Atopic Dermatitis: Learn the story of the Shih Tzu who improved quality of life using cannabis oil
After a decade trying to find a dignified treatment for the disease, the dog's guardian found salvation in marijuana
Published on 12/13/2023
“So this is quality sleep? I like it!”. This must have been the thought of Shih Tzu Steve who managed to sleep through the night for the first time in over 10 years. According to his guardian, Paola Gomes, the dog, a resident of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, has been living with atopic dermatitis since he was six months old, an infection or inflammation of the skin, causing itching, redness, hair loss, and sores.
For over a decade, Paola tried to find a solution to treat the disease's symptoms. She changed the brand of food, cleaning products, tried using corticosteroids, all attempts without the expected results, until about two years ago, when Steve was 11 years old, his guardian discovered marijuana oil.
“Before, everything Steve did was a reason to scratch and lick himself, he couldn't play, sleep, eat without the dermatitis bothering him. Now, he is more active, does everything normally. The quality of life has improved a lot. I spent some time not knowing how to treat Steve, until I found the oil. I wish I had found this alternative earlier,” Paola reports.
Along with a considerable reduction in itching, the guardian celebrates the improvement in the dog's coat, which is no longer dry, red, and brittle. Manifestations caused by conventional medicines used to treat atopic dermatitis, all of which were replaced by five daily drops of cannabis oil.
Dermatitis and cannabis
The largest organ in the body, both in humans and dogs, the skin is the main affected by atopic dermatitis, simple contact with dust, pollen, mites, or flea bites can cause complications for the dog. According to the veterinarian and PhD student at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Carollina Mariga, cannabis plays an essential role in skin treatment.
“The oil is capable of improving the inflammation present in the body, leading to a decrease in itching, sores, and other symptoms of dermatitis. In addition, cannabis can also act on the treatment of anxiety and stress, two motivators of the disease,” the veterinarian reports.
In Steve's case, marijuana oil had an incredible effect on the skin.
“Before, his skin was never 'clean,' 'smooth,' there were always several sores. That has now passed, there are no more sores. At most, a scab here and there, which are very irrelevant. In addition, in places where he had lost his fur, there is now a layer of fuzz,” according to Paola.
Research with the plant
In August 2022, Paola took Steve to the University Veterinary Hospital (HVU), located at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), to participate in Carollina's master's research on the use of cannabis to treat canine atopic dermatitis. Considered a “symbol” of the impact of marijuana on the lives of dogs with the disease, Steve went through all the study processes and currently continues to consult with the veterinarian.
In addition to him, 14 other animals participated in the double-blind study - half received the medication and the other half received another substance for comparison. Now, during her doctorate, Carollina continues to study and seek to understand the role of cannabis in dermatitis treatment.
“The complexity of atopic dermatitis and its difficult control are the 'X' of the question. I believe that the over 550 substances present in cannabis are essential in treating the disease. Phytocannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), have an anti-inflammatory action, fatty acids help restore the skin's barrier, factors that enable homeostasis (balance) in the dog's system,” the veterinarian reports.
