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From refractory epilepsy and diabetes mellitus to osteoarthritis and inflammatory comorbidities in ageing animals, long-term care often requires multimodal strategies and ongoing monitoring.
Alongside conventional therapies, many clinicians are fielding increasing enquiries about cannabidiol (CBD). While CBD is not a replacement for established treatment protocols, emerging veterinary research suggests it may have a role as adjunctive support in selected chronic conditions.
Below is a summary of the current evidence and clinical considerations.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in regulating neurological signalling, immune modulation, inflammation and metabolic balance, systems commonly dysregulated in chronic disease states.
CBD works by interacting with the ECS. Cannabinoids engage with ECS receptors and signalling pathways involved in neuronal activity, immune modulation and inflammatory response. This is why cannabinoid-based therapies are increasingly being explored in veterinary medicine for conditions involving dysregulation of these systems.
In Australia, CBD products for animals are accessed via veterinary prescription pathways, with product selection and dosing guided by clinical judgement
Adjunctive use of CBD in refractory canine epilepsy remains the most robustly studied application in companion animals.
A randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at Colorado State University evaluated CBD in dogs with treatment-resistant epilepsy (McGrath et al., 2019, JAVMA).
Dogs receiving CBD in addition to conventional anti-epileptic therapy experienced a statistically significant reduction in seizure frequency compared to placebo, with several achieving ≥50% reduction in seizure activity.
While not universally effective, this study provides the strongest clinical evidence supporting CBD as adjunctive therapy in refractory seizure disorders.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation continues to support research in this area, reflecting sustained scientific interest in cannabinoid therapies for epilepsy.
Chronic inflammatory pain conditions are another area of active investigation.
A Cornell University study (Gamble et al., 2018, Frontiers in Veterinary Science) evaluated CBD in dogs with osteoarthritis and reported significant improvements in comfort and activity scores compared to placebo.
Given the inflammatory component of osteoarthritis, ECS modulation may represent a relevant adjunct pathway in multimodal pain management strategies.
Evidence supporting CBD use in diabetic companion animals remains limited. However, the ECS plays a regulatory role in metabolic signalling, immune response and inflammatory pathways, which are implicated in chronic endocrine disorders.
While no large-scale clinical trials currently support CBD as a treatment for diabetes in dogs or cats, ongoing research into ECS involvement in metabolic regulation suggests this may be an area for future investigation.
Safety data in dogs continues to expand. A pharmacokinetic and safety study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science(Vaughn et al., 2020) reported that CBD was generally well tolerated in dogs, although mild elevations in ALKP were observed in some individuals.
In cats, available data is more limited but suggests different pharmacokinetic behaviour compared to dogs, including lower and more variable serum concentrations following oral administration and a shorter half-life. Cats also tend to have lower absorption due to their GI set up. This may have implications for dosing strategies and consistency of effect, and highlights the need for species-specific and individual consideration.
These findings reinforce the importance of:
Long-term safety data in both dogs and cats is still evolving, and cautious, well-monitored integration is advised.
Based on current evidence, CBD may be considered in:
CBD should be positioned clearly as adjunctive therapy and discussed transparently with clients regarding realistic expectations and monitoring requirements.
Chronic disease management in companion animals increasingly involves multimodal strategies. While evidence remains limited in several areas, veterinary research supports further exploration of CBD in neurological and inflammatory conditions.
Careful patient selection, evidence-based dosing, appropriate monitoring and ongoing research will continue to shape the role of CBD in chronic disease management.
As the body of veterinary-specific data grows, clinicians are better positioned to make informed decisions about where (and if) CBD may fit within individualised care.
🌿 CBD may be considered as adjunctive therapy, not first-line treatment
🌿 Strongest evidence supports use in canine epilepsy and osteoarthritis
🌿 Monitor liver enzymes (ALT/ALKP) at baseline and during treatment
🌿 Consider potential drug interactions, particularly via CYP450 pathways
🌿 CBD is generally well tolerated, though monitoring remains important in long-term use
CBD Vets Australia supports veterinarians with access to prescription-only CBD formulations via a streamlined online prescribing platform, alongside evidence-based resources and clinical guidance through the Vet Portal.
For more information or to access the platform, visit CBD Vets Australia or contact our team at info@cbdvetsaustralia.com.au
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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