Efficacy of a 20:1 CBD:THC Cannabis Herbal Extract for Pain and Inflammation in Dogs Following Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy

Chloe Lyons¹K Romany Pinto²Kira Penney²Laura Holmes¹Abdul Salama³Jane Alcorn³Alan Chicoine^1*

• ¹Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
• ²Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
• ³University of Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Saskatoon, Canada

Objective: This study investigates the efficacy of 20:1 CBD:THC cannabis herbal extract (CHE) in reducing pain and improving mobility in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLr). Methods: Forty-eight dogs were enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine between December 2022 and October 2024. Dogs were assigned to one of three treatment groups: placebo (flavored olive oil), 2 mg CBD (0.1 mg THC) /kg bw, or 5 mg CBD (0.25 mg THC)/kg bw. All dogs received a standard peri-and post-operative analgesic protocol consisting of opioids, nerve blocks, NSAIDs, and gabapentin. Veterinary assessments were performed on days +1 and +14 post-operatively and included Glasgow Composite Pain Scores (GCPS), stifle range of motion (ROM), thigh and stifle circumference, and gait symmetry ratios. Owners were advised to complete a modified Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) on days +3, +7, and +14. Plasma cannabinoid concentrations on Days 1 and 14 were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations. Results: Forty-two dogs completed the study. All dogs had marked improvement in owner-reported pain scores from day +1 to day +14, regardless of treatment group. There were no significant differences in outcome measures between treatment groups. Potential treatment x day interactions were noted for ROM and gait symmetry; the high CHE dose group had marginally greater function on Day +1 but any effects did not persist to Day +14. No serious adverse events were reported; mild gastrointestinal effects (vomiting or diarrhea) were noted in seven cases. Owners reported the CHE doses were generally well tolerated. Plasma cannabinoid concentrations were highly variable and did not correlate with clinical outcomes. Clinical Significance: Overall, administration of an oral 20:1 CBD:THC cannabis herbal extract in addition to a standard analgesic protocol did not improve analgesia and limb function following TPLO surgery in dogs. Minor functional benefits may have occurred in the higher CHE dose group, but only on the first day following surgery. Current multimodal peri-and postoperative analgesic practices were effective, irrespective of CHE administration.