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The research base on the clinical use of CBD oil is rapidly expanding, and so is our understanding of the role that the endocannabinoid system plays in the progression of osteoarthritis in dogs.
While conventional treatments for canine osteoarthritis do work well in many cases, the symptoms of osteoarthritis inevitably worsen as a dog gets older. Eventually, there comes a time when these treatments don’t always provide enough relief – and this is when CBD oil can help.
When administered appropriately as an adjunct therapy, CBD oil can benefit dogs with osteoarthritis. Not only can CBD reduce inflammation and pain levels, but it can also improve mobility.
At CBD Vet Australia, we offer prescribing webinars for veterinarians, so please email us if you’re interested or register for our next one here.
We recommend a pre-treatment check-up and baseline blood tests are performed before starting treatment with CBD oil.
In the trial described below, dogs with osteoarthritis were administered a full-spectrum CBD oil at an oral dosage of either 2 mg or 8 mg per kilogram of body weight twice daily.
The dogs in the study were assessed before the trial began, as well as at two and four weeks into treatment. The researchers found that the 2 mg per kilogram of bodyweight dose was effective in reducing the dogs’ visible signs of pain and significantly improving their activity and mobility. However, investigations in dogs have shown CBD to be safe in doses as high as 10-20mg/kg/day.
At CBD Vets Australia, we always recommend the “Start Low and Go Slow” protocol. CBD has been observed to have a biphasic dosing curve, meaning there is a sweet spot where the dosage is just right. If you go beyond that point, then the benefits can be lost.
When it comes to adverse events, there were no observed side effects of the CBD oil treatment for the duration of this study. There were some dogs with incidental rises in alkaline phosphatase that could be related to the treatment.
The 2018 trial saw single-dose pharmacokinetics performed using two different doses of CBD enriched (2 and 8 mg/kg) oil. Thereafter, a randomized placebo-controlled, owner-blinded study was conducted. Dogs received one of two treatments: CBD oil (2 mg/kg) or placebo oil every 12 hours. Each treatment lasted for 4 weeks with a 2-week washout period.
Clinically, canine brief pain inventory and Hudson activity scores showed a significant decrease in pain and an increase in activity with CBD oil. Veterinary assessment showed decreased pain during CBD treatment. The study concluded that 2 mg/kg of CBD twice daily can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Another study explored the therapeutic potential of both naked and liposomally encapsulated CBD in a 4-week, randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. The researchers found that CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in a dose-dependent fashion in dogs with osteoarthritis. Liposomal CBD (20 mg/day) was as effective as the highest dose of nonliposomal CBD (50 mg/day) in improving clinical outcomes. No significant detrimental impact of CBD oil was observed in the study period.
Please contact us at info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au or (02) 8294 9303 if you would like more information or training in prescribing legal CBD for pets. We’re here to help.
Dr Chris Lee is the Veterinary Director of CBD Vets Australia and has practiced as a small animal veterinarian for over 30 years. Dr Lee runs Pet Universe Veterinary Centres and Adelaide Canine Rehabilitation Centre in South Australia alongside an award-winning team with a special interest in pet rehabilitation and regenerative medicines, including advanced pain care techniques. In his practice, Dr Lee has seen first-hand how CBD oil can be used not only for pain control, but also for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and as a mood balancer for animals, and he is excited by its use as an adjunct therapy in veterinary medicine.
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