Cannabis Oil Reduces Dog Lupus, Brazilian Study Finds

Dogs are more than just pets; they are loyal companions, faithful friends, and beloved family members. However, some dogs suffer from a chronic and debilitating condition that affects their skin and quality of life: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).

DLE is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and loss of pigmentation on the nose and ears of dogs. It can also lead to painful ulcers, infections, and scarring. DLE is not curable, and conventional treatments often have limited effectiveness and serious side effects.

But what if there was a natural and safe alternative that could offer relief and hope to dogs with DLE? A team of veterinary students and scientists from Brazil has discovered that cannabis oil, a product derived from the cannabis plant, can do just that.

How Cannabis Oil Works for Dogs with DLE

Cannabis oil is a liquid extract that contains various compounds from the cannabis plant, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties, which means they can reduce inflammation, pain, and immune system overactivity.

The researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina and the Cannabis Development and Innovation Center in Brazil conducted a study on a dog with severe DLE that did not respond to conventional treatments.

They gave the dog oral doses of cannabis oil twice a day for 12 weeks and monitored its clinical and laboratory parameters.

The results were remarkable: the dog showed significant improvement in its skin lesions, hair growth, and pigmentation. The dog also had reduced levels of inflammatory markers and antibodies in its blood, indicating a lower degree of autoimmune activity. The dog did not experience any adverse effects from the cannabis oil.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, is the first of its kind to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of cannabis oil for dogs with DLE.

The researchers believe that cannabis oil can modulate the immune system and restore the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals in the skin.

What This Means for Dogs with DLE and Their Owners

This breakthrough discovery opens up new possibilities for the treatment and management of DLE in dogs.

Cannabis oil could offer a natural and effective alternative to corticosteroids, the main drugs used to treat DLE, which can cause serious side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, liver damage, and infections.

Cannabis oil could also improve the quality of life and well-being of dogs with DLE, as well as their owners, who often struggle with the emotional and financial burden of caring for a chronically ill pet.

Cannabis oil could reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, prevent complications, and enhance the appearance and comfort of the dogs.

However, more research is needed to confirm the findings and determine the optimal dosage and formulation of cannabis oil for dogs with DLE.

Cannabis oil is not yet widely available or legal for veterinary use in many countries, and its quality and composition may vary depending on the source and extraction method.

Therefore, owners of dogs with DLE should consult with their veterinarians before considering cannabis oil as a treatment option. They should also be aware of the potential risks and benefits, as well as the legal and ethical implications, of using cannabis oil for their pets.

Cannabis oil may not be a miracle cure for dogs with DLE, but it could be a new hope for many of them. By harnessing the power of nature, cannabis oil could offer a novel and promising way to treat a challenging and distressing condition.