We’re admittedly still learning about the full spectrum of potential benefits cannabis and cannabinoids have to offer us as humans. In the midst of it all, researchers are also continually discovering how the plant and its compounds could help to benefit our four-legged canine friends.
There are already a number of pet-specific cannabinoid products, typically high in CBD and aimed at curbing anxiety, inflammation and pain (not so different from the way we humans use the non-psychoactive cannabinoid). Still, there’s a lot we still don’t know about treating animals with cannabinoids, but one recent case study sheds further light on the topic.
A new case study shows that cannabinoid therapy may be a “viable alternative” or complementary therapy for dogs with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), a common autoimmune skin disease in dogs. Researchers found this may be an especially appealing option for dogs who experience adverse side effects from conventional steroid therapies.
Researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil published their findings in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, which centered a 2-year-old dog with the skin condition that causes hair loss, irritation and potentially progresses to lesions. Typically the condition is treated with corticosteroids and other medications, though these can cause a strain on the liver along with other side effects.
The dog in the study displayed epidermal scaling, depigmentation and crust formation in the nasal bridge and inside the nostrils, showing no improvement through traditional methods. Over seven months and three attempts to reduce the corticosteroid dosage, the dog developed negative behavioral changes, had a 44% increase in weight (25.5 kg to 36.7 kg) along with indications of liver damage.
A veterinarian specializing in cannabinoid therapy then prescribed a full-spectrum oil containing 2:1 THC:CBD (20 mg/mL THC and 10 mg/mL CBD). They started with a single drop of cannabis oil, administered orally once a day for three days and gradually increasing the dosage every three days until identifying the optimal dose for symptom control.
“Within a few weeks, the dog exhibited significant improvement in dermatological signs, accompanied by a concurrent improvement in liver function,” the study says. “Interestingly, the owner reported an improvement in the dog’s behavior shortly after discontinuing prednisolone and within the first day of receiving the cannabis oil.”
The dog’s cannabinoid therapy then transitioned to a single full-spectrum cannabis oil with a 3:1 CBD:THC ratio, where the owner started with a heavier dose and reduced the oil by one drop every three days, monitoring for any regression and maintaining the schedule until the optimal maintenance dose was established.
One year after diagnosis, the dog is clinically stable on a twice-daily dannabinoid dose of 0.32 mg/kg/day with the 3:1 CBD:THC oil.
“Cannabis derivatives, beyond their pain-relieving prowess, are emerging as potential knights in shining armor against inflammation and immune system overwork in the veterinary world,” authors note in the study discussion. “Unlike traditional drugs, these compounds dance with the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS), a master conductor of cellular harmony, homeostasis and diverse functions.”
Researchers also note that cannabinoids may be a better option than corticosteroids, which are limited to short-term use. Cannabinoid products on the other hand “lack significant side effects and are safe for long-term usage.”
The study also notes that the dog exhibited “robust overall well-being” throughout the treatment period, maintaining an “active and playful disposition” while the dermatological effects of DLE gradually stabilized.
“This offers initial indications that cannabinoids could potentially serve as a viable and health-conscious alternative to extended therapeutic approaches for DLE in dogs,” the study concludes. Researchers also underscore the need for further research to identify optimal dosing and analyze the long-term effects.
“This case report adds its verse to the growing chorus, paving the way for future research and potentially offering a new rhythm of hope and a haven from the long-term reign of corticosteroids for dogs battling this challenging disease.”
