Potential Therapeutic Applications of CBD in Pets and Food Producing Animals
Cannabis is used for the treatment of several human conditions. Its use in veterinary medicine is still very limited, however, there is evidence in literature supporting its safe and effective use also in animal diseases. In recent years, scientists have studied the application of Cannabidiol (CBD), as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs in dogs, for three different applications: as an analgesic for osteoarthritis, as an antiepileptic, and as a treatment for behavioural disorders. As reported in the resulting articles, the CBD significantly reduced pain and increased activity in dogs with osteoarthritis, reduced the frequency of seizure due to epilepsy, and reduced the aggressive behaviour in dogs. In the last year, CBD was also studied for human application through various animal models. For example, a study that involved rats with neuropathic pain reported reduced pain sensitivity and inflammation; another involved mice with Alzheimer’s disease that showed improved cognitive function and reduced neuroinflammation; one more involved rats with spinal cord injury, which had improved motor function recovery and reduced inflammation. A final study involved rats with post-stroke inflammation, who experienced reduced neuroinflammation and improved motor recovery.
