Overview:

The use of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil in veterinary medicine is gaining attention, especially for its potential benefits in managing cancer-related symptoms in dogs. As a non-psychotropic compound derived from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), CBD oil has shown promise in various preclinical studies. However, its application in canine cancer treatment remains an area requiring further exploration. This blog will delve into the current research, safety considerations, and potential applications of CBD oil for dogs with cancer.

What is CBD Oil for Dogs?

CBD is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant, distinct from the marijuana plant, with a concentration of up to 40% in the hemp plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. It primarily interacts with CB1 receptors, located in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, associated with the immune system and found in white blood cells in tonsils and spleen. Increased CB receptors have been observed in many human cancers, though their role is still under investigation.

Human Use of CBD Oil:

CBD oil is increasingly used in humans for various purposes, including mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, pain relief, and alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular choice for managing chronic pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.

Current Research and Findings on CBD Oil for Canine Cancer:

While there is promising in vitro and preclinical data on CBD's anticancer properties in humans and some canine cancer cell lines, such as mammary carcinoma and lymphoma, comprehensive studies in veterinary literature are lacking. A notable study by Henry et al. (2020) demonstrated that CBD could reduce cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in canine neoplastic cells, suggesting potential anti-cancer properties. Additionally, a report by Boostrom et al. (JVIM 2017) documented a dog with cutaneous plasmacytosis achieving complete remission using cannabis oil, highlighting its potential clinical benefits. However, beyond these findings, there is limited data on CBD oil for dogs with cancer, and the veterinary literature on cancer patients remains sparse.

Clinical Observations and Safety of CBD Oil in Dogs:

At Colorado State University, a preliminary pilot study treated dogs with osteoarthritis using a daily dosage of 5 mg/kg of CBD oil, which showed a reduction in seizure frequency. Generally, CBD oil is well-tolerated in healthy dogs, with mild gastrointestinal issues and elevations in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels observed at higher dosages. However, the safe dosage for cancer-bearing dogs remains undetermined.

In the realm of veterinary medicine, there is still much to learn about the effects of CBD oil on animals. While healthy dogs may tolerate CBD oil well, cancer-bearing dogs often exhibit different tolerances to medications. Therefore, veterinarians should proceed with caution when considering CBD oil for these patients.

Safety and Efficacy:

The safety profile of CBD oil in dogs appears favourable, but sourcing is crucial due to variability in product quality and concentration of active ingredients. There is no formal regulation of CBD products, which may lead to potential risks of contamination with pesticides, heavy metals, or tetrahydrocannabinol.

As we await more data on safe dosages for dogs with cancer and evidence of clinical benefits, it remains essential to use CBD oil cautiously.

Regulatory Considerations for CBD Products:

Currently, there is no formal regulation of CBD products, leading to variability in product quality and efficacy. Ensuring that any products used are from reputable veterinary sources minimises risks of contamination.

Conclusions:

While CBD oil shows potential benefits, further research is needed to fully understand its full benefits and safety in dogs with cancer. Until more data is available, it is recommended to use CBD oil cautiously and consider it only when owners opt out of chemotherapy or Palladia treatments. As research progresses, we hope to gain more insights into its role in veterinary oncology.

References:

• Henry et al. (2020)

• McGrath et al. (JAVMA 2019)

• Verrico et al. (2020)

• Boostrom et al. (JVIM 2017)

Veterinarians, if you have any questions or need assistance with a case, please get in touch with us.