The debate over medical marijuana for humans has been going on for years, and now it's legal in more than 20 states. But could pot also help our pets?
16-year-old Pepper has always been playful.
Lisa Anderson Pepper's owner told Ivanhoe, "She loves everybody. She explores everything."
But arthritis recently slowed down this active cat.
"It was causing her to not want to jump up on the couch or up on the chair" Anderson explained.
13-year-old Sadie isn't as spunky as she used to be either.
Julie Larsen, Sadie's owner told Ivanhoe, "We think she probably has a brain tumor at this point."
She has pain, vision loss, and frequent seizures.
"She's perfectly happy otherwise" Larsen said.
But Pepper and Sadie's owners have a secret "feel better" ingredient they add to their pets' food. Its pot, but it isn't about getting high!
Sarah Brandon, DVM co-owner of Canna Companion told Ivanhoe, "It is physiologically impossible to get high with our product."
Veterinarian Sarah Brandon sells organic hemp to pet owners. The product contains less than 1.3 percent THC, which is what causes a marijuana high. Hemp can relieve pain, increase appetite; improve allergies, and slow seizures in pets.
"Their pets feel good again, and that's why we're here. That's why we're doing this" Brandon explained.
But there are side effects such as: feeling lethargic, loose stools, and rarely, vomiting. Some critics argue there's not enough research in animals to know what doses are safe. But Brandon says she's only seen positive results and even takes the hemp herself.
Brandon told Ivanhoe, "The dogs get theirs, I get mine. We get up the next morning, and we're more comfortable for the next day's hike."
The hemp has helped Pepper get back to her active self, and Sadie suffers from fewer seizures.
Larsen said, "We noticed a difference right away!"
An unlikely treatment that these owners say made all the difference for their furry companions.
BACKGROUND: Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease seen mostly in the elderly. However, humans are not the only species prone to this ailment. Arthritis is also a common diagnosis among elderly cats and dogs. When a joint becomes inflamed or unstable, the bones move abnormally within the joint. This can cause pain and difficulty during normal movements. Pet owners may notice their dog moving slower or limping while walking. Larger dogs are typically more prone to arthritis than smaller dogs, so appropriate diets and regular exercise are crucial to prevent early arthritis in these breeds. Arthritis in cats is harder to diagnose because they are usually less active than dogs. If a cat starts behaving abnormally or seems unable to use the litter box, you should talk with your veterinarian. (Source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/evr_multi_how-to-recognize-arthritis-signs-in-pets)
TREATMENTS: Existing treatments for arthritis in pets include medications and therapy. A popular treatment option is to give the pet non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Rimadyl, Metacam, and Deramaxx are all examples of these types of medication, which work similar to ibuprofen in humans. However, gastrointestinal bleeding and liver disease are risks associated with long-term use of these medications. Joint supplements, such as glucosamine, can also be recommended to slow down the wearing away of cartilage. While supplements generally have fewer health risks, they are slower in relieving pain. Physical therapy, surgery, and acupuncture may also be options for the pet. (Sources: http://www.cat-health-guide.org/arthritis-cat-treatment.html, http://dogs.about.com/od/caninediseases/p/Canine-Osteoarthritis-Treatment-And-Management.htm, http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2006/october/rimadyl-controversy-6509)
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT: Cannabis may be another option to alieve arthritis pain in pets. Canna Companion is an organic supplement made in the state of Washington, and it is legal in the United States. It is made of cannabis sativa strains, also known as hemp, and contains less than .3 percent THC, which can be toxic to pets in higher doses. The creators of Canna Companion say it can help control chronic pain, decrease nausea, lower anxiety, and reduce the frequency of seizures in cats and dogs. Side effects include lethargy, soft stools, and vomiting. Canna-Pet is another company manufacturing hemp-based supplements for pets. Critics of the use of hemp in veterinary medicine say that there isn't enough research. Canna-Pet launched a survey earlier this year to investigate the veterinary use of cannabidiol (CBD), an active ingredient in cannabis, in animals. (Sources: http://canna-pet.com/, http://canna-pet.com/how-it-works/the-basics/, http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/1172863.htm)
* For More Information, Contact:
Sarah Brandon, DVM
206-696-6591
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