Investigation of the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol on uveitis following cataract surgery in dogs

Fifty percent of all diabetic dogs will develop cataracts within the first 170 days of their disease. Cataract surgery is the only treatment that can restore vision for animals and humans who are blind due to cataracts. Chronic intraocular inflammation (uveitis) is a common finding following cataract surgery in dogs, and if not controlled, this complication can cause painful and blinding diseases, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained a lot of public attention the last couple of years, partially due to the interest in medical marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties with only mild systemic side effects. We will be treating dogs with oral CBD oil prior to and after their cataract surgery, to see if this treatment will have a positive effect on their uveitis following surgery. We are hypothesizing that CBD could be a safe and efficient treatment for uveitis in dogs after cataract surgery. If CBD has a positive effect on uveitis in dogs, we are speculating that CBD also could have a positive effect on other inflammatory eye diseases in our companion animals.

condition(s)

diabetic cataracts

eligibility information

Dogs will need to meet the following criteria in order to qualify for this clinical trial:

  • Diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and diabetic cataracts
  • Not older than 14 years old
  • Approved for cataract surgery by CSUs ophthalmology service

Enrollment Deadline

Enrollment ends September 1, 2023

contact information

If interested in enrolling, please contact the ophthalmology service at (970) 297-5000 or cvmbs-vth_ophtho@mail.colostate.edu and make an appointment for a pre-surgery ophthalmic evaluation of your dog. All dogs will need a pre-surgery ophthalmic evaluation before we can accept your dog in this study.