One of the many chemicals found in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as hemp, is cannabidiol (CBD). It has been used in oncology for palliative care, but recent research in people and rodent models indicates that it may have immediate anti-cancer effects. Researchers at Cornell University are examining what happens to canine cancer cells when they are exposed to CBD alone or in combination with popular chemotherapy drugs (AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) Grant 02643-A: Examination of the Effects of Cannabidiol on Canine Neoplastic Cell Apoptosis/Autophagy and Potential for Chemotherapy Resistance or Sensitivity) because there is little information on the effects of CBD in canine cancer. Patients with canine cancer now have hope thanks to research findings that were recently published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology1. Osteosarcoma, mammary carcinoma, and lymphoma cell cultures from dogs were subjected to varying concentrations of CBD alone and in combination with the widely used chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin and vincristine. All examined cell lines were significantly less likely to reproduce cancer cells after using CBD oil. Lower concentrations of CBD-rich whole hemp extract than CBD oil alone were effective in reducing the growth of cancer cells. This is probably because of the “entourage effect,” in which a combination of many chemicals seems to work together to have a greater effect. However, more research is required because not all cultured hemp plants contain the same concentrations of these chemicals and because different cancers have different receptors for them. Vincristine, a chemotherapy drug, and CBD combined had a synergistic effect on reducing cancer cell reproduction, or had a stronger impact than either drug alone. The effects of mixing doxorubicin and CBD varied depending on the amounts of each drug used. This research describes how CBD, both by itself and in combination with chemotherapy drugs, can fight cancer. It also gives hints about the pathways and mechanisms that CBD affects in cancer cells in dogs. To define safe and effective dosages for dogs and better understand these mechanisms, more research is required. With more information, CBD can be used more safely and effectively, whether as a primary treatment or to treat the side effects of chemotherapy. CHF and its donors are still dedicated to researching cutting-edge canine cancer treatments like CBD. Learn more about our cancer research at akcchf. org/oncologyRPA.
1. Henry, J. G. , Shoemaker, G. , Prieto, J. M. , Hannon, M. B. , & Wakshlag, J. J. (2020). The impact of cannabidiol on the growth of cancerous cells in dogs and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) during autophagy and apoptosis Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, e12669, e12669. https://doi. org/10. 1111/vco. 12669.
Enroll in a clinical trial or donate samples to help with research on canine health. Dogs in both the healthy and diseased states must provide samples.
CBD as Part of a Vet-Approved Cancer Treatment Plan
A veterinarian or veterinary oncologist (a vet with a focus on cancer) may suggest a variety of treatment protocols depending on the type of cancer and the stage of progression it is in. Common methods include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to help them shrink, and supplemental medications to treat side effects. Veterinarians occasionally advise natural supplements like cannabidiol (CBD).
The point is that treating cancer in dogs typically involves a variety of strategies. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that CBD oil may help canine cancer patients in the following five ways when used as part of a treatment plan that has been approved by their veterinarian:
1. CBD Supports Anti-Tumor Medication
When they learn about CBD and its potential to shrink tumors, many people, understandably, balk. One of those assertions that simply sounds too good to be true But did you know that this subject has actually received a fair amount of research?
In fact, research on the anti-tumor effects of CBD in a variety of human cancers has shown:
As this study explains, in addition to having its own tumor-shrinking properties, CBD may so effectively enhance the tumor-shrinking mechanisms of radiation therapy that it may be possible to decrease the dosing of this treatment without decreased efficacy, thereby reducing the harmful and sometimes severe side effects of this therapy.
Another recent study demonstrated that mice with pancreatic cancer who were treated with CBD in addition to gemcitabine (a type of chemotherapy) had a threefold increase in survival rate over treatment with gemcitabine alone!
As more and more research on the science of cancer emerges, what researchers are coming to realize is that the body’s endocannabinoid system (yes, your furry friend has one of those, too) is intimately related to cancer. That is, the parts of the central and peripheral nervous system’s complex signaling process related to the development of cancer actively respond to cannabinoids such as CBD.
2. Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Pain and inflammation can be signs of the disease’s progression or side effects of treatment. How to treat cancer in dogs almost always includes pain management.
Unfortunately, many prescription pain medications have unwanted side effects. The possibility of overdose and ever-increasing tolerance are risks associated with opioid medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have come under increased scrutiny because of some canines’ serious GI issues, liver and kidney failure, and even death.
As researchers point out, the more severe negative side effects may be understudied and, in fact, pose more of a threat to senior and immune-compromised dogs.
Meanwhile, the ability of CBD to reduce both pain and inflammation is well documented. In addition, it may enhance the mechanisms of other classes of pain medications, allowing doctors to prescribe fewer or less of these drugs without compromising the comfort of the patient.
Furthermore, research has suggested a strong safety profile for CBD in humans and dogs, with fewer and less-severe side effects than other pain-management drugs commonly prescribed by veterinarians.
3. Boosts the Immune System
We now know that the endocannabinoid system and the immune system are closely linked. This relationship is so strong that some researchers have coined a term for these interrelated systems: the “immunocannabinoid system.”
Moreover, CBD in particular has been identified for its ability to reduce oxidative stress, an important process related to the body’s ability to fight off invading pathogens without further attacking and damaging healthy tissue.
Additionally, cannabinoids can support healthy gut regulation, which is related to immune function. We will explore this in more detail below.
4. Improves Sleep
Although research has shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in modulating sleep, the details as to what role each cannabinoid is playing are still being worked out. It is thought that THC and CBD, the two most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis (note that hemp strains contain only trace amounts of THC), work in opposite ways.
THC may act as a sleep agent, while CBD acts as a wake agent. This might not seem like it could help your suffering dog get a better night’s rest. However, research suggests that by promoting better “wake time” during the day, CBD oil may help with better sleep during the night cycle.
To be clear, this is an area of research that has had some mixed results in laboratory studies. In clinical practice, many veterinarians who use CBD as part of a complete cancer therapy may use a trial-and-error approach to find out if daytime, nighttime, or both works best to help their furry patients get a solid night’s sleep.
5. Helps with Nausea and Appetite
Unfortunately, the most common side effects of cancer treatment in dogs include problems maintaining a strong appetite and persistent nausea that can lead to anorexia. In addition, cancer-induced cachexia is a metabolic disorder that can be caused by several forms of cancer. It can also cause a severe loss of appetite and is the cause of as many as 20 percent of deaths among patients.
One of the reasons many oncologists are enthusiastic about the integration of cannabis-based medicine into a complete treatment program is the benefits various cannabinoids have for improving appetite and nausea.
In fact, it has been argued that the endocannabinoid system is deeply involved in regulating metabolism as well as overall gut health.
Believe it or not, the gut is jam-packed with endocannabinoid receptors, transmitters and enzymes. These systems help to maintain an environment favorable for the “good” gut flora as well as maintain a newly discovered “brain-gut” pathway thought to be critical to regulating a host of autonomic biological systems.
Benefits of CBD Oil For Dogs With Cancer
Understanding apoptosis, or natural cell death, is essential before understanding the advantages of CBD Oil for dogs with cancer. Apoptosis is a completely natural process that causes damaged or useless cells to die. Cancer cells do not go through apoptosis or die on their own. Because of this, unless we take action to stop them, they can continue to spread.
This is why the body’s endocannabinoid system is so important. Every mammal, including us, your dog, your cat, and even lions, tigers, and bears, oh my, has an endocannabinoid system. The goal of the endocannabinoid system is to restore balance to the body.
Cancer cells multiply too quickly for the endocannabinoid system to keep up with as the disease progresses. Without help, it is no longer able to restore the body’s equilibrium. At that point, the cancer cells start to metastasize—a process that causes them to spread throughout the body. Let’s look at the research to see what that has to do with CBD for cancer-stricken canines.
How Can I Get A Hold of CBD Oil?
Given that CBD can enhance your dog’s quality of life, you’re probably eager to give it a try. Look no further than the inventory at Innovet Pet. For dogs with cancer, we offer a variety of CBD products, including:
Instead of broad spectrum, our CBD oil is full spectrum. Currently, the vast majority of dogs do not respond well to broad spectrum CBD, despite the fact that it is great. It’s crucial to note that full spectrum CBD has a much greater entourage effect than broad spectrum CBD.
FAQ
What can I give my dog to shrink tumor?
It has been demonstrated that a calcium chloride injection can shrink canine benign tumors.
How can I shrink my dogs tumor naturally?
…
Some of the most popular and useful mushrooms include:
- Shiitake.
- Maitaki.
- Reishi.
- Turkey tail.
- Cordyceps.
Does CBD oil shrink fatty tumors in dogs?
Dog fatty tumors, also known as dog lipomas, are non-cancerous lumps that develop beneath the dog’s skin. They can cause extreme discomfort and reduce mobility. Since CBD is known to have an antitumorigenic effect, tumor growth can be slowed, stopped, or even reversed by using it.
How often do I give my dog CBD oil for cancer?
Research has shown that the half-life range in dogs given CBD oil is 3–4 hours, so how often should you dose CBD? 2 hours. That means dosing twice daily is best for your pup.