Marijuana can be toxic to pets
With the change in marijuana laws for recreational and medical use, veterinarians are discussing the drug more frequently. There are two main cultivars of cannabis: the hemp plant that can be processed into cannabidiol and marijuana plants that have a high level of delta-9 THC, the psychotropic component.
Some clients, including my staff, have tried the legal CBD oil in their pets with good success. The dose and quality of CBD is variable, and we suggest working with an informed pharmacist who can provide education and assure the quality of the product.
Marijuana has been illegal since 1937, but more states are relaxing their laws to allow medical use, and some allow recreational use. As a result, veterinarians are seeing an increase in toxicity in pets who find and consume edibles and bags of marijuana. In a recent study of 250 reports of marijuana toxicity, dogs were responsible for 96 percent of the cases and cats just 3 percent. Other species of pets made up the last 1 percent.
Dogs have more receptors for the active ingredient of marijuana, and the physiologic effect is seen in much lower doses than in humans. They are more sensitive to THC and also consume more of the drug in proportion to body mass than a person would normally use. Dogs will show lack of coordination, listlessness, stupor, dilated pupils and a slow heart rate. Symptoms can show up within minutes or be delayed for days. When dogs are brought for emergency-treatment, veterinarians must carefully ask if there is any possibility of marijuana exposure.
Because marijuana is classified asa DEA schedule 1 drug, veterinarians cannot prescribe it. Research has not been done to the level needed for confidence on the dose and uses for pets. Published reports have claimed that marijuana improved the final days of a dog with cancer and helped a cat with mobility-problems and even a horse.
I was in Harrisburg a few years ago for a veterinary legislative day. At the time, a church group was asking lawmakers to permit the use of cannabis for a child with seizures. I was touched to see her parents trying to persuade legislators to legalize the compassionate use of this or anyother drug that might help her.
Clinical uses of marijuana include pain, inflammation, epilepsy, anxiety, neurologic conditions, vomiting, appetite, diabetes, bone formation, cancer and glaucoma. Veterinarians must have a working knowledge on both the benefit and toxicity to pets. We must educate owners to be careful with the drug around their pets.