Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in dogs, and approximately 30% of cases are considered drug-resistant, meaning that traditional antiseizure drugs (ASDs) do not effectively manage their seizures. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative treatment for drug-resistant idiopathic epilepsy (IE) in dogs. A recent study conducted by Aaron J Rozental and colleagues explores the efficacy and safety of CBD as an adjunct treatment for this condition.
Methods
This study involved 51 dogs, all of which had a history of at least 2 seizures per month while receiving at least one ASD. The research followed a double-blinded placebo-controlled crossover design. The initial dosage of CBD was set at 5 mg/kg/day, and after observing its effects in the first 12 dogs, it was increased to 9 mg/kg/day for the remaining 39 dogs. The dogs were randomly assigned to receive either CBD or a placebo for 3 months, with a 1-month washout period between the two treatment phases. Throughout the study, researchers recorded the total number of seizures and seizure days experienced by the dogs. Diagnostic testing was periodically performed to monitor their progress.
Results
The study yielded several notable findings:
- At the 9 mg/kg/day CBD dosage, there was a significant decrease in the total frequency of seizures when compared to the placebo group. Dogs receiving CBD experienced a 24.1% reduction in seizure days, while the placebo group saw a 5.8% increase in seizure days (P ≤ .05).
- There was no significant difference in the number of responders, defined as dogs experiencing a 50% or greater reduction in total seizures or seizure days when comparing CBD and the placebo.
- The study also identified an increase in liver enzyme activities in dogs exposed to both CBD dosages.
- Dogs in the CBD phase of the study exhibited decreased appetite and a higher frequency of vomiting (P ≤ .05).
Conclusion and Clinical Implications
The study’s findings suggest that cannabidiol, when administered orally to dogs at a dosage of 9 mg/kg/day, led to a reduction in the total number of seizures and seizure days compared to a placebo. While no significant difference was observed in the number of responders, the overall trend in seizure reduction was promising.
However, the study also revealed an increase in liver enzyme activities in dogs receiving CBD. Therefore, close monitoring of liver health is advisable when using CBD as a treatment for drug-resistant IE in dogs. Additionally, CBD treatment was associated with side effects such as decreased appetite and vomiting. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully weighing the potential benefits of CBD against its side effects and considering it as a supplementary option in managing drug-resistant idiopathic epilepsy in dogs.