Can CBD for Horses Help Treat Equine Health Conditions?

CAN CBD FOR HORSES HELP TREAT EQUINE HEALTH CONDITIONS?

CBD is increasing in use in the pet world. Here, Boriana Slabakova from Petpedia discusses if CBD for horses will help…

An ailing animal is one of the worst things that can happen to a pet owner. Those who have seen their beloved pets struggle with health problems understand how stressful and emotionally painful it is to watch them battle with different health conditions.

The issue becomes even more complicated when a pet is not a cuddly rabbit or a faithful canine but rather a majestic horse. Most owners are willing to do whatever it takes to help their pets, and that includes venturing into, more or less, uncharted territory such as using products like CBD that are celebrated by some and frowned upon by others.

According to available data, Australians own about one million domestic horses. While those less familiar with these amazing animals might see them as a synonym for strength, power, and unparalleled elegance, the reality is that horses, just like other animals, suffer from health problems.

The most common health conditions that affect horses include equine arthritis, equine encephalomyelitis, laminitis, Potomac horse fever, botulism, and colic.

Because horses have been, in one way or another, just as frequent human companions as dogs, there are a lot of medications available. What makes the administration of medicine tricky is the proper dosage. If not administered correctly, medicine can harm your pet.

This issue becomes even more complicated when a new medicine or supplement appears on the market, especially if it is cannabis-based.

Is CBD Legal in Australia?

The state health ministers gave the green light to the trading of hemp products in Australia in 2018. However, it is crucial to know that CBD products sold in Australia cannot contain more than 0.005% THC. If they do contain more, the products are deemed an illicit substance and cannot be manufactured, sold, or distributed.

What Is CBD?

While there are people who are familiar with its benefits, CBD is viewed by many as a potentially dangerous compound. However, science claims otherwise. CBD is not the same as marijuana. Yes, they are both derived from the cannabis plant, but they are quite different. CBD is found in hemp and does not contain THC that gets people “high.”

The research has shown that THC can be toxic to cats and dogs and should not be administered. The narrative is different when it comes to CBD for horses research, which is gaining momentum when it comes to managing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, cancer treatment side effects, inflammation, and similar.

Why CBD Has an Effect on Horses?

Science has proven that all animals (and humans) have an endocannabinoid system that is responsible for maintaining biological balance and promoting homeostasis. Since CBD is a cannabinoid, the two work in unison since animals’ bodies process and metabolize CBD naturally. Apparently, owners and veterinarians who tried to help their horses by using CBD noticed an improvement in the following issues:

Health conditions, such as ulceration, arthritis, and laminitis.
Anxiety and high levels of stress during traveling and shows.
Gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, lack of appetite, nausea, ulcers, and bloating.

While the study on the effects of CBD on humans is still new and ongoing, even less is known about its impact on our pets. There is some research available on the positive effects of CBD on dogs and cats suffering from osteoarthritis and epilepsy. Still, the conclusive and extensive study on the effects of CBD on horses is virtually non-existent. All conclusions are drawn from individual cases.

What Is the Official Stance on CBD for Horses?

The USEF (The United States Equestrian Federation) and the AQHA (The American Quarter Horse Association) have banned all CBD products for competition horses because there is no evidence of how CBD might affect the performance of these animals. In other words, they have no idea if CBD could be an enhancer or if it could have adverse effects.

However, here is an interesting tidbit—The World Anti-Doping Code (WADA) allows athletes, as well as horse riders, to use CBD products as they are not seen as enhancers. Also, the American Veterinary Medical Association approved the resolution that seeks rescheduling of cannabinoids like CBD as the positive impact on animals’ health outweighs the possible adverse effects. That would also allow for more studies and research.

Personal Experiences of Administering CBD to Horses

Many pet owners and veterinarians have reported numerous health benefits their animals have experienced since they started to administer CBD products that have very few or no adverse effects. The same cannot be said about all over-the-counter medications sold for animals.

Dr. Chelsea Luedke sees CBD neither as a medication nor as a supplement. Still, due to its relaxing properties, she believes it can be especially useful for stressed horses.

Additionally, she claims that using CBD for horses to treat osteoarthritis and other mobility issues has been very successful. According to Luedke, CBD can be considered safe, while high levels of toxicity can only occur if the soil has been contaminated. That can be avoided if we take the Certificate of Analysis (COA) into account. You have the right to contact every company that produces CBD products for horses (or other pets) and request COA from them. Dr. Luedke also claims that the best results can be achieved if CBD products for horses are administered orally.

Also, she believes many horse owners who already use CBD to treat their animals for a variety of health issues usually underdose due to the lack of any conclusive research. According to Luedke, the right dosage is between 300 and 500 milligrams per day.

The bottom line is, no matter what you decide to do as an owner, the decision has to be made after thorough research, which is neither extensive nor conclusive.

Talk to your vet who has already treated your horse and knows about the issues you are dealing with. Bear in mind that no scientific study has been conducted that involves horses and CBD products. The only available data is based on individual cases where veterinarians and horse owners have relied on their judgments when it comes to the administration of CBD.

About the author
Boriana Slabakova is a lifelong pet lover with many years of experience working with a variety of domestic and exotic animals. Petpedia became her outlet to share her love for animals and what she has learned over the years. When she’s not writing she’s diving to new depths to explore marine life, playing fetch with her buds Zara and Roxy, or volunteering at pounds, rescue centers, and sanctuaries. Boriana is always ready to share her knowledge and experience, and will gladly lend a helping hand to any pet owner or animal in need.