Cat & Dog - Ginkgo

What is ginkgo?

Ginkgo is a herbal remedy made from the leaf of the ginkgo tree, Ginkgo biloba, which is one of the oldest species of tree in the world. While the ginkgo nut is used in Chinese medicine in the treatment of respiratory disorders, the ginkgo leaf is used in western herbal medicine, primarily to stimulate blood flow, both peripheral (to the extremities) and to the brain.

Most research on ginkgo has been done using an extract standardised to deliver 24% ginkgo flavonol glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.

Why recommend administration of ginkgo to my pet?

In people ginkgo is recommended for treatment of dementia, memory deficits, headache, tinnitus, and intermittent spasm arising from decreased blood flow to muscle. Ginkgo is one of the few herbs where placebo controlled clinical trials have been conducted in humans. Improvements in Alzheimer and dementia patients following the use of standardised ginkgo extract are considered clinically significant.

In dogs, ginkgo is most commonly recommended for the treatment of senile disorders (degenerative disorders of the brain causing a form of senility), with anecdotal reports of success. One crossover trial has been conducted in geriatric dogs with cognitive dysfunction (senility/confusion), and there was a demonstrated benefit with ginkgo, with improvement observed within a short space of time.

Given its ability to stimulate peripheral and cerebral (brain) blood flow, ginkgo may be underutilised in veterinary medicine. Studies in cats demonstrate that ginkgo speeds recovery from central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) injury, hastening normalisation of balance function (maintaining posture, muscle tone, and equilibrium). Ginkgo should probably be investigated for use in all cerebral disorders involving hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and an interruption of blood flow in small animals, including trauma.

Another use of ginkgo in humans that may be explored in small animals is the herb's ability to improve blood flow to the retina (the nerve rich area lining the back of the eye). A study in cats suffering damage to the retina following an increase in pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure - glaucoma) demonstrated a more rapid recovery of vision in animals receiving ginkgo. Lastly, ginkgo's ability to increase dilation of blood vessels (peripheral vasodilation) suggests it should be considered as a component of treatment protocols for congestive heart failure.

How safe is ginkgo?

Ginkgo appears to be safe for use in people and animals at normal doses. Extremely high doses have been given in animals for long periods of time without serious consequences. Ginkgo should be avoided in patients with impaired blood clotting (whether due to disease or blood-thinning drugs), since ginkgo also inhibits blood clotting by inhibiting platelet clumping. There have been two case reports in highly regarded journals of subdural hematoma (bleeding in the skull) and hyphema (spontaneous bleeding into the anterior [front] chamber of the eye) in association with ginkgo use in people. Ginkgo should also be avoided in patients known to be allergic to the plant, and safety has not yet been established for use in pregnancy and lactation. As a precaution, do not use in pets with bleeding disorders, within one week of surgery, or when blood-thinning agents are being used. Ginkgo should not be combined with high doses of fatty acids due to the potential for exacerbating the risk of serious bleeding disorders.

Where do I obtain ginkgo and do I need a prescription?

You do not need a prescription to buy ginkgo. Please speak to one of the vets if you would like to discuss its use in your animal. We would be happy to advise.