Managing chronic pain and osteoarthritis using CBD in pets
Watching a beloved pet suffer from chronic pain can be incredibly difficult for any owner. Whether caused by osteoarthritis (OA), injuries, or cancer, chronic pain can severely affect a pet’s mobility, mood, and overall quality of life.
CBD is gaining recognition as a promising natural option for managing both chronic and acute pain in dogs and cats. This includes pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, whether used as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies. Research indicates that CBD is generally well tolerated by pets, helping to alleviate pain and inflammation while improving their overall quality of life. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and safety in animals.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic painful condition that affects many pets, particularly as they age. It’s a progressive joint disease where the protective cartilage that cushions joints breaks down over time, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness. OA can lead to ongoing pain that can make everyday activities like walking, jumping, or climbing stairs challenging, and can negatively impact a pet’s quality of life.
Common signs of OA include limping, stiffness, difficulty standing, reluctance to move, and behavioural changes like irritability or restlessness. Pets with OA often struggle with a loss of independence, and this can be heartbreaking for owners to witness.
There is no cure for OA but treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, physical therapy, and joint supplements can help manage the symptoms. CBD is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional therapies to treat health disorders in pets.
Research suggests CBD, used alone and as an additional therapy, can help reduce pain and inflammation, resulting in improved comfort, activity levels and mood. Pet owner surveys and anecdotal reports also support this finding. We will explore the latest scientific research below.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound which naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. CBD is distinct from THC in that it is non-intoxicating. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which mediates several receptors and signalling pathways to exert many biological effects, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.
Why consider CBD for chronic pain in pets?
Traditional pain relief treatments for pets often involve medications like opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can come with potential side effects. CBD is gaining traction as a natural, well-tolerated alternative for managing pain, reducing inflammation, and improving overall quality of life. Furthermore, CBD may be especially useful when NSAIDs, such as Metacam, are unsuitable. NSAIDs are metabolised by the kidneys so they may not be safe for use by pets with renal problems. On the other hand, CBD is broken down by the liver, making it a safer option in pets with renal impairment or disease.
What the research says
Safety and side effects of CBD in pets
This 2023 review examined recent literature about CBD use in dogs and cats. It found that there is some evidence to support a beneficial role for CBD for adverse conditions including OA in pets. Short-term safety studies with CBD have shown it to be well-tolerated, only mild adverse effects like stomach upset and lethargy. An elevation in the ALP liver enzyme is often observed with continuous use of oral CBD in dogs - hence, blood tests may be required to monitor your pet’s liver enzymes. It is noted that future studies which evaluate the effects of long-term administration of CBD in companion animals would provide valuable information on the therapeutic role of CBD in veterinary medicine.
CBD for osteoarthritis pain in dogs
A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science examined the effects of CBD oil on dogs with osteoarthritis. The study involved a controlled trial where dogs received CBD oil (at a dosage of 2 mg/kg twice daily) or a placebo, and those given CBD showed noticeable improvements in pain and mobility. There were no side effects observed. Researchers found that CBD significantly reduced pain and improved activity levels in the dogs. This study suggests that CBD might be a promising option for increasing comfort and activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.
In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in 2020, the effects of daily CBD to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs was studied. It was observed that high dose CBD, as well as liposomal-encapsulated CBD, was associated with significant improvements in the dogs’ quality of life, as reported by both dog owners and veterinarians. The results demonstrate that CBD exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and that short-term administration of CBD to dogs with OA is safe and improves quality of life.
A systematic review was conducted in 2023, which examined five articles on the use of CBD in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain in dogs. The findings were that full spectrum CBD oil may reduce pain scores, but the evidence is uncertain to conclude its clinical efficacy. CBD is considered safe and well-tolerated in the short-term, with mild adverse effects observed - which may include vomiting and an increase in the liver enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The researchers propose that high-quality clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the roles of CBD in canine osteoarthritis.
CBD for osteoarthritis pain in cats
In 2023, a case report on full spectrum CBD as pain relief in a cat with chronic osteoarthritis pain was published. This is the first reported use of CBD oil in a cat with osteoarthritic pain. The cat in question was a 10-year-old mixed breed cat who presented with clinical signs of chronic pain including decreased activity, difficulty jumping, and vocalisation during defecation. Pain was noted upon physical examination. After 30 days of treatment with CBD, the owner reported an improvement in the patient's quality of life, including the use of the litter box without difficulties, interaction with other cats and increased activity level such as jumping onto higher surfaces - behaviour that it had not shown for the past few years. This case reported a satisfactory outcome for the patient and the owner, suggesting that CBD could be used to provide pain relief for cats with osteoarthritis and chronic pain.
A major limitation of this study is the sample size of just one cat. Further, larger-scale clinical and pharmacokinetic studies are necessary to study the safety and efficacy of the use of CBD for chronic pain in cats.
CBD for general pain management in dogs and cats
Another study, published in 2023, looked at the role of cannabinoids in pain modulation in dogs and cats by analysing scientific findings regarding the signalling pathways of the endocannabinoid system. It concluded that cannabinoids are an effective therapeutic alternative to treat acute, chronic and neuropathic pain in companion animals.
This 2024 study, published in Frontiers, evaluated the pain response from CBD alone and in combination with Meloxicam in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. The study method involved measuring the pupil to recognize acute pain in dogs. The results showed that using CBD alone provides similar pain relief to Meloxicam alone, or in combination with CBD, for managing acute pain in dogs.
Conclusion
CBD is gaining recognition as a promising natural option for managing both chronic and acute pain in dogs and cats. This includes pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, whether used as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies. Research indicates that CBD is generally well tolerated by pets, helping to alleviate pain and inflammation while improving their overall quality of life. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and safety in animals.
Your pet deserves to live with ease, and CBD could be a valuable addition to their pain management plan. Speak with your vet to determine if CBD is the right choice for your furry companion.
