Cannabidiol oil for itching in dogs with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are reported to have antinociceptive, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions. OBJECTIVES: To determine if CBD/CBDA is an effective therapy for canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). ANIMALS: Thirty-two privately owned dogs with cAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Concurrent therapies were allowed if remained unchanged. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either 2 mg/kg of an equal mix of CBD/CBDA (n = 17) or placebo for 4 weeks. On Day (D)0, D14 and D28, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) scores were determined by investigators and owners, respectively. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry profiles and cytokine bioassays were performed on serum collected on D0 and D28. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in CADESI-04 from D0 to D14 (p  = 0.42) or D28 (p  = 0.51) in either group. pVAS scores were significantly lower for the treatment group at D14 (p  = 0.04) and D28 (p  = 0.01) and a significant change in pVAS from baseline was seen at D14 (p  = 0.04) and not D28 (p  = 0.054) between groups. There was no significant difference in serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein - 1, IL-31 or IL-34 between groups at D0 or D28. Elevated alkaline phosphatase was observed in four of 17 treatment group dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CBD/CBDA as an adjunct therapy decreased pruritus, and not skin lesions associated with cAD in dogs.