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While traditional therapies such as NSAIDs and opioids are standard, cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a compelling adjunctive or alternative option.
Backed by growing clinical research, CBD’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties make it a promising tool in the multimodal management of OA.
Here’s why CBD deserves consideration in your practice.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in modulating pain and inflammation. By influencing cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), as well as TRPV1 (vanilloid) and PPAR receptors, CBD can help regulate pain perception and inflammatory responses.
While NSAIDs remain a mainstay in OA management, their long-term use is associated with adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal ulcers, renal impairment, and hepatotoxicity.
CBD offers a safer alternative for chronic pain management, as studies indicate it has minimal side effects in dogs when properly dosed.
Many dogs with OA require adjunctive medications such as opioids or gabapentin for pain relief. However, these medications have drawbacks, including sedation, ataxia, and tolerance development.
CBD should not necessarily replace traditional therapies, but can serve as an effective adjunct. Combining CBD with NSAIDs, physical therapy, weight management, and other interventions may optimise outcomes.
Veterinarians should be mindful of product quality, dosing, and legal considerations when recommending CBD.
With a growing body of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety, CBD represents a viable option for canine OA pain management.
As more research emerges, it is likely that CBD will become a standard component of multimodal pain management strategies in veterinary medicine.
By considering CBD in your practice, you can offer pet owners a safe, effective, well-tolerated, and science-backed option to help their dogs live more comfortable, pain-free lives.
CBD Vets Australia is leading the way in providing quality, veterinary-prescribed CBD to support dogs with OA and other chronic conditions.
As the first Australian company to supply legal, prescription-only CBD for pets, CBD Vets Australia is committed to supporting veterinarians by:
CBD for veterinarians has never been more accessible with the resources and products offered by CBD Vets Australia. Visit their website and register to prescribe HERE.
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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