VetCan: Medicinal Cannabis therapy for Pets

Medicinal Cannabis therapy for Animals (Dogs, Cats, Horses)

What is CBD? 

The Cannabis Sativa plant has ~ 500 known chemicals, the two most well-known are major cannabinoids THC and CBD. Whilst THC is sedating and can cause impairment as it binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, CBD (or cannabidiol) is a chemical that acts predominantly on CB2 Receptors throughout the body as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex cell signaling and receptor network that acts to maintain balance and homeostasis within the body and does so through numerous key bodily functions including inflammation, immune function, pain pathway regulation, appetite, growth, stress responses and sleep function. Therefore CBD can have such wide-ranging effects.

Our Oils

Our Full Spectrum oils are compounded at Oxford Compounding, made from GMP materials, and meet Schedule 4 criteria (>98% CBD, contain traces of THC)

Our oils meet TGO 93 and TGO100 Standards

Our oils are MCT based (no flavour)

The aim of our pricing is to make CBD treatment affordabe for patients.

Key Legal Criteria for Vets

A therapeutic need exists.

Cannabidiol must comprise 98% or more of the total cannabinoid in the product

Any cannabinoids other than cannabidiol must be only those naturally found in cannabis

The pet owner must consent to using an unlicenced and potentially harmful treatment

The pet must receive appropriate monitoring to identify and potential side effects

VetCan Formulations available at Oxford Compounding

INDICATIONS

Osteoarthritis, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Stress and Anxiety, Disturbed Sleep, Behaviour problems, Oncology problems (nausea, vomiting, pain, anorexia).

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects are rare and mild with CBD dominant oils. Mostly Gastrointestinal disturbance, soft stools, diarrhoea, drowsiness,

DOSING

Optimal dose is variable for animals and might be lower than originally anticipated, and owners do not need to titrate higher if higher. If side effects occur, reduce to previous tolerated dose.

Likely dose is 1-2mg/kg BD orally for pain and behaviour issues, and up to 6mg/kg BD orally for epilepsy.

Pet owners might like to use different doses at different times of day (split dosing), such as higher morning doses for separation anxiety and higher evening doses for sleep.

A third dose can be safely used during the day if required.

Horses require lower mg/kg dosing, and aim for 0.5 to 1mg per kg twice/d    

 VetCan Max (Schedule 4) contains 100mg CBD + 1mg THC per ml and should be used if the initial oil has not been sufficient at controlling pain or anxiety.

Studies have shown that THC has been tested in dogs up to 49mg/kg before discontinuation due to side effects (sedation, ataxia)

Dosing should always occur with food and orally, trying to ensure a lipid rich meal and ensure the volume of liquid provided to the animal is not too large as you do not want to cause any aspiration pneumonia from a low concentration product with a large animal.

In epilepsy, dosing can be titrated up to 6mg/kg BD

TITRATION

Start at 0.5mg/kg at night for 3-4 days

0.5mg/kg BD for 3-4 days

1mg/kg BD for 3-4 days

1.5mg/kg BD for 3-4 days

2mg/kg BD for 3-4 days

 (up to 6mg/kg BD in epilepsy)

DRUG to DRUG Interactions are rare, but can occur with animals on other epileptic medications

CBD is metabolised by the P450 liver enzymes so dose reduction of other medications might be needed, such as benzodiazepines and phenobarbital.

CBD Research in Dogs

Several studies have shown that dogs can experience a statistically significant reduction in pain and anxiety on a dose of CBD 2mg/kg, taken as an oil orally.

There were few side effects.

CBD could be an option for dogs where traditional anti inflammatories and benzodiazepines have failed or cause unwanted side effects.

ORDERING

Small Dogs and cats: Order VPetcan50 (50mg CBD/ml, 50ml bottle)

Medium to Large Dogs:  Order VetCan100 (100mg CBD/ml, 50ml bottle).

Horses = VetCan Horse 200mg/ml, 100ml bottle

 If these do not adequately control symptoms, prescribe VetCan Max (100:1mg/ml CBD:THC per ml).

Include the following on the prescription:

• Name of Patient
• Name of Oil: i.e “Vetcan 50” or “Vetcan 100” Compounded CBD
• Strength 50mg/ml or 100mg/ml
• Volume = 50ml
• Repeats required

Send your inquiries to hello@vetcan.com.au

Send your Scripts to [email protected]

References

Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, Frye CW, Schwark WS, Mann S, Wolfe L, Brown H, Berthelsen ES, Wakshlag JJ. Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2018 Jul 

Brioschi FA, Di Cesare F, Gioeni D, Rabbogliatti V, Ferrari F, D'Urso ES, Amari M, Ravasio G. Oral Transmucosal Cannabidiol Oil Formulation as Part of a Multimodal Analgesic Regimen: Effects on Pain Relief and Quality of Life Improvement in Dogs Affected by Spontaneous Osteoarthritis. Animals (Basel). 2020 Aug 26;10(9):1505. 

Vaughn Dana, Kulpa Justyna, Paulionis Lina., 2020. Preliminary Investigation of the Safety of Escalating Cannabinoid Doses in Healthy Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol 7,