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Pet Health Watch with Dr. Main
What is CBD Oil?
C
annabis sativa is a species of plant that contains over
113 compounds, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
and cannabidiol or (CBD). THC is the compound that is
responsible for the “high” feeling and is TOXIC to a dog.
CBD may have medicinal properties and is currently under
research at Colorado State University for its use in dogs.
tinctures were the most reliable
for absorption as compared to
capsules and transdermal gels.
Although some dogs developed
intestinal upset and mild liver
enzyme elevation, it was
determined the drug was safe for
further study.
The theory behind how CBD works is slightly complex.
But let’s take a look. Dogs have an endocannabinoid
system which includes receptors throughout the body.
These receptors are sites where the CBD molecule
can bind and stimulate cellular activators. So, CBD
binds to a receptor that causes the release of other
molecules that regulate
physiologic processes
including pain,
mood, inflammation,
stress, and the like.
These molecules, or
cellular activators,
include serotonin and
dopamine.
The first two studies were started
on epilepsy patients and osteoarthritis patients. These
studies involved smaller group sizes of about 30 patients
each. At this time the studies are not complete, but results
appear promising. Further studies, involving much larger
group sizes, have been started with funding from the AKC
Canine Health Foundation. Meanwhile there are numerous
anecdotal accounts of patients improving with the use of
CBD oil for various maladies.
At this point CBD is federally illegal and not available as a
regulated product that veterinarians could recommend
or dispense. Veterinarians can give opinions about the
use of CBD if the use is in the context of the patient-
practitioner relationship.
Interestingly, CBD also blocks certain genetic signaling
which decreases cancer cell reproduction. In other
words, it’s possibly an anti-cancer drug. There is potential
for CBD to help improve many conditions such as
allergies, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, seizures, and a number
of other health issues.
Cannabis is an unregulated industry at this point. What
this means is that products have no guarantee of the
quality or quantity of the ingredients they contain. The
potential upside of CBD is huge, but more regulation and
research is needed to attain a medical grade product that
is safe and predictable.
Phase one of the research into CBD involved a safety
study completed in 2016. It was determined that oil
Emails and Letters from Adopters
Dear WSHS,
This letter is long overdue, but I had to tell you how well my brilliant boy that I adopted
from you is doing! He had a rough start, being abandoned with heartworm and half bald in
a forest preserve. Fortunately, he was lucky enough to get into West Suburban.
I met him and it was love at first sight. He was a hyper handful, but with time and attention,
he earned his bachelors degree in obedience, does agility, noseworks, and we just started
Rally-O (obedience). I take him with me everywhere, not even needing a leash! He’s smart
and funny, and has all his fans trained to give him treats when he does tricks.
I get stopped all the time and asked what kind of dog he is. I take every opportunity to tell
them he’s a rescue mutt and he’s the best dog ever! Thank you for all the work you do. He
is a prime example of what a little love and training can do.
Cheryl and Hershey
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