In the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, a recent case study from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil indicates that full-spectrum CBD oil may be a good substitute treatment for dogs with discoid lupus erythematosus, also known as DLE, a common skin condition for man’s best friend.
DLE causes multiple symptoms, most notably hair loss and redness, along with sometimes the development of lesions. Usually, corticosteroids and other medications are used for treatment, though they can cause side effects and strain the dog’s liver with prolonged use. When studying this, the dog under this treatment was experiencing some liver issues.
The case’s supervising veterinarian recommended an oral full-spectrum oil with a 2:1 THC:CBD ratio. One drop per day was administered initially for three days, and the dosage was progressively increased until the ideal level for symptom management was reached.
The dog’s dermatological symptoms significantly improved over a few weeks, and his liver function also improved simultaneously. It’s interesting to note that the owner saw behavioral improvements soon after starting the cannabis oil and stopping the prednisolone.
The researchers emphasized how CBD in particular has the potential to be used in veterinary medicine to treat inflammation and hyperactivity of the immune system. Cannabinoids, in contrast to conventional medications, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to provide therapeutic advantages with less notable side effects and the possibility of long-term usage.
During the therapy, the dog’s general health was robust, he continued to be joyful and active, and his dermatological symptoms stabilized without the need for corticosteroids.
Even though the study’s findings are encouraging, the researchers stressed the need for more investigation to determine the ideal dosage and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of CBD therapy for DLE in dogs.
Studies recently supported by the federal government have shown the potential advantages of using hemp-derived products in animal diets. For example, feeding hemp to cows lowered their stress levels, according to 2022 research, suggesting increases in their welfare. Furthermore, studies on the impact of CBD on stress and pain relief in equines suggest that cannabinoid therapies may be more broadly applicable to other animal species.
Notwithstanding encouraging results, regulatory obstacles still exist, particularly concerning the use of hemp in animal feed. The governor of New York vetoed legislation last year that would have allowed hemp seeds in feed due to safety concerns. The FDA has cautioned over the dearth of information regarding acceptable residual levels in animal products treated with CBD, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive safety evaluations.
The possible advantages of CBD in veterinary medicine have also been shown in earlier research. Dogs given daily doses of CBD, for instance, have demonstrated considerable decreases in tension and anxiety associated with car rides. Furthermore, CBD has been linked to improvements in arthritic symptoms and a decrease in the frequency of seizures in dogs.
Nonetheless, regulatory worries about the safety of CBD products for animals still exist. Due to a dearth of information on safe residual levels in food items from animals treated with CBD, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to companies selling CBD products for animals.
Although the study indicates that CBD oil may be a viable alternative therapy option for DLE in dogs, more investigation is required to completely determine the safety and effectiveness of this medication. The use of CBD products in veterinary medicine is still being observed by regulatory bodies, which highlights the need to use evidence-based treatment methods.
