Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabinoid Oil In Canine Epilepsy Management

Epilepsy is a neurological illness that affects millions of dogs worldwide. It is distinguished by recurrent seizures. While traditional antiepileptic medicines (AEDs) are helpful for many dogs, a considerable proportion have uncontrolled seizures despite therapy. This involves finding alternate therapeutic options, and CBD oil has emerged as a promising contender that many pet parents also seem to like. In this article, we will understand cannabinoid oil for dog is and whether it works or not!

Understanding Cannabinoid Oil and CBD

Cannabinoid oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and contains a variety of chemicals, including both psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive CBD. CBD is gaining popularity for its possible medicinal advantages because of its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors found throughout the body, including the brain. The ECS regulates a variety of physiological functions, including mood, pain perception, and neuronal activity.

What causes seizures in dogs?

Seizures are produced by an excessive amount of electrical energy in your dog or cat's brain. Individual seizures can be induced by a variety of factors, including toxins, liver disease, fluctuating blood sugar, fever, strokes, brain cancer, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or head injury.

Epilepsy is often classified into two types: idiopathic epilepsy (also known as primary epilepsy) and symptomatic epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy has no known identifiable cause and is frequently a genetic issue, whereas symptomatic epilepsy occurs when there is an identifiable underlying brain lesion or metabolic cause.

CBD Oil's Potential Benefits for Canine Epilepsy Management

While research on CBD for canine epilepsy is still in its early stages, preliminary trials indicate possible advantages.

Helps to reduce Seizure Frequency: Several studies have found that treating dogs with CBD oil in addition to traditional AEDs reduces seizure frequency. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that CBD oil reduced seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy significantly more than a placebo.

Improved Quality of Life: Reducing seizure frequency can significantly improve a dog's quality of life. Owners say that CBD therapy reduces anxiety and improves the overall well-being of their pets.

Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Properties: CBD is thought to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities, which could help manage epilepsy. These qualities may help reduce inflammation in the brain linked with seizures, as well as provide protection against neuronal damage caused by recurrent seizures.

What does the research say about the correlation between CBD and epilepsy?

Animal studies suggest that cannabinoid oil for dog anti-seizure benefits may be due to its capacity to reduce neuron excitability by acting on two receptor families known as GPR55 and TRPV1.

In a recent study, neurologist Stephanie McGrath investigated the short-term effects of CBD on seizure frequency in 16 dogs. For 12 weeks, researchers randomly assigned dogs to receive either a placebo or hemp-derived CBD. Nine canines received CBD, while seven were given a placebo. All of the dogs in the trial experienced seizures.

McGrath discovered that 89 percent of canines that got CBD in the clinical trial experienced fewer seizures. McGrath also discovered a substantial link between the degree of seizure reduction and the levels of CBD in the dog's blood.

For years, humans have used CBD to help prevent seizures, and it has proven to be effective in both animals and humans. In fact, in 2003, the United States government patented CBD as a neuroprotectant (despite the country's cannabis prohibition). CBD has been demonstrated to have anticonvulsant properties, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs.

What’s next for CBD in epilepsy?

Because of the popularity of hemp-derived CBD for pets, the effects of CBD on seizures in dogs are being explored more than ever. The AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF) recently announced a large clinical research to investigate CBD for drug-resistant epilepsy in dogs. The organization has financed numerous studies to further our understanding of the condition. This is not the first study to show that CBD for seizures in dogs is an effective anti-epileptic supplement.

Another group of researchers did a similar study in which three canines with epileptic seizures were administered hemp-derived CBD for eight weeks. Two of the three dogs investigated showed a decrease in seizure intervals. The dogs were given varied quantities of CBD, and the dog given the lowest amount of active CBD exhibited little to no improvement, whereas the dog given 1700 mg showed the most improvement.

CBD Dosage for Seizures in Dogs

If you are asking, 'How much CBD should I give my dog for seizures?' The solution is not always straightforward. Your pet's optimal dosage is determined by a number of factors and is unique to each pet. Contrary to popular opinion, the amount of CBD oil you give dogs with seizures has little to do with their size and weight.

The first step in determining your pet's ideal CBD dosage for dog seizure dose is trial and error. We recommend utilizing this trial-and-error technique to assess your animal's response and determine the most beneficial dose over the first few weeks. You can also do Microdosing in which you divide the daily CBD intake into numerous doses distributed throughout the day. Microdosing helps keep CBD in the bloodstream, which helps dogs have fewer seizures.

Lift your pet's lip and administer the medication straight to their gums for the fastest and most complete absorption possible. It can also be incorporated with food, and fatty meals can help with CBD absorption; however, the CBD will take longer (30-45 minutes) to enter the bloodstream as it travels through the digestive system, perhaps making it less effective.

The process could last from weeks to months. Keep a journal so you have a daily record of what is going on to show the veterinarian.

Current Challenges and Considerations.

Despite promising preliminary findings, there are various problems and considerations with CBD oil treating canine epilepsy.

Limited research: While intriguing, current research on CBD for canine epilepsy is limited, and bigger, well-designed trials are required to prove its efficacy and safety.

Dosage Variability: The appropriate dosage of CBD oil for canine epilepsy is still being studied and may vary depending on the dog's size, breed, and individual response. Careful monitoring and veterinarian guidance are required to determine the proper dosage.

Lack of Standardisation: The quality and composition of CBD oil products might differ greatly. Choosing a high-quality, reputed brand with consistent CBD concentration and purity is critical. You can choose a brand like Hempstrol that has a separate line for pet products and can help you select the products meant for your pet. 

Potential Drug Interactions: CBD oil may interact with several conventional AEDs. To avoid potential problems, consult a veterinarian before administering CBD therapy to a dog that is already on medication. 

So we are saying, 

Cannabinoid oil, particularly cbd for dogs India, shows potential as a supplemental treatment option for canine epilepsy. However, additional research is required to completely grasp its efficacy and safety profile. Consultation with a veterinarian who is familiar with CBD therapy, as well as the usage of high-quality products, is critical for conducting responsible and safe research into this prospective therapeutic strategy.

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