Milk Thistle for Liver Ailments
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Sue Jefferson
Posted on: February 17, 2006
I am a technician at an animal hospital in Illinois. We have been
using milk thistle for about 2 years for some of our patients with
elevated AlTs. Appears to help in many cases. We have been dosing
only on my knowledge (a natural remedy enthusiast and herbal hobbyist)
and a Herbal PDR we have. In severe cases using about 15 mg per
kilogram per day. I would like to know if you have guidelines to
offer. This would apply to cats and dogs mainly. We have been
winging it and I'd love to have something more standard.
How wonderful to hear that herbs are being used in conventional
veterinary applications.
There is little literature that specifies exact dosing for animals so I
will give you the range of information I have. The following of course
depends on whether you are using the normal herb or standardised
extracts; I do not employ the latter, so do not have information
regarding their use. Tinctures listed below would also have to have the
alcohol portion removed before ingesting.
Powder:
Cats: 100 mg two to three times a day;
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon two to three times a day
Dogs (25 lb): 100 - 150 mg two to three times a day;
1/2 teaspoon two to three times a day
Dogs (over 50 lb): 2/3 - 3/4 teaspoon two to three times a day
Tincture:
Cats: 5 - 10 drops two to three times a day;
10 drops two to three times a day
Dogs (25 lb): 5 - 10 drops two to three times a day;
Up to 20 drops two to three times a day
Dogs (over 50 lb): 25 drops two to three times a day
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