animal health

CBD and THC for Animals

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2 months ago

March 2, 2024

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The Genetic Literacy Project reports on the emerging trend of using medical marijuana, specifically CBD and THC, for treating pets and zoo animals. This innovative approach, already legal and widespread for human medical treatment in various countries and U.S. states, is beginning to gain attention in veterinary medicine. Studies and anecdotal evidence highlight cannabis’s potential benefits for animals, addressing conditions like seizures, pain, anxiety, and more. However, the veterinary application faces hurdles such as legal restrictions, drug stigma, and a lack of comprehensive studies.

Medical cannabis has found its place in human healthcare, offering relief from various ailments. Its potential is now being explored beyond humans to include our animal companions. Veterinarians in some parts of the world, where it’s legally permissible, are beginning to administer cannabis and its compounds to a wide range of animals, from domestic pets to zoo inhabitants like parrots, turtles, and hyenas. The primary focus has been on treating conditions such as seizures, pain, and anxiety, especially in dogs, with many pointing to significant benefits.

Despite these promising developments, the path to integrating cannabis into veterinary practices is fraught with challenges. Legal ambiguities and prohibitions in many countries, including the U.S., create significant barriers to research and clinical use. Furthermore, the lingering stigma associated with cannabis and a lack of education on its medical applications in animals compound the issue, alongside a scarcity of peer-reviewed scientific studies to back up its efficacy and safety.

California represents a beacon of progress, with laws gradually opening the door for veterinary cannabis. This shift has sparked a movement among a small yet expanding group of international veterinarians. These professionals are dedicated to bringing cannabis into the veterinary mainstream through concerted efforts in education, research, and advocacy, aiming to overcome the hurdles that currently restrict its use.

Why It Matters: The exploration of medical marijuana in veterinary medicine represents a significant shift towards more holistic and potentially effective treatments for animals. This approach could revolutionize how veterinarians manage pain, anxiety, seizures, and other conditions, offering a new avenue of relief where traditional medications may fall short or produce undesirable side effects.

Potential Implications: As veterinary cannabis gains traction, we may see changes in legislation and an increase in research funding, leading to a broader acceptance and understanding of cannabis’s role in animal healthcare. This could result in improved treatment options for pets and zoo animals alike, enhancing their quality of life.

Source: Genetic Literacy Project

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animal health

Cannabis Oil Effectively Treats Canine Lupus

Published

2 months ago

February 29, 2024

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Researchers at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil, have discovered that oral administration of cannabis oil can significantly reduce symptoms of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in dogs (canine lupus). This autoimmune-based skin disorder, which affects the nose and ears, showed remarkable improvement with cannabis oil treatment after traditional methods failed.

A recent study conducted by veterinary students and scientists at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, in collaboration with the Cannabis Development and Innovation Center in Brazil, has yielded promising results in treating canine discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) with cannabis oil. DLE is a challenging autoimmune disorder that manifests in dogs’ skin, particularly around the nose and ears, leading to inflammation, hair and pigment loss, redness, and sometimes crusting ulcers.

Traditionally, DLE is managed with corticosteroids to alleviate inflammation, similar to human treatment protocols for related skin issues. However, in the study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, a two-year-old mixed-breed dog with DLE unresponsive to standard treatments was administered cannabis oil, marking a novel approach to managing this condition.

The study explored the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis oil, which have been documented in both canine and human research without significant side effects. The treatment utilized a mix of oils, primarily focusing on cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), known for their anti-inflammatory effects. A specific ratio of 3 to 1 CBD to THC was identified as most effective.

The treatment commenced with a cautious approach, starting with a single oral drop daily for three days to monitor adverse reactions. With no negative effects observed, the dosage was continued for several weeks, leading to a noticeable reduction in DLE symptoms. Remarkably, after a year of consistent treatment, all signs of DLE were eradicated, and the dog has since been on a maintenance dose to prevent recurrence, with no further outbreaks reported.

Why It Matters: This breakthrough study highlights the potential of cannabis oil as an effective alternative treatment for canine discoid lupus erythematosus, offering hope for pets suffering from this and potentially other autoimmune disorders. It underscores the importance of exploring innovative treatments in veterinary medicine, especially when traditional methods fall short.

Potential Implications: The success of this study could pave the way for broader acceptance and use of cannabis-based treatments in veterinary practice. It may also stimulate further research into the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in animals, potentially leading to safer, more natural treatment options.

Source: Phys.org

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