Herbs For Dogs With Disc Disease

We’re covering medications used for pets with disc disease because they

• increase disc moisture and suppleness,
• decrease inflammation,
• stop pain and ease muscle spasm, and
• promote synovial and cartilage health within vertebral joints.

We have looked at Omega 3 fatty acids and homeopathic medications, and now, let’s consider herbs that help dogs with disc disease.

Herbs, unlike fatty acids and some homeopathic medications, are not used singly but in combination with several other herbs. For example, Western herbs commonly used for disc disease include combinations of eupatorium, turmeric, meadowsweet, willow bark, nettles, cayenne, skullcap, alfalfa, and yucca.

Chinese herbs for disc disease are also combination remedies. Relax Channels and Invigorate Blood (Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang) is one example of a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) combination herbal medication for disc disease. Relax Channels and Invigorate Blood is categorized as a “blood mover.” In TCM, disc ruptures are caused when blood or energy is stuck in the spine. The Relax Channels formula creates movement to resolve disc pain and inflammation. As pain and inflammation resolve, the disc is stimulated to heal and return to normal and is less likely to rupture again. This is one of the strengths of Chinese formulas—addressing the root of the problem as well as the symptoms.

Some herbal combinations require a prescription and others are available as over-the-counter medications. Because most herbs are powerful and forceful, rather like most pharmaceuticals, they can have side effects and should not be used without a veterinarian’s advice.

In our next blog, we’ll discuss using joint supplements that help treat dogs with disc disease.