Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease that affects an estimated 10-15% of the world’s dog population, resulting in severe itchiness (pruritus) that can lead to infections. The condition is an environmental-based allergy for which there is currently no known cure.
A team of researchers based in Brazil and affiliated with the Federal University of Santa Maria and the Federal University of Santa Catarina conducted a study examining the efficacy of cannabis-based therapies to treat atopic dermatitis and pruritus in dogs. The study’s findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Allergy.
“Cannabis has regained medical relevance in several fields, particularly in dermatology, as the endocannabinoid system is uniquely expressed in skin tissues and cells. Modulation through cannabinoids aims to restore skin homeostasis by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and consequently the clinical signs exhibited by animals with dermatopathies.” the researchers wrote.
“This study aimed to evaluate Cannabis oil as a therapeutic option for dogs with atopic dermatitis, for both managing recurrent clinical signs and for enabling oclacitinib dose reduction.” the researchers added.
For the study, researchers treated sixteen dogs diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, broken up into four phases: T0 (oclacitinib alone), T30 (placebo + oclacitinib), T60 (Cannabis oil + oclacitinib), and T90 (Cannabis oil + oclacitinib at 50% reduced dose). Oclacitinib is an oral veterinary medication used to control itching (pruritus).
“Of the 16 enrolled dogs, fourteen completed all study stages through T90. No statistically significant difference was observed for CADESI-4. Likewise, no significant difference in pruritus was observed between T30 (placebo) and T60 (Cannabis oil); however, a significant reduction in pruritus was found between T0 x T60 (p = 0.0010), and T0 x T90 (p = 0.0025). Mild, transient, and self-limiting adverse events, as reported by the owners, were observed during both the placebo and Cannabis oil treatment periods.” the researchers found.
“It is concluded that adjunctive Cannabis oil contributed to improved pruritus control in dogs with atopic dermatitis. In addition, maintenance of pruritus scores was observed following a predefined 50% reduction in oclacitinib dosage, supporting further investigation of Cannabis oil as part of a multimodal therapeutic strategy for canine atopic dermatitis.” the researchers concluded.
Other recent studies have found that cannabis may help boost canine gut health, treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs, and reduce canine anxiety.
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