Integrating herbal support in canine hemangiosarcoma management

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a particularly aggressive form of cancer that begins in the cells lining the blood vessels. It primarily appears in 2 types of the disease: visceral and nonvisceral. Visceral HSA typically targets internal organs such as the spleen, liver, or heart. Nonvisceral HSA affects the skin, subcutaneous tissues, or muscles. This cancer poses a significant threat to dogs because of its rapid spread and the serious complications it can cause.¹

The primary treatment for localized nonvisceral HSAs is surgery. Surgeons aim to remove the tumor with clear margins to reduce the risk of recurrence. After surgery, veterinarians often use chemotherapy to address any residual cancer cells and manage potential metastases.¹

Radiation therapy, although less common, plays a role in managing unresectable tumors or alleviating symptoms such as pain and bleeding. Radiation therapy serves primarily as a palliative treatment to reduce tumor size and improve the patient’s quality of life.¹

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) represents another option, combining chemotherapy with electrical pulses to enhance drug delivery into cancer cells. This method has shown promise in reducing tumor size and controlling bleeding during surgery.¹

Photo: Oleh Marchak/Adobe Stock

Turkey tail mushrooms used in medicinal therapies grow on tree trunks are are found throughout the world.

Chinese herbal treatments may offer additional support in managing hemangiosarcoma. The turkey tail mushroom complex, a traditional Chinese remedy, contains compounds such as Polysaccharide Kurcha (PSK) and Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) that could enhance the immune system.¹ By boosting the immune response, these compounds might improve the effectiveness of standard treatments. However, the turkey tail mushroom complex is not a standalone cure for cancer.

Yunnan Baiyao, another traditional Chinese herbal formula, holds a notable place in managing bleeding associated with hemangiosarcoma.¹ This herbal remedy, which contains notoginseng, known for its bleeding control properties, works by activating platelets and inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels.^2,3 Yunnan Baiyao is available in both capsule and powder forms, allowing for oral and topical application.

Yunnan Baiyao gained recognition during the Vietnam War when North Vietnamese soldiers used it to manage injuries. Developed by Chinese doctor Qu Huangzhang in the early 1900s, Yunnan Boaiyao’s exact formula remains a secret.³ Although it has gotten attention for its hemostatic properties, its safety and effectiveness are not fully proven. Concerns about consistency, dosage, and potential risks, such as bone marrow toxicity from high doses, remain.

Veterinarians frequently use Yunnan Baiyao to manage conditions like hemoabdomen, pericardial effusion, and nosebleeds. Although the FDA has not approved it for canines, some veterinarians prescribe it off-label.³ Possible adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset.^2,3 Veterinarians advise caution, particularly in dogs with liver disease or when it is combined with chemotherapy.³

Each package of Yunnan Baiyao has 2 types of pills: 16 white capsules and one bonus red pill. The red pill included in the package is meant for severe, uncontrolled bleeding and should only be used under a veterinarian’s guidance.³

Dogs with hemangiosarcoma face a poor prognosis because of rapid metastasis. Studies indicate that incorporating Chinese herbal treatments like Yunnan Baiyao and turkey tail mushroom complex into a comprehensive treatment plan may improve survival times compared to no treatment. Yunnan Baiyao shows promise in extending disease-free intervals, while turkey tail mushroom has demonstrated a mean survival time of about 199 days. In contrast, untreated dogs typically have much shorter survival rates, highlighting the potential benefits of these herbal treatments.³ These findings help veterinarians to set realistic treatment expectations for pet owners.

Veterinarians should guide the use of these herbal supplements to ensure they complement standard medical interventions rather than replace them. Incorporating them alongside conventional therapies can enhance overall treatment outcomes and help manage symptoms effectively.²

Veterinarians educate themselves on these 2 herbals’ use in veterinary medicine through resources such as Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, and accessible online platforms. By staying informed, veterinarians can provide a more holistic approach to managing HSA in dogs.

References

1. De Nardi AB, de Oliveira Massoco Salles Gomes C, Fonseca-Alves CE, et al. Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: A Review Based on a Consensus Organized by the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Oncology, ABROVET. Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(7):2025. Published 2023 Mar 29. doi:10.3390/cancers15072025
2. Morrison BJ. Yunnan Baiyao for dogs. PetMD. Published July 3, 2023. Accessed August 28, 2024. Available from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/yunnan-baiyao-dogs
3. Robinson NG. Complementary and alternative medicine for cancer: the good, the bad, and the dangerous. In: Withrow SJ, MacEwen EG, eds. Withrow and MacEwen’s Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2012. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4377-2362-5.00016-5.