What is the proper dosage of Saw Palmetto for a dog weighing 100 lbs?

Question

My dog suffers from Lupus. As a result she is on a corti-steroid called Medrol. She was on Prednisone at one point as well. In both cases, the medication caused her bladder to leak.

I started doing some research online and found a couple medications with Saw Palmetto and Soy Isoflavones and key ingredients to control bladder muscle tone.

I will say that I have had my dog on small doses for the past 3 days and her "leaking" has stopped. That being said, I am looking for the safe dosage amount that will not be toxic to my dog.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

PS I have contacted the vet and they've ok'd her taking this OTC herbal pill. I am currently basing my dosage off of a multi-herb pill used to treat bladder problems in dogs...however, I bought Saw Palmetto and the Soy Isoflavones seperately...and so that is why I'm wondering what the max safe dosage amount is...

Ok, to elaborate on some of the details based on questions below:

1) How old is your dog?
7 years
2) Where did your go to get that diagnosis of Lupis?
I got a biopsy done through my vet at the Virginia Tech Vet school. It does exist on dogs..hence "Lupus"
3) Who's recommending Saw Palmetto?

No one is "recommending"...I found it as part of a bladder-control remedy for dogs, online. I confirmed it's usage with my vet.

Medrol and Prednisone together?
No, just Medrol. She was on Prednisone...but it was not working so well.

The Saw Palmetto is working...so I can only give that testimony with regards to herbal meds.

My vet saved my dogs life 2 weeks ago when the lupus got so severe on her nose that it cut into an arterry. I thought I had run out of options (since the prednisone wasn't working) and the vet gave me the Medrol and some liquid bandage for the nose.

Therefore, I am going to stick with my vet for now...but I understand and appreciate your concern.

Answer 1

Hi Ingineervt,
2 grams per day for 6 months.
Also you may use other tonic herbs support the function of different organs, which, in turn, improves the overall health of the body. I prefer to use tonic herbs on an on-off basis, alternating them as our taste buds, our perceived needs for the month, and the availability of the herbs dictate. My favorite tonic herbs for the aging dog include:

1. Dandelion, which enhances liver function and is a diuretic
2. Echinacea, a general immune-system balancer
3. Ginger, which boosts a lethargic digestive system
4. Hawthorn, a cardiotonic that helps the aging heart
5. Milk thistle, a liver-function enhancer
6. Nettle, a gentle, whole-body tonic
7. Sarsaparilla, a male rejuvenator and immune-system enhancer
8.Saw palmetto, a male rejuvenator that is especially good to help avoid prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement) and
9. Saw palmetto, a male rejuvenator that is especially good to help avoid prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement)

PS:
ER vet tech, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - this is a rare disease of the immune system. In this disease, the immune system forms antibodies against the nuclear component of its own cells. This can cause a variety of effects but the most common ones are arthritis, kidney disease, skin disease and blood disorders (anemia and/or decreased in platelet numbers). A great number of other effects and side effects of this disease can occur so it is hard to rule in or rule out when faced with a multi-systemic disease. In general, this disease is not considered to be present unless testing to determine if antibodies against the nuclear elements of the cells are present (postitive ANA test) AND clinical signs of at least two of the common disorders are present. Even then, it is hard to be sure that this disease is actually the problem. Some drug reactions and cancers can produce almost identical clinical signs and many problems produce some of the clinical signs. Treatment usually involves the use of immunosuppressive medications, most commonly corticosteroids such as prednisone. Often, a second immunosuppressive agent must also be used. Azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine are examples of these medications. Lupus is not curable but it is often possible for a dog to live with it successfully. Some of the disorders that resemble lupus are curable, especially if a cause can be identified. Continuous monitoring of patients suspected of having lupus should be part of the treatment, due to the possibility of another problem, the multitude of side effects that can occur and the potential for problems from the medications used to treat it.(Mike Richards, DVM : http://www.vetinfo.com/dlupus.html)
Jason Homan

Answer 2

Saw Palmetto For Dogs

Answer 3

UUUUMMMmmmm I have more questions than answers for you....How old is your dog? Where did your go to get that diagnosis of Lupis? Who's recommending Saw Palmetto? Medrol and Prednisone together? That is what's causing the bladder leakage! I have never heard of Lupis in the canine world as long as I've been in the vet clinics. You seriously might want to go looking for a new vet and a new diagnosis! Steriods cause them to drink a lot more, and urinate more, and the dog is taking 2 kinds of steriods at the same time, another medicine isn't going to stop this dog from trickling from the bladder, lowering the steriods will. Also most reputable veterinarians won't recommend herbal meds at all, because they have not been clinically proven to work in humans let alone animals. Please seek a second opinion. Good luck

That is very interesting info on the Lupus, thank you, I can't beleive I have never come across it, but it also sounds extremely hard to diagnose and I probably have seen it but it was misdiagnosed as something else by a Dr. that had old info. I will look it up and learn more and mention it at our clinic to start researching it, cause none of the Dr.s I've worked with have ever even metioned it, boy that gives you confidence huh? I usually know as much as all the doctors I've worked for, I'm a good listener, but can honestly say I've never heard of it in dogs.