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Hemp is an extract from the hemp plant. Hemp is available in various oral formulations such as oil and seeds, and is commonly used as a supplement for a variety of medical conditions.
CBDs have shown to have significant medical benefits, without the psychological effects that most people commonly associate with marijuana. Specific doses have now been established, and shown to be useful and safe in dogs. CBDs have demonstrated pain relief, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Researchers from several veterinary schools have studied the safety of hemp in animals, and hemp products appear to be well tolerated in dogs.
Hemp oil or seeds are made to provide symptomatic relief in a variety of conditions. Hemp oil may reduce anxiety, inflammation, pain, arthritis, seizures, and improve appetite. Hemp seed is a fiber, which has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea and constipation. Vet Naturals hemp products are produced in the US, in an FDA certified facility.
Hemp products can help decrease pain by reducing inflammation and promote tissue healing. The mechanism by which it relieves pain is believed to be similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDSs), by blocking the molecule prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). CBD has also been shown to reduce PGE2 in a similar action to reduce inflammation.
NSAIDs are commonly used as pain medication that requires bloodwork monitoring and, in some patients, have side effects on the liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract. No such monitoring is needed, nor have these side effects been reported with hemp products.
Supplementing with hemp oil may decrease the amount, or even the necessity to give NSAIDs to many dogs that are in pain. Neuropathic pain, or pain originating from the nervous system, has also been shown to be decreased with the use of CBDs.
Hempseed oil contains fatty acids, which are the building blocks of a healthy skin barrier that can help improve clinical signs of some dermatologic diseases. A very common problem in dogs is atopic dermatitis (allergy hypersensitivity).
Often this disease requires medications that may have side effects (immunosuppressant drugs). Supplements containing hempseed oil may decrease the amount needed or even be able to allow dogs to be comfortable without immunosuppressants.
Studies over the last 30 years have demonstrated that CBDs can help cancer patients by causing cell death, reduce the development of new blood vessels to tumors and prevent cancer from invading other tissues or metastasizing. This occurs without affecting normal cells or tissues.
Depending on the specific tumor type, CBD may have more or less benefit. Hemp may be particularly useful in those types of cancers that are very painful, as cancer-related pain can be difficult to treat.
There is evidence that CBD in conjunction with the use of classical pain medications can help relieve cancer-related pain. Veterinary oncologists report it is safe to also use products like hemp oil in conjunction with traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
It is thought that CBDs reduce the excitement of nerve cells (neurons), cells that transmit nerve impulses, which can reduce seizure potential. Studies in human and rodents have shown that CBDs have anticonvulsant effects.
Many dogs with a seizure disorder may be on 1-3 anticonvulsant medications, many of so which have side effects. Even so, many of these animals will still experience seizures. Seizures are not likely to totally stop with medications or supplements, but decreasing the severity and frequency of recurring seizures will improve quality of life for the pet.
Bartner, Lisa, et al. “Assessment of Safety, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Healthy Dogs”. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Conference, Veterinary Information Network, 2017.
Callaway, James, et al. “Efficacy of Dietary Hempseed Oil in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.” Journal of Dermatological Treatment, vol. 16, no. 2, Mar. 2005.
Fine, Perry G., and Mark J. Rosenfeld. “The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain.” Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal, vol. 4, no. 4, Oct. 2013.
Lancto, Cheryl A., et al. “Altered Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide Genes in the Skin of Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis and Other Inflammatory Skin Conditions.” Veterinary Dermatology, vol. 24, no. 4, Aug. 2013
Podell, Michael. “Highs and Lows of Medical Marijuana in the Treatment of Epilepsy”. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Conference. Veterinary Information Network, 2015.
Robert, Silver J. “Cannabis and Cancer”, Wild West Veterinary Conference. Veterinary Information Network, 2016.
Romano, Barbara, et al. “Inhibition of Colon Carcinogenesis by a Standardized Cannabis Sativa Extract with High Content of Cannabidiol.” Phytomedicine, vol. 21, no. 5, 2014.
Russo, Ethan. “Cannabinoids in the Management of Difficult to Treat Pain.” Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, vol. 4, Feb. 2008.
Salazar M, Carracedo A, Salanueva IJ, et al. “Cannabinoid action induces autophagy-mediated cell death through stimulation of ER stress in human glioma cells” J Clin Invest. Vol. 119, no. 5, 2009.
Velasco G, Sanchez C, Guzman M. Towards the use of cannabinoids as antitumor agents. Nature Reviews/Cancer, vol. 12, 2012.
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Osteoarthritis (more commonly known as arthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a common condition affecting cartilage of movable joints such as knees, elbows and hips.
The term directly translates to inflammation of joints. Healthy cartilage provides a cushion between bones and is surrounded by joint fluid that allows our bones to glide over one another without friction or pain.
At least 1 in 5 dogs will suffer from arthritis in their lifetime, but this number is likely even higher, particularly in large breed dogs. If your dog is limping and having mobility issues, a likely cause is arthritis but there could be other causes that need to be ruled out by your veterinarian.
History, examination by your veterinarian and x-ray findings assist in making a diagnosis of arthritis. Some dogs will have limping but some will have non-specific signs, such as a change in their temperament, which may include decreased appetite, depression or even aggression.
On physical exam, your veterinarian may note abnormalities such as stiffness, decreased range of motion, soft tissue swelling, muscle atrophy and weight loss. Taking proper x-rays is important. Sometimes other diseases can mimic signs of arthritis, for example, infection, autoimmune diseases or cancer.
The x-rays can show a variety of changes including thickened capsule of a joint, bone spurs, new bone formation, or abnormal joint fluid. The veterinarian may recommend a joint tap procedure to analyze the joint fluid if the findings are not clear.
Many pets will unfortunately be predisposed to getting arthritis, particularly large breed dogs, but there are things that can be done to prevent or slow down the severity of the disease. Keeping your pet at an ideal weight, feeding a balanced diet, and joint supplements has been shown to prevent arthritis.
The ideal body condition of a dog should include being able to easily feel their ribs by lightly touching their sides. When you look down you should see the belly is tucked in, or an hourglass figure. Weight is very influential in preventing your pet from getting serious diseases and living a long time with a good quality of life, just like in people.
Similar to prevention, a joint supplement containing glucosamine is a critical part of both preventing and treating arthritis. Glucosamine is well studied in humans and dogs and shows to improve joint and bone health.
Glucosamine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body and is present in many body tissues including joints, tendons and ligaments. It is a component of a molecule called a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that allows joints to hold a healthy amount of fluid and absorb shock caused by the normal use of joints.
Glucosamine works by stimulating new GAG production to keep the joints healthy. Chondroitin is often contained in a supplement with glucosamine and is also a GAG that works similarly to glucosamine. Fish oil is also used as it reduces inflammation, swelling and pain. All three can be used in combination safely
Many medications may also be used to help with pain associated with arthritis. Your veterinarian may prescribe the use of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opiods and neuropathic pain medications.
These can be very helpful in decreasing inflammation and improving quality of life, often multiple medications can be used together, in conjunction with supplements.
Relatively new to the field of veterinary medicine, physical therapy has also evolved for pets. Use of modalities such as swimming pools, underwater treadmill, electric stimulation (e-stim) and laser therapy has been shown to help with arthritis. Acupuncture, exercises at home, such as range of motion, and massage have also become popular and many dog owners report they have significantly improved mobility.
Ettinger, Stephen J, Edward C Feldman, Bauer, John E. “Nutraceuticals.” Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 6th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2010.
Ettinger, Stephen J, Edward C Feldman, Matthews, Karol A. “Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Analgesics.” Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 6th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2010.
“Other Drugs Used to Treat Pain.” Handbook of Veterinary Pain Management, by James S. Gaynor and William W. Muir, 2nd ed., Elsevier, 2015.
Ward, Ernie. “Pet Weight Check.” Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 2017, petobesityprevention.org/pet-weight-check/
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