Tarleton University has completed its study using a Full Spectrum CBD oil (Full Spectrum Oil does contain some THC) on horses.
Equine stress or stress in general, can be detrimental to the body over long periods and have damaging consequences throughout the aging process. For example, stress may lead to a weakened immune system and the body's natural response to fight off an infection or foreign pathogen, which horses can encounter daily in their ordinary routines of living outside or being transported to diverse environments (1).
This research study aimed to determine if stress levels and stress-induced behaviors could be lowered when administering full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) products to horses when they show signs of behavioral stress or stress during transportation.
In this study, six stock-type horses were administered a seven-day oral dose of a full-spectrum CBD product, compared to olive oil as the control. In each horse, cortisol levels were measured before and after transport and they were compared to the control. Prior to transport, the cortisol levels were the same in the horses that were administered CBD compared to the control group.
The research demonstrated that higher doses of CBD (.6mg/kg of body weight) are more effective overall compared to lower doses of CBD (.3mg/kg of body weight). In both dosages, CBD was non-detectable after 24 hours with the highest blood concentration levels peaking at four hours after it was administered*.
Signs of stress and the results
Behavioral signs of stress were defined as observing how often a horse paced in their stall, kicked at a neighboring animal, pawed at the ground , vocalizaed through neighing and displayed signs of aggression with their ears pinned back, showed their teeth, or charged the walls of the stall. A Behavioral stress responses, including kicking, aggression, pawing, and vocalization behaviors all decreased when administered the full-spectrum CBD product compared to the control.
Transportation may cause stress and can lead to severe outcomes depending upon the type of transport and duration (2). Some health complications associated with transportation are changes in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal aggravation, an increase in body temperature, and external injuries (2).
Post-transport, cortisol levels were lower in the horses that were administered full-spectrum CBD products compared to those that were administered the control. Both of the control and CBD-treated horses had higher cortisol levels post-transport compared to pre-transport. The temperature of each horse was taken rectally post-transport, and a decrease in temperature was seen in the horses that were administered CBD compared to the control.
Studies continue to show the tremendous potential CBD products can offer ourselves and our animals. More research is needed; however, studies have shown that CBD is beneficial in dealing with stressors, injury, and relieving pain.
*Please note that although the FEI has reclassified Cannabinoid (CBD and CBDA) products as controlled medications, they are still not to be used in competition. Please check with the governing body for regulations or test your specific animal's withdrawal times.
Acronyms:
Cannabidiol: CBD
References:
Dragoş, D., & Tănăsescu, M. D. (2010). The effect of stress on the defense systems. Journal of medicine and life, 3(1), 10–18.
Padalino, B., Hall, E., Raidal, S., Celi, P., Knight, P., Jeffcott, L., & Muscatello, G. (2015). Health Problems and Risk Factors Associated with Long Haul Transport of Horses in Australia. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 5(4), 1296–1310. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani5040412
To read full article:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cbd-study-shows-reduced-stress-in-animals-during-transport-301594289.html
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