Luna, the puppy fighting lupus, completes 2 years of treatment with cannabis

It has been two years since Luna started treatment for discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), a common skin autoimmune condition in dogs. In this journey for health to provide a better quality of life for Luna, her guardians opted for medicinal cannabis because conventional treatment with corticosteroids, although effective, resulted in undesirable side effects such as irritability and drastic behavioral changes. After starting cannabinoid treatment, the family celebrates the recovery of the lesion on Luna's snout. The spot that was growing every day has now practically disappeared.   

“The lesion gradually improved over the days until it became almost imperceptible. However, we noticed that she gained weight, felt uncomfortable with almost everything, became aggressive with her brother when he tried to play with her, drank a lot of water, and ate much more than usual. In short, it was evident that she was uncomfortable,” comments Clarice, Luna's guardian.  

The treatment with corticosteroids for DLE is for the patient's entire life, as there is no cure for the disease. It is very important for the patient to be comfortable with the treatment. “As lupus erythematosus is an immune-mediated pathology, cannabis treatment serves as an effective therapeutic tool due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Conventional corticosteroid-based therapy is commonly indicated but can bring side effects. Since the treatment is continuous, it is essential that the patient does not experience these negative effects,” explains veterinarian Bruno Perozzo.

Recall Luna's journey

In search of an effective treatment without such harmful side effects for Luna, the hypothesis arose during a consultation with Professor Marcy Lancia Pereira and Professor and speaker at the Brazilian Congress of Medicinal Cannabis, Erik Amazonas, to start treatment with medicinal cannabis. “Access to the oil was facilitated by Professor Erik, who conducts research on the use of cannabis oil for treatments in animals,” explained Clarice.  

Gradually, the corticosteroids were weaned off, and the medicinal cannabis treatment was implemented simultaneously. As a result, the changes Luna exhibited, such as aggression after starting corticosteroid administration, gradually decreased, giving way to her usual energy and joy.  

Luna's disease is currently stabilized with cannabis oil for two years, without relying on corticosteroids. “In this case, the full-spectrum oil rich in cannabidiol proves to be a very safe and effective therapeutic alternative,” adds Perozzo.