Case Studies

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Bunty, a 12-year-old, spayed female Staffordshire bull terrier, presented due to an ongoing weight-bearing lameness of the right hind leg. Non-steroidal pain treatment provided relief, but the pain returned if the medications were discontinued. The owner's request was to try and reduce the use of non-steroid pain relief and maintain joint comfort. On physical examination, Bunty exhibited pain on manipulation of her neck, right hip and stifle (knee joint). There was also sensitivity over the spine. Radiographs and blood were undertaken. Gastrointestinal sensitivity was evident with intermittent diarrhoea and intolerance to raw food and bones. Her coat was dull and dry. Radiographs diagnosed bilateral hip dysplasia, with the right hip showing more advanced signs of deterioration and osteoarthritis.

Treatment goals:

• Improve the lameness and generalised stiffness and discomfort by reducing pain and inflammation
• Improve nutrition, digestion and gastrointestinal function
• Enhance detoxification
• Optimise energy by increasing vitality, tonify
• Improve the quality of the coat 

A herbal tincture was prepared to address the above treatment goals. This was combined with nutraceutical and dietary support.

In Summary:  Bunty has now been on the formula for 18 months. Her general demeanour, coat quality and vitality have improved significantly. She only requires non-steroidal pain relief on very few occasions with the herbs and nutraceuticals controlling most of the pain. She will be maintained on this formula at this stage indefinitely as the owners feel it has significantly improved her quality of life.  

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Paco is a 9 year old neutered male terrier mix, 13.6 kg, with a long history of seizures.  Paco began having full motor seizures at about 4 years old.  The frequency was stable at about 2-3 per month until Paco’s veterinarian began phenobarbital at 34 mg BID.  The seizure frequency declined to approximately one monthly.  Paco presented to Holistic Veterinary Care after having been on phenobarbital for four years.  The reason the owners brought him in was a desire to reduce or eliminate the phenobarbital dosage.  Recent bloodwork showed his levels to be in the therapeutic range but his ALP was 450 IU/L and Paco’s veterinarian stated this may be due to the phenobarbital.  The owner expressed interest in trying cannabis as a therapy to help with his seizures.

I discussed this at length with the owner with regards to the current research indicating CBD can be helpful in reducing seizure frequency but there isn’t much literature out there regarding cannabis and seizures in dogs.  I have had professional experience with dogs using cannabis for seizures and I have found it to be helpful in some cases. 

The owner decided to begin cannabis therapy using a broad spectrum hemp-based CBD formula at a dose of 20 mg CBD BID.  My instructions to the owner were to maintain the current dose of phenobarbital and begin the CBD and then contact me in 2 weeks to discuss their impressions. 

I heard back from the owner about 10 weeks later and they let me know they had cut the phenobarbital dose by ½ one month after starting the hemp formula and then discontinued the phenobarbital one month after that.  At the time they called, Paco had been off phenobarbital for 2 weeks with no recurrence of seizures.  They also reported he had more energy and seemed to be much happier.  

While the owner did not follow my treatment instructions, the results of the CBD formula are impressive.  At two weeks post phenobarbital, it was too soon to know for sure if the dog would remain seizure free without the medication and I instructed the owner to monitor closely.  At present, Paco is 6 weeks post discontinuing phenobarbital and has not had a seizure.  The owner will continue to administer the CBD product and monitor closely.