The use of cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative to standard anticonvulsant therapy in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

Background and Purpose of the Trial

Epilepsy is reported to affect around 5% of the canine population, making it the most common neurologic condition in dogs. There are currently a very limited number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDS) available to treat epilepsy in dogs. The primary choice of AED is currently phenobarbital which, while typically effective, can come with side effects that can be hard for both the pet and the pet owner. Studies have shown that CBD can be effective in decreasing seizures when added to a primary AED and we are now exploring if CBD can be an effective primary therapy on its own. Dogs in this study will be randomly assigned to either phenobarbital or CBD at the beginning of the study. Over the course of the first 8 weeks, the dose may be titrated up; starting at week 8, the dose can no longer be adjusted, and no other medications can be added in without needing to withdraw the pet. At the end of the study, owners and the clinician will be unblinded to ensure the pet can continue the appropriate medication or make adjustments as needed.

Who Qualifies

• Dogs must be between the ages of 1 – 6 years when the first seizure occurs
• Dogs cannot currently be on any anti-seizure medications
• Dogs must have had at least 2 seizures in 6 weeks, with at least 24 hours separating the seizures
• Dogs must be otherwise healthy
• Owners must be willing to keep a detailed seizure log throughout the study