The marijuana compound cannabidiol (CBD) “is considered safe for treating canine osteoarthritis”, according to new research published by the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
The study was conducted by researchers at the Department of Veterinary Surgery and the Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and its full text can be found by clicking here.
“Canine osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease with chronic inflammation of internal and external joint structures in dogs”, notes the study’s researchers. “Cannabis spp. contains cannabidiol (CBD), a substance known for various potential indications, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory in various types of animals, including dogs with OA.”
For the study researchers “aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CBD in treating canine OA.”
Meta-analyses were performed “using a random-effects model to estimate the effects of CBD on pain scores (0-10), expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.”
Researchers examined multiple studies investigating the effects of CBD in 117 dogs with OA. The CBD products that were used varied. For example oral full-spectrum CBD oil was used in four studies, and isolated CBD oil and liposomal CBD oil in another study. Treatment duration varied from 4-12 weeks.
“Meta-analyses of three studies found that, in dogs with OA, treatment with oral full-spectrum CBD oil may reduce pain severity scores (MD; -0.60, 95% CI; -1.51 to 0.31, I2 = 45.64%, p = 0.19) and pain interference scores (MD; -1.52, 95% CI; -3.84 to 0.80, I2 = 89.59%, p = 0.20)”. However, researchers note that the certainty of evidence was low, with clinical trials needed.
“CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in the short-run, with few mild adverse events observed, such as vomiting and asymptomatic increase in alkaline phosphatase level”, states the study.
Researchers conclude that “CBD is considered safe for treating canine OA. CBD may reduce pain scores, but the evidence is very uncertain to conclude its clinical efficacy. High-quality clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the roles of CBD in canine OA.”
