What is the Effect of CBD oil on Canine Seizures?
Yes, I'm opening a proverbial can of worms today! As a neurologist, vets often ask me if CBD can be used as an anti-epileptic drug (AED). As a practicing veterinarian in Wisconsin I say I cannot recommend or prescribe CBD containing products.
As a neurologist, I add the following…
In June 2019 a study was published that attempted to answer the question:
“What effect does CBD oil have on seizure control?”1
According to the authors:
CBD is metabolized through the cytochrome system in the liver in humans, and probably dogs. The ALP increased in all dogs receiving CBD oil in that study. What is the clinical significance? Unknown, currently.
There was no difference in seizure response between the CBD group or the placebo group (Response = dogs that had a 50% or greater reduction in seizures during the 12-week observation period.) Do we need a different dose? Different formulation? Or did it simply not work for this group of dogs?
Drugs that are metabolized through the liver (e.g. phenobarbital, zonisamide) may be affected by CBD. This means that the adverse clinical effects could be more pronounced in dogs concurrently receiving these drugs.
What adverse clinical effects does CBD have? We don't know yet. Several dogs in the CBD group developed ataxia, however they were concurrently on other anti-epileptic drugs. Was the ataxia due to CBD, or because of increased serum concentrations of concurrent AED?
So, although my response to clients remains that I don’t recommend it. My reasoning includes all of the reasons listed above in addition to the recommendations by the government officials in Wisconsin.
What if a client wants to give it anyway? As a veterinarian, I would thoroughly document the discussion, and then recommend monitoring at least liver values (ideally the entire biochemistry panel) every 4-6 months while the pet receives the product. It may be that CBD is the magical seizure potion we are searching for to help our drug-resistant seizure patients. However, history would tell us that the newest “catch all” tonic is typically not as universally perfect as we wish it to be. Be educated, be careful, and be observant when we walk into this yet uncharted territory of CBD oil and seizures.
1. McGrath S. et al Randomized blinded controlled clinical trial to assess the effect of oral cannabidiol administration in addition to conventional antiepileptic treatment on seizure frequency in dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy. JAVMA 2019; 254(11): 1301-1308.
Are you working with a patient with seizures and need some expert help? I'd love to! Please reach out via email, telephone or schedule an appointment online.