CANNABIS USE IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES: WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE?

Abstract

Objective: The present study has as main objective to explore the use of Cannabinoids in cases of chronic diseases in dogs, analyzing its relevance, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic capacity and positive and negative effects in the treatment. Methods: A narrative review was conducted that investigated the production of knowledge about the use of Cannabis in dogs with chronic diseases and its evidence. The following databases were searched: LILACS, MEDLINE, PUBMED and SciELO, in the period from 2018 to 2022. The search terms used were: Cannabis, chronic pain, dogs, treatment and quality of life. Data collection took place in March 2022. Review: Cannabis is a plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family and has medicinal properties. In some countries, Cannabis and derivatives are used legally for medicinal purposes in humans. However, in Veterinary Medicine, research on its use is still in its early stages, due to the vast chemical diversity of its composition and actions on the physiological system of different animals. Therefore, there are few in vivo reports of Cannabis in animals, but its application as an analgesic and anticonvulsant has been shown to be relevant. There is interest in studying Cannabidiol, a derivative of the plant, as an analgesic in dogs, mainly because its neither additive nor hallucinogen. Final considerations: Given the above, it's important to seek knowledge about the use of cannabis in dogs with chronic pain, since it has analgesic action in this species, however, further study is needed to affirm the safety of its therapeutic application in these animals.