Dogs Benefit from CBD for Arthritis Pain, Study Shows
By Maryanna Phinn
Researchers at Baylor University’s College of Medicine recently published a study on CBD’s effects on pain in dogs suffering from arthritis and found noticeable improvements in the dogs’ quality of life. After weeks of observation by their owners and veterinarians, CBD isolate derived from hemp administered in certain dosages helped dogs with pain-related issues related to ease in standing, sitting, lying, walking and running.
The study, published in the medical journal Pain, was conducted on 20 larger breeds with a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). According to Baylor, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was the first of its kind on canine subjects. It could have major implications to advance further studies on CBD from hemp’s effects on humans, as well as dogs, for arthritis pain.
Dogs and humans that experience pain from arthritis have many biological and physical similarities the researchers noted. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), osteoarthritis is a common problem in large breeds and senior dogs affecting one out of five dogs. AKC recommends that dog owners watch for signs and symptoms of arthritis that may include:
- Stiffness, lameness, limping or difficulty getting up
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to run, jump or play
- Weight gain
- Irritability or changes in behavior
- Pain when petted or touched
- Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house
- Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine
In the CBD study, the dogs selected for inclusion had a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis by a veterinarian and had detectable signs of pain by their owners with similar symptoms as noted above. Any dogs with established chronic or end-stage diseases were excluded from the study as well as dogs that experienced trauma. All other medications were stopped prior to the study and no other medications were delivered during the study. Nine of the 10 dogs on CBD showed benefits according to the researchers.
The dogs were randomly selected to receive one of four study medications including: a placebo, or 20 mg/day naked CBD, or 50 mg/day naked CBD or 20 mg/day of liposomal CBD. “Naked” CBD was defined in the study as hemp isolated solely from hemp grown and extracted under strict guidelines of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp pilot program. The naked hemp was confirmed by a third part laboratory to be without THC or other cannabinoid derivatives or contaminants. The CBD isolate purity was confirmed at 99.9%. Liposomal CBD means that the CBD was encased microscopically in a sphere-shaped, fat-like particle that makes it easier to absorb. Liposomal delivery is used with many vitamins, enzymes, vaccines, hormones and supplements.
The study was funded in part by a sponsored research agreement between Medterra CBD, Inc. and Baylor College of Medicine.
To read the entire study, click here. To learn more about CBD from products that may benefit the health and wellness of your dog or other pets visit Doc’s Hemp.
References:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-signs-treatment/