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For many pets, the effects of chronic pain can be debilitating and affect their emotional, cognitive and physical well-being. And for veterinarians, treating this condition is a careful balance of symptom control, minimising the risks of polypharmacy, and preserving the quality of life.
The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for chronic pain management in pets. Each patient’s pain is different, and the response to a selected medication can vary from pet to pet. While there are established, conventional medications that are available to treat chronic pain, these may not always be effective. Increasingly, owners are looking for natural alternatives to help improve their pet’s pain and well-being.
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.
When traditional interventions like anti-inflammatory medication, neuromodulatory analgesic drugs, and lifestyle changes fail to adequately manage pain, many pet owners look for alternative therapies to help their pet. And for this reason, the demand for CBD is rapidly increasing.
While the research base on the clinical application of medicinal cannabis is still evolving, the results to date have been promising. One of the first studies on CBD oil in veterinary medicine was conducted at Cornell University, and the researchers found that CBD helped with pain management in many dogs. In the study, more than 80% of the dogs with osteoarthritis experienced a decrease in pain, allowing them to be more comfortable and active. Clinically, canine brief pain inventory and Hudson activity scores showed a significant decrease in pain and an increase in activity, and veterinary assessment also showed decreased pain during CBD treatment.
Another randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Pain in 2020 found that “cannabidiol possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties and significantly improved the mobility of large domestic canines afflicted with osteoarthritis.” This research follows a 2018 study that found CBD can help increase comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
In a key trial to date, a group of dogs with osteoarthritis were assessed before commencing treatment with CBD, as well as at two and four weeks into therapy. 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 when prescribing CBD to treat any symptom or condition. Cannabidiol has been observed to have a biphasic dosing curve, meaning there is a sweet spot where the dosage is just right. Should the dose go beyond this point, then the benefits for the patient can be lost.
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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