Animals and cbd
Can CBD help your pets?
In recent years studies on cannabidiol (CBD) have shown its potential for human well-being. Although what's good for us is often not necessarily good for animals, this non-psychoactive molecule is also said to be beneficial to their well-being.
Can cannabidiol (CBD) bring well-being to your pets?
The endocannabinoid system: general information
The endocannabinoid system is present in the bodies of most vertebrates: dogs(Canidae), cats(Felidae), rodents(Rondentia), reptiles(Reptilia), birds(Aves)...
Composed of neurotransmitters, called endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptors distributed throughout the body's cells, the endocannabinoid system system helps maintain the body'shomeostasis, i.e. its state ofequilibrium, by protecting it from disturbances caused by its environment (pain, stress, sleep, appetite, hygiene, etc.).
In an organism, a deficiency or excess of endocannabinoid receptors in the cells, or of the concentration of endocannabinoid neurotransmitters, can be regulated by a supply of phytocannabinoids (exogenous cannabinoids) to potentially alleviate a pathology.
The endocannabinoid system is essential to the balance of your body
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a major role in the equilibrium of the human body, as well as in mammals, birds, amphibians and other animal species.
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The endocannabinoid system: studies
A 2012 study at the University of Pisa's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine concludes that there is a probable correlation betweenincreased cannabinoid receptors and the alleviation of inflammatory and immune disorders in dogs with allergic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis(eczema). [1]
According to a 2013 study by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, canine epilepsy is influenced by a dysfunction of the endocannabinoid systemmore specifically by the concentration of the endocannabinoid neurotransmitter,anandamide. [2]
In 2017, researchers at the Complutense University Medical School in Madrid targeted the role of CB2 cannabinoid receptors in dogs with degenerative myelopathy (spinal cord injury), to potentially protect glial cells (the environment of neurons that interact with the nervous system) and alleviate neuropathic pain.[3]
Cannabidiol (CBD) contributes to animal welfare
The cannabidiol-rich oils (CBD) may reduce the proliferation of colon cancer tumors by activating cannabinoid receptors, according to a preclinical study conducted on mice at the University of Naples in 2014. [4]
In 2018, researchers at Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine in the USA used cannabidiol-richcannabidiol-rich oil (CBD) to relieve dogs suffering fromosteoarthritis.
Using a dose of 2 mg per kg of cannabidiol (CBD) twice a day, the dogs regained comfort of life and increased their daily activities without any noticeable side effects. [5]
As previously stated, the phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the endocannabinoid systemsystem, could induce relief of inflammatory and immune disorders in dogs suffering from allergic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis(eczema). [1]
In addition, the frequency ofepileptic seizures could be reduced in dogs using a dose of 2.5 mg per kg of cannabidiol (CBD) according to a recent study conducted in June 2019 in Colorado.[6]
Les Ă©pilepsies - Cannabis, potential for improving life comfort
Epilepsy is a group of about 50 chronic neurological diseases that can occur at any age.
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Cannabidiol (CBD): Dosage varies according to animal species
The preclinical studies on the endocannabinoid system system and phytocannabinoids have mainly been carried out on rodents (mice and rats).
More recent studies have been carried out on dogs, highlighting the potential properties of cannabidiol (CBD) inimproving the quality of life of other vertebrates.
However, not all living beings interact in the same way with phytocannabinoids due to differences in their endocannabinoid system.
For example, dogs are highly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), since it has a large number of CB1 cannabinoid receptors. [7]
In contrast, cats have fewer cannabinoid receptors receptors, resulting in a different dosage (higher dose and frequency) than a dog of the same size. [8]
As metabolism differs from one creature to another, the dosage of cannabidiol (CBD) is progressive until the desired effect of relief is obtained, as recommended by theWorld Health Organization's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence.[9]
Sources
[1] - L Campora, V Miragliotta, E Ricci, L Cristino, V Di Marzo, F Albanese, M Federica della Valle, F Abramo - Cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 expression in the skin of healthy dogs and dogs with atopic dermatitis.
[2] - FK Gesell, AA Zoerner, C Brauer, S Engeli, D Tsikas, A Tipold - Alterations of endocannabinoids in cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with epileptic seizure disorder
[5] - LJ Gamble, JM Boesch, CW Frye, WS Schwark, S Mann, L Wolfe, H Brown, E S Berthelsen, JJ Wakshlag - Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs.
[6] - S McGrath, LR Bartner, S Rao, RA Packer, DL Gustafson - Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy.
[7] - E Mironchik-Frankenberg - Is THC Safe for Pets? What Owners Need to Know
[8] - M Savard - CBD for Cats: What You Need to Know
[9] - World Health Organisation - Expert Committee on Drug Dependence Fortieth Meeting - CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report
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