N16 - Evaluating the Benefits of Cannabidiol for Analgesia Following Surgery for Intervertebral Disc Herniation in Dogs

Abstract: Background: The use of cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise in the treatment of pain in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives:

1. CBD-rich hemp extract provided with gabapentin following surgery will result in improved analgesia and decreased opioid requirements compared to patients receiving gabapentin alone.

2. No major adverse effects will be observed with CBD rich hemp and gabapentin.


Animals: Dogs, with intact deep pain, presenting for acute intervertebral disc herniation.

Methods:

Double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

5 mg/kg CBD-rich hemp provided as an equal mix of CBD and CBDA in sesame oil or placebo sesame oil were provided every 8 hrs in conjunction with oral gabapentin

After surgery, all patients were given injectable methadone and started on the oral treatments. Patients were pain scored with a validated system every 2 hours 24 hours and every 4 hours from 24-48 hours. Rescue analgesia (methadone) was given if pain score was > 5/20 and recorded each time.

Results:

Twenty dogs completed the study without adverse events.

Average pain scores over 48 hours for the CBD group were2.9+/-1.1(median 2.7). Placebo average pain scores were 3.7+/- 4.3, median 4.3). Mann Whitney U analysis found no significant difference (p=0.054); yet a trend towards significance with CBD rich hemp was observed.

Average number of methadone rescues over 48-hours in the CBD group was 2.8+/-2.5 (median 2); placebo group mean was3.66+/-2.45 (median 5). Mann Whitney U Test found no significant difference (p=0.535).

Conclusion and clinical importance: Further investigation of CBD as an adjunctive analgesic following spinal surgery in dogs is warranted.