At five years old, the little dog Cruella carries a story that mixes various emotions ranging from fear, frustrated treatment attempts, and more recently, a return to quality of life. The change began to be noticed about three years ago when she started showing significant behavioral changes, such as aggression and intense fear of loud noises.

Cruella's guardian, veterinarian Aline Marques Lourencini, 31, closely monitored each stage of this process. Co-owner of the Pet De Pelos a Escamas, in Bauru, in the interior of São Paulo, she shares her professional routine and passion for animals with her husband, Gabriel Genebre.

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Fear, Apathy, and the Limits of Conventional Treatments

According to Aline, the first signs appeared after Cruella's heat cycle. “She started to become more reactive, especially to people and loud sounds. There was probably also a handling error because, being so cute, people would pet her without warning, which generated discomfort,” she recalls.

The first approach involved adjustments in the environment and routine, as well as monitoring by behavioral professionals. For about a year, Cruella underwent treatment associated with changes in her daily life. There was an improvement in her fear and aggression, but another problem arose: apathy. “She was no longer the same dog. She was very sedated, didn’t play, and lacked the energy she used to have,” she says.

After stopping the medications, new attempts were made, including flower essences, homeopathy, and herbal remedies like passionflower, but with unsatisfactory results. At the end of last year, a new prescription brought even more adverse effects. “One medication caused urinary incontinence, and another made her even more fearful,” Aline says.

Approaching Cannabis and Integrative Medicine

Enthusiastic about integrative medicine since her undergraduate studies, Aline had been following reports about the use of cannabis in both humans and animals for about two years. The challenge, however, was finding accessible and safe support for her own four-legged daughter’s case.

“I had already asked a colleague to prescribe it, but she thought it wasn’t the right time. At the end of last year, I got tired of waiting and decided to take the veterinary cannabis prescription course,” she explains.

With the proper prescription for acquisition at a human pharmacy, Aline began Cruella's treatment on January 15, using a product obtained from a compounding pharmacy. The protocol has been adjusted with the support of a veterinary colleague in the integrative field.

Noticeable Results in the First Weeks

The response to the treatment was quick. “In the first week, it was already possible to notice a significant improvement,” she states. Today, the panic episodes during rain and fireworks have practically disappeared. Previously, Cruella would hyperventilate, wouldn’t eat, and was completely disoriented. “Now she is quieter, but if we call her, she comes,” she describes.

Walks, which had become unfeasible, are now part of the routine again. “Before, any noise on the street would cause despair. Today she sniffs around, plays, and marks her territory. She’s a different dog,” Aline says. Aggression has also consistently decreased.

More than just reducing symptoms, the treatment has allowed Cruella to express natural behaviors again. “She is more cheerful, less aggressive, and less fearful. She is managing to live again,” she summarizes.

A Professional Perspective That Is Also Personal

Graduated in Veterinary Medicine since 2018, Aline has a postgraduate degree in clinical and surgical care for exotic pets and wildlife. Her interest in unconventional animals has been present since childhood and solidified even before college.

Despite her training and completed course, Aline explains that, for now, prescribing cannabis is not yet part of her routine with pet shop patients. “I want to delve deeper into studies before prescribing for other animals. For now, I am only using it with Cruella, to better understand the process and have a well-structured experience,” she states.

Cannabis and the Advancement in Veterinary Medicine

Cases like Cruella's reflect a broader movement of growth in the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine, especially within the integrative approach. 

According to a report from the Sechat Portal from September last year, cannabis has gained ground as a therapeutic alternative in different species, focusing on reducing common side effects of conventional medications and improving the quality of life for animals.

In Cruella's case, the main goal has always been to preserve her essence. “I didn’t want something that would erase who she is. I wanted her to remain playful, active, but without suffering. So far, cannabis has been providing exactly that,” Aline concludes.