The following case studies demonstrate how CBD can be used in the treatment of anxiety and epilepsy in dogs and cats.
In this author’s clinical experience, full spectrum CBD products have been most effective in cases of anxiety, osteoarthritis and seizure disorders in both dogs and cats. For the purposes of these case studies, HempRx Forte was used.
Anxiety
CBD-rich cannabis is the most effective natural method for treating anxiety in both dogs and cats, in this author’s practice. Start at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours with food, and increase every three days to the desired effect. Most guardians notice improvement within 12 to 24 hours. In refractory cases, this author has administered CBD with SSRIs. However, there are no studies proving their combined safety.
Anxiety case study
Pugsley is a nine-year-old MN Pug weighing 14 pounds. He has a history of anxiety and dog aggression that began at the age of two. He was reactive when seeing other dogs, both in the home and on a leash. Pugsley was started on 5 drops (5 mg of CBD) of HempRx Forte, twice daily with food. After three doses, Pugsley’s leash reactivity improved by approximately 50%. Pugsley has continued to show significant improvement with continued use of CBD.
Epilepsy
CBD-rich hemp extracts have gained popularity for treating children’s seizure disorders. Due to the lack of THC, these children can enjoy life without the sedative effects of traditional anticonvulsants. Many pet guardians are hesitant to use drugs like potassium bromide and phenobarbital long-term due to their undesirable side effects. Other drugs like levetiracetam have questionable efficacy and dosing schedules that make compliance difficult. CBD may provide a safe and efficacious alternative for some animals. It may also help reduce dosage in conventional pharmaceuticals.
In this author’s experience, many animals with refractory seizures may require doses of up to 2 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg of CBD every 12 hours. CBD is metabolized by the icytochrome P450 system and may therefore alter metabolism of anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital.7
Epilepsy case study
Oliver is an eight-year-old MN DSH cat weighing 11 lbs. He presented after having one or two seizures a month for five months. His guardian was reluctant to start anticonvulsants due to the possible side effects. Bloodwork and physical examination were within normal limits and imaging was not performed. Oliver was started on 0.2 mls of HempRx containing 3 mg of CBD, twice daily with food.
After starting CBD, Oliver stayed seizure-free for six months. At that time he had one seizure. His current seizure frequency is approximately twice yearly.
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