CBD for Intervertebral Disc Disease: IVDD in Dogs

Does CBD Help IVDD

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a common yet challenging condition affecting many pets, especially dogs. For pet owners, seeing their beloved animals struggle with pain, mobility issues, and anxiety can be heartbreaking. Fortunately, CBD offers a natural, side-effect-free option to help manage IVDD and improve your pet’s quality of life. Let’s explore what IVDD is, how it impacts pets, and how CBD for IVDD can make a difference.

What is IVDD?

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in the spinal column bulge or rupture into the spinal cord space. This can put pressure on the spinal nerves, leading to pain, nerve damage, or even paralysis. IVDD is one of the most common neurological disorders seen in pets, and it can occur at any age.

Symptoms of IVDD in Dogs

Pets with IVDD may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

  • Reluctance to move or jump
  • Crying out in pain when touched
  • Back pain or arched posture
  • Weakness or paralysis in limbs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Tremors or muscle spasms
  • Anxiety or behavioral changes

IVDD is especially common in certain breeds like dachshunds, beagles, and other short-legged dogs. Obesity and lack of exercise can also increase the risk of IVDD.

How CBD Helps Dogs with IVDD

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory network present in all mammals that helps maintain homeostasis. For pets with IVDD, CBD offers several benefits:

1. Reduces Pain and Inflammation

CBD helps alleviate pain and inflammation by influencing the ECS and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Unlike NSAIDs, which can cause side effects like stomach ulcers and liver toxicity, CBD provides a natural, gentler alternative.

Studies have demonstrated CBD’s ability to improve mobility and reduce discomfort in pets with conditions like arthritis and spinal cord injuries, making it a valuable tool for managing IVDD.

Baylor College of Medicine study, using In vitro and in mouse models, found that CBD significantly attenuated the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α while elevating levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In the veterinary study, CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in a dose-dependent fashion among animals with an affirmative diagnosis of OA.

Another study published in 2006 in Current Neuropharmacology also states that cannabinoid receptors have shown therapeutic value against inflammatory and neuropathic pains and also concluded that CBD has therapeutic benefits for both people and pets suffering from chronic pain and acute chronic pain episodes.

2. Acts as a Neuroprotectant

CBD is known for its neuroprotective properties, reducing nerve damage and encouraging the growth of new neurons. This is especially beneficial for pets with IVDD, as the condition often involves damage to the nervous system.

A recent study suggests that “the endocannabinoids acting through CB1 and CB2 receptors are part of an early neuroprotective response triggered after SCI that is involved in the spontaneous recovery after an incomplete lesion.”

Another study done on mice concluded, “Cannabidiol improved locomotor functional recovery and reduced injury extent, suggesting that it could be useful in the treatment of spinal cord lesions.”

3. Relieves Anxiety and Stress

IVDD can be a traumatic experience for pets, especially when accompanied by chronic pain or restricted mobility. CBD helps ease anxiety by mimicking serotonin, a chemical responsible for emotional balance, allowing your pet to feel calmer and more at ease.

4. Eases Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms are a common and painful side effect of IVDD. CBD helps relax muscles and alleviate spasms, providing much-needed comfort to your pet.

Does CBD help IVDD in dogs

CBD FOR IVDD

Toothless the dog

Success Story: Toothless

“This is Toothless! He is a gem and stole our hearts as soon as we met him. We rescued him 4 years ago, but the past he left behind is catching up to him. The little fella suffers from IVDD (disc disease), and sadly he collided with his big k9 sister coming in from outside. It was the worst “flare-up” we have ever seen. We went to the emergency vet twice and after he was fully loaded with SO MANY drugs, it just wasn’t working. He was spending his days whimpering and yelping out in pain.”

“Heads hung, feeling defeated & preparing for the worst, we decided to try alternative and less invasive methods. I found a local vet that thinks more holistically and got our boy in for a consult. We’re now on a path to recovery with acupuncture, laser therapy, and you guessed it – CBD oil! EASE, to be exact!”

“Since his first porcupine sessions and applications of the oil, our boy is finally able to rest and let his body heal. Inflammation is decreasing and his ears are finally standing upright again. There’s no doubt that we are early in this process, or that we have a ways to go, but we are so relieved to have found something that seems to provide relief and isn’t pumping him full of contradicting medicines!”

Choosing the Right CBD for IVDD

  • Opt for a full-spectrum hemp extract to ensure your pet benefits from the entourage effect of cannabinoids and terpenes.
  • Look for products with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to confirm potency and purity.
  • Avoid artificial additives and prioritize natural, U.S.-grown hemp products.

Dosing CBD for IVDD

Depending on severity of condition, we recommend either our EASE tincture or HEAL tincture for dogs with IVDD.

HEAL is our strongest tincture for dogs. It is 4x stronger than Ease when comparing CBD content. However, EASE tincture has frankincense and turmeric for added anti-inflammatory properties. It is more targeted towards inflammation, which is great for arthritis, mobility issues and joint pain. I would recommend HEAL for your dog if they seem to be experiencing higher levels of pain.

Another option is our Horse EASE, which is the same formula as our EASE for dogs, but has a much higher CBD content than our HEAL for dogs, or Extra Strength EASE, as it’s meant for horses.

For severe cases of IVDD, we recommend starting with a daily dose range of between 35-50mg of CBD.

Our EASE tincture for dogs has 9mg of CBD in a 1mL dropper of oil. Our HEAL tincture for dogs has 37mg of CBD in a 1mL dropper of oil. And our Horse EASE has about 50mg of CBD in a 1mL dropper. Split the full daily doses into 2-3 doses a day, for consistent presence of CBD in the bloodstream.
Administer directly to the gums for best results. Here is more information on dosing.

Final Thoughts

Living with IVDD can be challenging for pets and their owners, but CBD offers a natural, effective way to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve your pet’s overall quality of life. By incorporating CBD into a holistic care plan, you can help your pet regain mobility, reduce anxiety, and feel comfortable again.

If your pet is struggling with IVDD, consider trying CBD to support inflammation and pain relief. With consistent use and proper care, your pet can live a happier, healthier life despite their condition.