Use of Cannabis sativa advances in small animal veterinary medicine, Brazilian study finds

A study published in the Pubvet journal (v.19, n.01, e1718, 2025) provides a detailed analysis of the use of Cannabis sativa in small animal veterinary clinical practice, highlighting the growing importance of the plant in treating diseases affecting dogs and cats.

The research, conducted by Hellen Thawane Duarte and Luciana Hugue de Souza Zat from the Centro Universitário União Dinâmica das Cataratas (Foz do Iguaçu-PR), was based on a structured literature review of scientific articles published in the last three years in the freely accessible PubMed database.

Advancements in veterinary clinical practice

The survey identified that Cannabis compounds, especially cannabidiol (CBD), have been applied with positive results in different clinical situations:

• Dogs: treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis, epilepsy, travel-induced stress, and urothelial cancer.
• Cats: used as an analgesic for chronic osteoarthritis.

These findings reinforce the trend of veterinary medicine keeping pace with the established advances in human medicine, where Cannabis has been used in pain management, inflammation, neurological disorders, and various other conditions.

Endocannabinoid system: key to therapeutic effects

The study also highlights the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), composed of receptors, endogenous ligands, and enzymes, crucial in regulating functions such as pain, metabolism, sleep, mood, memory, inflammation, and muscle activity. The interaction of phytocannabinoids with this system explains the diversity of therapeutic effects observed.

History and regulation

Despite the current spotlight, the use of medicinal Cannabis is not new. Historical records indicate that the plant was used over 2,700 years ago in China and India to treat conditions such as malaria, intense pain, rheumatism, seizures, and even menstrual disorders. In Europe, its medicinal application was also documented in prescriptions for stomach pains, nervous problems, and rheumatism.

However, the scenario changed in the 20th century when several countries began restricting the consumption and production of Cannabis, leading to its banning as a medicinal substance in many places. Today, with new scientific studies, there is a movement towards revaluation and regulation of the plant's therapeutic use, including in the veterinary field.

Importance for veterinarians and pet owners

According to the authors, the review serves as an information source for veterinarians, students, and researchers, guiding future investigations in the field. With a scientific basis, professionals can expand their therapeutic options, offering pet owners new possibilities for safe and effective treatment.

"Cannabis sativa, once stigmatized, is being rediscovered by science. In veterinary medicine, it represents an innovative alternative for the care of dogs and cats, especially in cases of difficult clinical management," Duarte and Zat emphasize in the article.

Reference:
DUARTE, Hellen Thawane; ZAT, Luciana Hugue de Souza. Analysis of the use of Cannabis sativa in small animal veterinary clinical practice: a current view. PUBVET, v.19, n.01, e1718, p.1-7, 2025. DOI: 10.31533/pubvet.v19n01e1718