bleeding associated with some cancers such as hemangiosarcoma of the liver, spleen or heart in dogs, or bleeding bladder tumors in dogs and cats. 

It is most commonly given orally as a capsule but the capsule contents may be used directly in small sounds to stop bleeding.

Externally, Yunnan Baiyao may even be used as a natural alternative to laboratory-derived styptic on nails and quicks.

Yunnan Baiyao should be used only after consultation and in cooperation with your dog’s veterinarian.  

 

History:

Yunnan Baiyao has been used in people for over 100 years. Initially, it was used to curtail bleeding from combat injuries.

More recently, in the human medical literature, its oral use has been to decrease the preoperative need for blood transfusions, and for ulcerative gastrointestinal disease. Click here to learn more.

However within veterinary literature, there have not been as many studies that looked at Yunnan Baiyao.

With existing research having been conducted in dogs, rats, rabbits, and horses, no adverse side effects have been found. 

 

Ingredients:

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.

 

How Does It Work?

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 Baiyao 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.

 

Precautions:

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Yunnan Baiyao may cause side effects in some dogs. The most common side effect of Yunnan Baiyao is stomach upset i.e. vomiting and diarrhea. 

Yunnan Baiyao should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Yunnan Baiyao should be used with caution in dogs with liver disease and is often used every other day or for a limited period.  

Yunnan Baiyao has been shown to be safe if given with antibiotics, vaccines, pain medication and other drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

It is not approved for use in pregnant or lactating pets.

This herbal supplement is intended for short term (acute) use. There have been limited studies to identify side effects of long-term use in dogs and cats.  There is some possible evidence that this medicine may elevate liver markers if given daily for prolonged periods of time.  

After the acute phase it is best to dose on alternating days, or for a 5-day on 5-day off cycle that repeats.  

 

How Much Do I Give?

Guidelines commonly used for bleeding dogs are as follows:

  • Active internal bleeding  – One capsule per 15 – 20 pounds of body weight, four times a day, for 1 -2 days.
  • After active bleeding has stopped – One capsule per 20-30 pounds of body weight, two to three times a day, for 3-7 days.
  • Maintenance recommended dose is 1 capsule per 30 – 50 pounds of body weight, two to three times per day.

Other common recommendations for dogs:

  •  Dogs from 10 to 30 pounds, give 1 capsule by mouth two times a day.
  •  Dogs 30 to 60 pounds, give 2 capsules two times a day.
  •  Dogs over 60 pounds, give 2 capsules three times a day.

Common dose for cats:

  • 1/2- 1 capsule once daily is recommended.  Some cat owners have success mixing Yunnan Bai Yao with fish-based cat food.

 

Formulations are available in capsule form, 0.25 grams in each capsule, or as a powder in a 4-gram bottle

          
Capsules 16pk           Powder 4g