CBD for Epilepsy in Dogs

Currently CBD oil (natural extract from cannabis plant) is being successfully used for thousands of people with epilepsy, and now thousands of dogs.

CBD oil is much the same as many essential oils ( ie it’s a plant oil extract), and it is NON psychoactive as it contains NO THC (that is what gets people ‘stoned’..)

Here is a bit more info on it and epilepsy in dogs

Cannabidiol or CBD

CBD has an important role in the future of medicine. CBD is a primary component of the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive, which means that it doesn’t produce the “high” commonly associated with marijuana.
CBD is currently used by many patients (human and animal) who seek an alternative form of therapy without the unwanted side effects of typical drugs.

Compelling research has shown that CBD may inhibit both seizure activity and the severity of such activity [1] and [2]. Study results have “point[ed] to CBD being of potential therapeutic use…in the treatment of epilepsies.”[3] Studies also indicate that the use of CBD in conjunction with certain anti-seizure medications may enhance the anticonvulsant effects of those drugs.[3] Furthermore, studies indicate chronic use of CBD has not been shown to elicit negative side effects and does not induce tolerance.[4]

Colorado State University Trial

Interestingly, Colorado State University is currently studying CBD use in dogs for epilepsy, and looking for dog owners to enroll in their trial.

Here is more info on the trial:

Efficacy of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Epilepsy in Dogs

Who Qualifies?

Dogs with epilepsy that are receiving conventional anticonvulsants and having at least two seizures per month. Upon enrollment, every dog will be evaluated by a neurologist and any medication adjustments will be made prior to starting the trial.

Purpose of the Study

The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of a component of the Cannabis sativa plant, cannabidiol (CBD), in treating canine epilepsy. The CBD product is very low in the psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, making it safe for use in dogs. Each dog will be randomly assigned to either a control group or a treatment group, where they will receive the CBD oil or a placebo for 12 weeks.

What is Required?

An MRI of the brain and a spinal tap to rule out any other causes of seizures
A daily seizure log and behavioral questionnaire filled out by a single owner
Reassessment and bloodwork every 4 weeks
Benefits

All costs related to the study will be covered in full, including the examinations, MRI, spinal tap, bloodwork and the CBD oil.

To Enroll

Interested participants can learn more by contacting one of our research technicians by emailing CSUNeuroTrials@colostate.edu or Dr. Stephanie McGrath, or by calling (970) 305-0455?.

References

Jones, N., Hill, A., Smith, I., Bevan, S., Williams, C., Whalley, B., & Stephens, G. (2009, November 9). Cannabidiol Displays Antiepileptiform and Antiseizure Properties In Vitro and In Vivo. Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/332/2/569.abstract
Consroe, P., Wolkin, A. (1977). Cannabidiol–antiepileptic drug comparisons and interactions in experimentally induced seizures in rats. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapuetics, 201(1), 26-32.
Jones, N., Glyn, S., Akiyama, S., Hill, T., Hill, A., Weston, S., . . . Williams, C. (n.d.). Cannabidiol exerts anti-convulsant effects in animal models of temporal lobe and partial seizures. Seizure, 344-352.
Malfait, A., Gallily, R., Sumariwalla, P., Malik, A., Andreakos, E., Mechoulam, R., & Feldmann, M. (2000). The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 9561-9566.