Morris Animal Foundation study tests CBD efficacy for post-surgical pain management

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Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) is funding a new study to test whether the addition of cannabidiol (CBD) can improve pain management in dogs following orthopedic surgery. The study will specifically test dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), a procedure used to treat cranial cruciate ligament tears. According to the MAF, TPLO surgery is a common procedure in dogs and can be associated with significant discomfort.¹

Enrollment is currently in progress and the group hopes to complete the study in late 2024.

The research team at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada will be led by Alan Chicoine, DVM, MSc, DACVCP, assistant professor, department of veterinary biomedical sciences. According to a MAF release, “The team will assess the effect of adding CBD oil to the standard protocol used to manage postoperative pain in these patients. Dogs will be randomly assigned to either receive a placebo or CBD in addition to the standard pain control regime. Owners and their veterinarians will be blinded to their treatment group. Surveys and physical examinations will be used to assess pain, and the results will be compared between the 2 groups.”¹

“We need evidence to either support or refute the use of CBD in veterinary patients,” said Chicoine in the release. “This study hopes to objectively answer whether, in this situation, CBD provides some benefit. If it does, we want to get that information out to the veterinary community. Then dog owners, in consultation with their family veterinarian, can decide if CBD is right for them.”¹

“Finding ways to better manage pain in companion animals has been a top research focus for the Foundation,” said Kathy Tietje, PhD, MBA, Morris Animal Foundation chief program officer. “This project has the potential to provide important guidance to veterinarians and dog owners on a crucial topic in pain management.”¹

Reference

Newly funded Morris Animal Foundation study assesses CBD use for postsurgical pain in dogs. News release. Morris Animal Foundation. April 20, 2023. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/new-study-tests-CBD-dogs