23 Jul CBD and Its Expanding Potential in Veterinary Medicine – A Review of Case Report: “Treatment of Non-Medical Tetrahydrocannabinol Toxicosis with Transmucosal Cannabinoid-Infused Dissolving Sheets in Six Dogs”
In the early stages of veterinary cannabis education—whether in clinical training or client discussions—it’s crucial to clearly distinguish between the two primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). One of the most common concerns among both new prescribers and clients is: “Will my pet get high?”
THC and CBD share the same molecular formula (C₂₁H₃₀O₂), but differ structurally—leading to drastically different effects. THC is psychoactive, meaning it can produce a “high,” whereas CBD is non-intoxicating and commonly used for therapeutic purposes. Dogs are particularly sensitive to THC due to a higher density of cannabinoid receptors in the cerebellum, where THC binds and produces typical clinical signs of toxicosis.
While this distinction is becoming more widely understood, what’s particularly compelling is how the recent case report sheds new light on CBD’s therapeutic potential—even in treating the adverse effects of THC itself.
Overview of the Case Report
The publication, “Treatment of Non-Medical Tetrahydrocannabinol Toxicosis with Transmucosal Cannabinoid-Infused Dissolving Sheets in Six Dogs”, is the first report to document the use of CBD as a treatment for canine THC toxicosis. It not only highlights the safety profile differences between these two cannabinoids but also presents CBD as a potential therapeutic agent to counteract THC-induced adverse effects. It’s a compelling read for both general practice and emergency veterinarians.
THC Toxicosis in Dogs
In recent years, with the increased availability of cannabis products for human use, there has been a notable rise in reported cases of marijuana toxicosis in dogs—often resulting from accidental ingestion of edibles or inhalation of second-hand smoke.
Typical clinical signs of THC toxicosis in dogs include:
- Lethargy
- Ataxia
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypersensitivity to light and sound
- Vomiting
Severity depends on the dose and route of exposure.
Additional signs associated with THC toxicosis can include:
- Neurological: proprioceptive deficits, tremors, hyperesthesia, disorientation
- Ocular: mydriasis
- GI: ptyalism, anorexia
- Cardiopulmonary: hypothermia, bradycardia
- Biochemical: elevated ALP
Standard treatment protocols generally involve supportive care aimed at reducing absorption: fluid therapy, emesis induction, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, thermal support, sedation, and monitoring. Recovery times vary from hours to several days.
Importantly, in Australia, prognosis is typically favorable due to the absence of synthetic cannabinoids in the marketplace, which pose a greater risk if ingested compared to naturally derived cannabinoids from the cannabis plant.
Case Report Summary: Six Dogs Treated with CBD
Diagnosis in all six patients was made based on historical exposure and clinical signs consistent with THC toxicosis. While three dogs had confirmed THC ingestion, the others had highly suspected exposure.
Common presenting signs included:
- Ataxia
- Hypersensitivity (light/sound)
- Urinary incontinence
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Tremors
Treatment involved administration of CBD-infused transmucosal dissolving sheets, with dosages ranging from 0.4–2.6mg/kg. Improvement in clinical signs was observed in 5 of 6 dogs within 45 minutes, demonstrating the potential for CBD to counteract THC effects.
See below each patient’s signalment, presentation, exam findings CBD dose and response:
| Case | Signalment | Presentation | Physical Exam | TPR | CBD Dose | Response After 45 mins |
| 1 | 3y, 18.8kg SF Pitbull X | Ataxia, swaying, ptyalism, urination, vomiting | Anxious, light/sound sensitivity, severe ataxia, urinary incontinence | HR 120, RR 40, Temp 37.4°C | 10mg (0.5mg/kg) | Urinary dribbling ceased, light/sound sensitivity resolved, mild ataxia remained |
| 2 | 8y, 24.5kg SF Mixed Breed | Lethargy, ataxia, flinching | Ataxic, light/sound sensitivity | HR 88, RR 16, Temp 36.5°C | 10mg (0.4mg/kg) | Light/sound sensitivity resolved; lethargy and ataxia improved |
| 3 | 5m, 4.9kg M French Bulldog | Lethargy | Quiet, responsive, mild nares stenosis, distended firm abdomen | – | 2.5mg (0.5mg/kg) | Ataxia and tremors resolved |
| 4 | 4m, 3.9kg SF Mini Dachshund | Shaking, lethargy | Anxious, light/sound sensitivity, ataxic, mild urinary incontinence | HR 130, RR 20, Temp 38.6°C | 5mg (1.3mg/kg) x2 doses 20 mins apart | After 90 mins (12.8mg/kg THC ingestion): all signs resolved except mild ataxia |
| 5 | 2y, 7.3kg NM Dachshund | Ataxia, lethargy, vomiting | Anxious, light/sound sensitivity, mild urinary incontinence | HR 120, RR 40, Temp 38.4°C | 5mg (0.7mg/kg) | All signs resolved |
| 6 | 10y, 5.0kg NM JRT X | Vomiting, ataxia, urine dribbling | Quiet, hyperreactive, ataxic | HR 102, RR 42, Temp 38.8°C | 5mg (1mg/kg) | All signs resolved |
Note: One patient had ingested a known quantity—half of a 100mg THC gummy, equating to 12.8mg/kg of THC.
Key Take Homes
It is likely that many veterinary professionals are unaware of CBD’s potential to reduce THC effects, via its ability to displace THC at cannabinoid receptor binding sites. This case report also demonstrates that the use of transmucosal CBD may offer additional benefits over oral formulations, including:
- Faster onset of action (peak plasma levels in 30–60 minutes)
- Higher bioavailability (bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism)
- Ease of administration, particularly in nauseated or neurologically compromised patients
- Minimally invasive and well-tolerated delivery
Importantly, the findings provide a novel, low-risk, and practical intervention that could reduce the need for more intensive supportive care, limit hospitalization time, and offer peace of mind for concerned pet parents. As interest in cannabinoid medicine grows, this report serves as one of many valuable steps forward in broadening the therapeutic applications of CBD within veterinary practice.
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