Gogglebox's Jenny in tears after Arthritis revelation
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Any animal lover would know that dogs have emotions – they can feel joy, fear and pain. Would it break your heart to know your beloved pooch is suffering from arthritis? Could CBD be a key ingredient to soothe inflamed joints? Dr Matthew Halpert said: “The biological characteristics of arthritis in dogs closely resemble those of the human condition.” The researcher from the Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, conducted scientific studies to assess the potential therapeutic effects of CBD for arthritic pain in dogs.
CBD treatment is rapidly increasing in popularity due to anecdotal evidence suggesting it’s an effective pain relief tool, hence the investigation.
Lab studies have already shown that CBD can reduce inflammatory markers within human and rat cells.
Thus, in investigating the matter further, the researchers turned towards the next test subject – dogs.
The trial
There were 20 domesticated dogs involved in the trial, who were seen at the Sunset Animal Hospital in Houston, Texas.
The dog owners were randomly provided with identical unidentified medication bottles that contained CBD, liposomal CBD, or a placebo.
Liposomal CBD is artificially formed tiny spherical sacs that are used to deliver substances into tissues at higher rate of absorption.
Neither the owners nor the veterinarian knew which treatment each dog received.
After four weeks of daily treatment, owners and vets reported on the condition of the dogs.
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This included whether they observed changes in the animals’ level of pain.
In addition, the dogs’ cell blood count and blood indicators of liver and kidney functions were evaluated before and after the four weeks of treatment.
“We found encouraging results,” Dr Halpert said. “Nine of the 10 dogs on CBD showed benefits, which remained for two weeks after the treatment stopped.”
This suggests that CBD – the non-addictive product derived from hemp (cannabis) – can significantly improve quality of life for dogs and their owners.
Dr Halpert continued: “We did not detect alterations in the blood markers we measured, suggesting that, under the conditions of our study, the treatment seems to be safe.”
These finding support further research into the field of CBD pain management in arthritic subjects.
Arthritis in dogs
The Kennel Club said the condition can be “as uncomfortable for our dogs as it is in humans”.
Signs of arthritis in dogs include:
- Limping
- Stiffness
- Wincing/pain when touched
- Irritability
- Reluctance to get up from rest, climb stairs, or to jump and play
- Heat around affected area
- Swelling
- Licking paws, elbows or hips
The pain, discomfort and stiffness is caused by the cartilage within a joint becoming damaged.
Damaged cartilage is less smooth, and can cause the bones within the joint to rub together, leading to pain and more damage.
If you’re concerned, a visit to the vet can confirm if your dog is suffering from arthritis.
Should arthritis be confirmed, the vet will offer a variety of treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drugs.
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