Dogs are said to be more prone to "epilepsy" and "seizure-like symptoms" than humans.
The background is not only genetic characteristics, but also the structure of the brain and the body's coordinating function, the ECS (endogenous cannabinoid system).
In this article, we will explain why dogs have more seizures and why dogs are more likely to respond to CBD from an academic perspective.
1. Why dogs are often said to have "epilepsy"
(1) Strong genetic background
Dogs have been bred by humans throughout their long history.
Therefore, it is easy to inherit not only a specific temperament and constitution, but also genetic traits that predispose to seizures.
Especially
beagle
corgi
Shelti
Jack Russell Terrier
Golden retriever
etc. are known to be breeds that are prone to seizures.
(2) The brain is sensitive to stimuli
The dog's brain is sensitive to external stimuli such as sound, light, and smell.
Emotional changes (excitement, anxiety, fear, etc.) also fluctuate more than others.
This "ease of transmission of brain excitement" can trigger seizures.
(3) Susceptible to metabolic fluctuations
Dogs may have seizures with physiological changes, such as:
hypoglycemia
Decreased liver function
Sodium-calcium imbalance
Strong stress
Lack of sleep
Especially in small and elderly dogs, it is said that these factors tend to overlap.
2. Why dogs' brains are more susceptible to CBD
From here, we will scientifically decipher the relationship between dogs and CBD.
(1) CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain
The brain has a mechanism called CB1 receptors that regulate nerve excitation.
Dogs have this CB1 receptor,
cerebellum
hippocampus
brain stem
It is especially abundant in the
This means that it is denser than humans and is more susceptible to the function of regulating excessive nervous excitation.
(2) ECS (endocannabinoid system) is sensitive
The ECS is an important system that balances our body.
It spreads throughout the body, including the brain, immune, nerves, and digestive organs.
Dogs are aware that this ECS
Sensitive to changes in the environment and physical condition
It has the characteristic of.
In other words, dogs are more likely to see changes when their ECS is in place.
On the other hand, it can be said that it is an animal that is easily affected by its physical condition if it is disturbed.
3. Why CBD is said to be easily experienced by dogs
CBD (cannabidiol) supports the body's coordination by working on the ECS.
The reasons why dogs are more likely to change are as follows.
(1) High affinity with brain receptors
Because dogs are rich in CB1 receptors,
Changes in the direction of regulating nerve function are likely to appear.
It is thought that
(2) Nerve inflammation is easily relieved
For "subclinical inflammation" caused by aging, stress, and environmental changes,
CBD is said to work in the direction of gentle adjustment.
(3) Changes are more clear in senior dogs
In older dogs,
Decreased walking speed
Slowing down of reactions
Increased anxiety
etc. are often seen.
These may be related to poor ECS function,
When adjustments are made, it may be easier to see changes in behavior.
4. Dogs are animals that are "prone to changes in their bodies as they are in their behavior"
Dogs are very clear about changes in body balance as behavior.
For example
Walk often on days when you are in good health
On bad days, your appetite decreases
Get close to what you need
You can honestly see changes such as this.
This is because the dog's ECS works sensitively,
It is thought that this is because the changes that occur in the body are easily observed as external actions.
Dogs are biologically and behaviorally,
When the balance of the body is balanced, it is easy for it to appear as a "visible change".
5. Summary
The reasons why dogs have many seizures include:
Genetic predisposition
Brain structure
Metabolic fluctuations
Emotional fluctuation
Multiple factors are involved.
Furthermore, dogs
It is an animal with a high reactivity of the ECS (endocannabinoid system),
Sometimes the changes caused by CBD are easier to see than others.
This knowledge helps you understand your dog's health,
It is very important for reading changes in behavior and physical condition.
By knowing the relationship between ECS and dogs,
You can see the depth of the animal called a dog even more.
[References]
Berendt M, Gram L. J Vet Intern Med. 1999.
Heske L, et al. J Vet Intern Med. 2014.
Tsou K, et al. J Comp Neurol. 1998.
McGrath S, et al. Front Vet Sci. 2018.
McGrath S, et al. JAVMA. 2019.
Bartner LR, et al. Can J Vet Res. 2018.
Vezzani A, et al. Nat Rev Neurol. 2011.
McPartland JM, et al. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006.
Slow metabolism of THCTherefore, it is easy to accumulate in the body for a long time
CB1 receptors in the brain are densely distributedEven a small amount of THC can have a strong effect
Decreased cognitive abilities(Shows confusion and anxiety)
Digestive symptoms(increased vomiting, drooling)
Other symptoms(dilated pupils, tremors, seizures, coma, changes in blood pressure and breathing)