Warsaw researchers evaluate the role of CBD as a palliative treatment in a dog

Date of publication: February 22, 2023

Translation: MVZ Flor Ortiz

This case study is the first to describe in detail a comparison of treatment schemes and the identification of a beneficial effect of hemp oil in multimodal oncology palliative treatment, even when curative approaches did not provide tumor remission.

Primary intracranial trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumors (TMVNP) are a rare pathology (especially in young dogs). Signs of the disease and its progression are related to unilateral trigeminal nerve dysfunction that atrophies the masticatory muscle and causes loss of facial sensation. 

Most dogs diagnosed with this type of tumor are reported to have atrophy of the temporal and masseter muscle groups and sometimes facial rubbing behavior or show signs of reduced corneal and facial sensation, absent palpebral reflex, decreased threat response, Horner's syndrome, and drooping eyelids. 

As these tumors are known to cause neuropathic pain, precise, multimodal and patient-tailored treatment is required to improve the patient's quality of life. Although the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain is challenging, non-narcotic cannabinoid oils such as cannabidiol (CBD) have shown promise.

Clinical case

A 3-year-old Leonberger breed dog presented with unilateral left temporalis muscle atrophy, concomitant left corneal hypoesthesia and mandibular pain. Based on MRI findings, he was presumptively diagnosed with a trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumor and treatment was initiated based on volumetric modulated volumetric arc therapy combined with temozolomide. Although the tumor volume remained stable, after 6 months the patient developed severe jaw pain manifested by facial rubbing, aversion to eating, and yawning. A desirable response to combinations of meloxicam, gabapentin, tramadol/buprenorphine at their maximum tolerated doses was not achieved. Only a hemp oil-based treatment combined with gabapentin successfully relieved pain symptoms within one week. However, three months later, a follow-up MRI revealed significant tumor growth associated with brain infiltration. Eventually, the patient's general condition deteriorated. The dog was euthanized 800 days after the original diagnosis.

This case study presents the combination of a commercial product containing hemp oil with CBD and gabapentin was effective in relieving pain and maintaining patient quality of life for more than eight consecutive months, illustrating the efficacy and potential of CBD-based therapeutic approaches in dogs. While more evidence-based data are needed to develop standardized treatment schemes, it is a promising prospect for managing chronic pain in companion animals, especially when a neuropathic pain component is suspected.

Reference: Wysmołek, M. E., Pankowski, F., & Latek, U. (2023). Cannabinoid oilwith gabapentin for the treatment of chronicneuropathic pain- case report. Medycyna Weterynaryjna, 79(04), 6755-2023. https://doi.org/10.21521/mw.6755