For dog owners, witnessing a seizure in their beloved pet can be incredibly distressing. Managing epilepsy in dogs often involves a mix of hope and frustration, particularly when traditional medications don’t fully control the seizures. This has led many to explore alternative therapies, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. But how exactly does CBD oil work to reduce seizures in dogs? Although scientists have some ideas, it’s important to note that the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, and the results can vary from dog to dog.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
To understand how CBD might help with seizures, we first need to talk about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a natural system found in all mammals, including dogs, that helps maintain balance in the body. It plays a role in controlling a wide range of processes, including mood, appetite, pain, and the electrical activity in the brain.
1. The Basics of the ECS
The ECS has three key components:
Endocannabinoids: These are molecules similar to the compounds found in cannabis, but they’re produced naturally by the body. They help keep everything running smoothly by sending signals to different parts of the body.
Receptors: Think of these as tiny locks on cells that endocannabinoids (and possibly CBD) fit into. There are two main types:
CB1 Receptors: Mostly found in the brain and central nervous system, these are involved in things like memory, mood, and how the brain manages pain.
CB2 Receptors: These are mainly located in the immune system and help control inflammation.
Enzymes: These break down endocannabinoids after they’ve done their job.
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How Might CBD Work in the Body?
Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD doesn’t directly fit into those CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, scientists believe that CBD interacts with the ECS in more subtle ways, possibly helping to bring things back into balance, particularly when the brain is overactive, as it is during a seizure.
1 ) Calming the Brain
One theory is that CBD helps to calm down the brain. Seizures occur when there’s a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, almost like a lightning storm. Scientists think that CBD may interact with CB1 receptors to help prevent these storms by reducing the release of glutamate, a chemical that can trigger these electrical surges. Less glutamate could mean fewer chances for a seizure to occur.
2 ) Beyond the ECS
CBD doesn’t just interact with the ECS. It also seems to affect other parts of the brain that control things like pain and mood:
TRPV1 Receptors: CBD may activate these receptors, which are involved in regulating pain and body temperature, possibly helping to prevent seizures.
GPR55 Receptors: Some researchers suggest that CBD might block these receptors, which are involved in cell communication. Blocking them could help prevent the brain from becoming overexcited, which can lead to seizures.
5-HT1A Receptors: These are related to serotonin, often called the “feel-good” chemical. CBD’s interaction here might also help to keep the brain calm, which could reduce anxiety that sometimes triggers seizures.
3 ) Protecting the Brain
Another possible mechanism is that CBD might help by preventing the breakdown of anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid known for its calming effects on the brain. By keeping more anandamide in the brain, CBD could add an extra layer of protection against seizures. However, it’s important to note that these mechanisms are still being studied, and there’s much we don’t yet understand about how CBD works.
What Does This Mean for Dogs with Seizures?
While the theories about how CBD might reduce seizures are promising, it’s important to understand that the effects are not universal across all dogs and that more research is required to understand if CBD is effective at reducing seizures. In some studies, like the one conducted by McGrath et al. (2019), dogs treated with CBD did experience a reduction in seizure frequency. In fact, on average, there was a 33% reduction in seizures among the dogs receiving CBD compared to those given a placebo.
However, when researchers looked more closely at the results, they found that the proportion of dogs that had a 50% or more reduction in seizure activity—considered a significant response—was similar between the CBD and placebo groups. It is also important to note that this study was conducted on a group of only 26 dogs, meaning that the effects observed were only a few dogs and are thus statistically insignificant. This suggests that while CBD might reduce seizures in some dogs, it does not lead to a clinically significant improvement for all. The response to CBD seems to be highly individual, which means it can be very effective for some dogs, while others might not see much benefit. More research is required with larger cohorts to determine the impact CBD has on seizures in dogs.
Things to Keep in Mind
Given the variability in how dogs respond to CBD, it’s important for pet owners to approach this treatment with cautious optimism. CBD might offer a valuable tool in managing epilepsy, particularly for dogs that don’t respond well to traditional medications, but it’s not a guaranteed solution for every dog.
Moreover, the quality of CBD products can vary widely, affecting how well they work. It’s crucial to choose high-quality, veterinarian-approved products and to use them under the guidance of a veterinarian. Regular monitoring and adjustments may be needed to find the right approach for each individual dog.
CBD is processed through the liver and causes further wear and tear on the liver in addition to any anti-convulsive medications your dog is on. It is critical that you speak to and work with your vet if you want to introduce CBD oil, as you could be putting your dog in harm's way without realising it. Your vet will have their full history, and will be able to help you safely try CBD oil if it is ok for your dog.
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Conclusion: The Science Behind CBD Oil for Dogs with Seizures
CBD oil has shown potential as a treatment for reducing seizures in dogs with epilepsy, but its effectiveness varies from dog to dog. While some dogs may experience significant improvements, others might not respond as well. Scientists are still working to fully understand how CBD interacts with the brain and the ECS, and more research is needed to clarify its role in managing epilepsy.
If you’re considering CBD oil for your dog, start with a high-quality product, consult with your vet, and monitor your dog’s response closely. While CBD may not work for every dog, it has the potential to be an important part of the treatment plan for those who do respond positively.
References:
Potschka, Heidrun, et al. "Cannabidiol in canine epilepsy." *The Veterinary Journal* 290 (2022): 105913.
McGrath, Stephanie, 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." *Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association* 254.11 (2019): 1301-1308.
Morrow, Lisa, and Zoe Belshaw. "Does the addition of cannabidiol to conventional antiepileptic drug treatment reduce seizure frequency in dogs with epilepsy?." *The Veterinary Record* 186.15 (2020): 492.
Rozental, Aaron J., et al. "The efficacy and safety of cannabidiol as adjunct treatment for drug‐resistant idiopathic epilepsy in 51 dogs: A double‐blinded crossover study." *Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine* 37.6 (2023): 2291-2300.
Garcia, Gabriel A., et al. "Safety and efficacy of cannabidiol-cannabidiolic acid rich hemp extract in the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs." *Frontiers in veterinary science* 9 (2022): 939966.
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