Cannabis Therapy for Animal Seizures

Cannabis Therapy for Animal Seizures

Cannabis Therapy for Animal Seizures: Cannabis has long been used to treat epileptic seizures.

Since ancient times, cannabis has been mentioned as a treatment for those who suffer from seizures.

Cannabidiol (CBD) in particular, a component of cannabis, has recently come back into focus as a potential treatment for seizures in both humans and animals.

Cannabis was once solely using for seizures based on observational evidence, but today much scientific research is being done to understand how and why cannabis is helpful in the quest to find the most effective ways to reduce, and eventually eradicate, seizures.

CANNABIS RESEARCH & EPILEPSY

Although there is a resurgence in interest and money for research, it is still unknown how cannabis affects seizures. One factor to take into account is the “GPR55” receptor, which is particular to neurons and is hypothesising to govern seizure activity by controlling the excitability of neurons.

CBD may lessen seizures because it appears to restrict GPR55’s capacity to activate neurons.

Additionally, some investigations have revealed altered CB1 receptors and/or decreased anandamide (AEA) concentrations in the cerebral fluid of epileptic patients.

One of the body’s naturally produced neurotransmitters that controls the endocannabinoid system is AEA (ECS).

Changes in the levels of AEA and/or CB1 receptors are thought to result in changes in the levels of other neurotransmitters that may ultimately cause seizure activity.

CB1 receptors are binding sites for AEA and are a component of the ECS. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binds to CB1 receptors and may lessen seizure activity in this way.

Other cannabinoids and terpenes contained in cannabis may potentially be useful for treating seizures, according to preclinical research. The majority of current research, however, focuses on

CBD for both practical and legal reasons.

• Despite the fact that the precise mechanisms underlying cannabis compounds’ beneficial effects on seizures are not fully understood, significant progress has been achieving in the field of their medicinal application.
• The FDA authorised Epidiolex, the first drug made from cannabis, in 2018. Epidiolex, a single-molecule CBD formulation.
• Has been authorising for the treatment of refractory seizures in children with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes, two types of paediatric epilepsy.
• Epidiolex is not only very beneficial for the kids it serves, but it also marks a significant advancement in the federal government’s recognition of the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

WHAT RELATIONSHIP DOES SCIENCE HAVE TO ANIMALS?

• With the publication of the first clinical trial examining the effects of CBD on seizures in epileptic dogs, veterinary-specific research has also advanced significantly this year.
• The Colorado State University study compared the frequency of seizures in dogs treated with and without CBD. The frequency of seizures was showing to be reducing by 89% in dogs receiving 2.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily comparing to a 43% reduction in dogs not receiving CBD.
• The dogs in both groups were on other anti-seizure medications at the time of the trial, which is why the group not getting CBD also experiencing a significant drop in seizures.
• Although these findings are regarding as statistically significant, they are clearly not as spectacular as many had hoping.
• The authors made note of this in their results and suggested. That additional research is necessary to see whether treating canine epilepsy. With higher dosages of CBD would be more effective.
• “Trace levels of additional cannabinoids” were present in the hemp-based compound, which may or may not have enhanced its potency.
• According to research, terpenes, CBD, THC. And other cannabinoids all have anti-seizure characteristics and. It’s possible that a “broader spectrum” formulation will have more of an impact.

Also Read: CBD AND CANNABIS FOR PAINFUL PETS