Post-doctoral fellow Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
Abstract:
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained recognition for its therapeutic potential in companion animals. Dog owners have been using CBD mostly for neurological and inflammatory conditions, although long-term tolerability has not been established. Short-term studies have determined CBD is well tolerated with mild side-effects and an elevation in alkaline phosphatase.
Hypothesis/
Objectives: Determine the long-term tolerability of oral CBD administered to healthy dogs.
Animals: Eighteen healthy adult research dogs were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=6) that received either 0, 5 or 10 mg/kg/day CBD.
Methods: After adapting for 3 weeks, dogs received 9 months oral treatment once daily postprandially. Adverse events were recorded daily. Monthly blood profiles, post-prandial bile acids, and plasma CBD at fasting state and 2h post-dosing were measured. Data were analyzed as repeated measures over time using a mixed model, with significance at α = 0.05.
Results: The 0 and 5mg/kg had similar fecal scores. Although 10mg/kg had greater incidence of soft-stools, no other significant AEs were noted. An elevation (P < .0001) in ALP occurred in groups that received CBD (61.4, 284.5 and 373.5 IU/L in 0, 5 and 10mg/kg, respectively). Remaining blood parameters were within reference range. Average plasma CBD at 5 and 10mg/kg were 97.3ng/mL and 236.8ng/mL pre-prandial, 340.8ng/mL and 1067.7ng/mL postprandial, respectively. A cumulative effect at fasting state over time occurred (P = 0.0122).
Conclusions and clinical importance: Chronic administration of CBD at 5mg/kg was better tolerated than at 10mg/kg, and both doses caused elevated ALP.
