Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th July 2019
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

‘More research’ needed on CBD oil - BVA
BVA said there is a lack of robust evidence to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CBD in pets.
Small pilot study suggests it can reduce epileptic seizures 

The British Veterinary Association has said more research is needed on the potential benefits and risks of cannabidiol (CBD) before proper regulation is brought in.

This follows a new pilot study by Colorado State University, which found that CBD oil could reduce the frequency of seizures in dogs with epilepsy, when given alongside conventional treatment.

The small study of 16 dogs assessed the short-term effect of CBD on seizure frequency. Nine dogs were treated with CBD for 12 weeks, while seven received a placebo. All dogs continued to receive standard anticonvulsant drugs, including phenobarbital and potassium bromide.

Of the dogs who received CBD, 89 per cent saw a reduction in the number of seizures they experienced. Researchers said there was a significant correlation between the degree of seizure reduction and the amount of CBD concentration in the dog’s blood. The findings have been published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Responding to the study, BVA said there is a lack of robust evidence to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CBD in pets.

Junior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “The use of cannabidiol (CBD) to treat pets is a live issue in the veterinary profession. While research is ongoing to look into its efficacy and risks, there is currently a lack of sufficient robust evidence to demonstrate health benefits and safety of CBD use in pets.
 
“The veterinary medicines regulator has stated that any products containing CBD must be regulated as a medicine, supported by scientific evidence and rigorously tested. At present no CBD-based products have been granted veterinary marketing authorisation in the UK.”

Pet owners who are concerned about their pet’s health should speak to their local vet for professional advice on safe and effective treatments, she added.

The Colorado team are now working on further research to determine whether a higher dosage could reduce seizures by more than 50 per cent. The study, which launched in January last year, aims to enrol 60 dogs. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk