Conference Proceedings

is 99% CBD, has had successful stage 3 FDA trials in severe forms of childhood epilepsy. Therefore it is reasonable to believe that CBD may have the potential to control seizures in dogs. Cannabis in veterinary cancer patients Study of the use of Cannabis products in veterinary oncology is limited at this time. In human oncology, cannaboids are used to support patients undergoing treatment by reducing vomiting, nausea, and pain, and stimulating appetite. Although some studies have shown anti-neoplastic effects with Cannabis products, there is evidence that there may be negative effects, such as a reduction in host anti-tumour immunity. Cannabis in veterinary internal medicine Study of the use of Cannabis products in veterinary internal medicine is virtually non-existent at this time. However, if you search for CBD uses in fields of human internal medicine, there are an increasing number of reports. Of greatest note are studies involving diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Often, studies are carried out in mice, which may be translatable to some areas of veterinary medicine. Studies have shown an increase in diabetic remission, and a reduction in diabetic side effects, in mice with diabetes mellitus treated with CBD. These improvements, and also those seen in inflammatory conditions, appear to be primarily related to anti-inflammatory effects. The toxicology of Cannabis products While there may not be much information available on the therapeutic use of Cannabis products in veterinary medicine, there is a large amount available on the toxicology in dogs and cats. In the United States, where an increasing number of states are legalizing the use of medicinal marijuana, the Pet Poison Hotline reported a 448% increase of reports in the past 6 years. After Colorado legalized the use of medicinal marijuana, the frequency of marijuana toxicosis in dogs at two veterinary hospitals increased 4-fold over a 5-year period. Most cases of Cannabis product toxicosis in pets are due to accidental ingestion of laced products, although toxicosis secondary to marijuana smoke inhalation is possible. Owners may be reluctant or unwilling to admit that their pet had exposure. In addition, many pets ingest additional toxic substances along with the Cannabis product, such as chocolate, which will complicate toxicoses. Some forms of Cannabis products may contain additives of which the owner is unaware. In some cases, treatment may be pursued with an assumption of exposure, and tailored to clinical signs at presentation. Clinical signs can be seen within minutes to hours of exposure. Clinical signs of poisoning include lethargy, incoordination, disorientation, a dazed expression, slow response times, ataxia, mydriasis, hyperesthesia, tremors, twitching, vomiting, ptyalism, dribbling urine, bradycardia or tachycardia, vocalization, hyperactivity, and coma. Treatment of pets with Cannabis intoxication varies with presentation, and also with exposure to additional toxic substances. Many cases can be treated on an out-patient basis; a 2012 study in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care indicated that 58% of cases were treated this way. Activated charcoal can be administered if the Cannabis product was ingested within 4- 6 hours. Benzodiazepines can be administered if tachycardia and/or excessive nervous system stimulation are noted. Oxygen therapy may be required, and safety provided so that the pet 2019 OVMA Conference 239 TABLE OF CONTENTS 15001 duquE WEBB - MEdICAL uSE ANd TOxICOSIS OF MARIJuANA IN VETERINARy pRACTICE

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