The use of cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative to standard anticonvulsant therapy in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
Background and purpose of the trial
Epilepsy is reported to affect around five percent of the canine population, making it the most common neurologic condition in dogs. There are currently a very limited number of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) available to treat epilepsy in dogs. The primary choice of AED is currently phenobarbital which, while typically effective, can come with side effects that can be hard for both the pet and the pet owner. Studies have shown that CBD can be effective in decreasing seizures when added to a primary AED and we are now exploring if CBD can be an effective primary therapy on its own.
Dogs in this study will be randomly assigned to either phenobarbital or CBD at the beginning of the study. Over the course of the first eight weeks, the dose may be titrated up; starting at week eight, the dose can no longer be adjusted, and no other medications can be added in without needing to withdraw the pet. At the end of the study, owners and the clinician will be unblinded to ensure the pet can continue the appropriate medication or make adjustments as needed.
Study design
Visit 1: Day 0
- Neurologic exam
- Verify eligibility criteria
- Blood draw for baseline blood levels
- Oral cotton swab for DNA analysis
- Start CBD or phenobarbital (owner will receive an oil and a pill, each to be dosed twice daily)
- Titrate dosing up if needed
Visit 2: Day 14
- Neurologic exam
- Blood draw for a complete blood cell count, chemistry profile, and drug levels
Visit 3: Day 56
- End of titration period
- Neurologic exam
- Blood draw for a complete blood cell count, chemistry profile, and drug levels
Visit 4: Day 98
- Neurologic exam
- Blood draw for a complete blood cell count, chemistry profile, and drug levels
Visit 5: Day 140
- Neurologic exam
- Blood draw for a complete blood cell count, chemistry profile, and drug levels
- One month of study drug to owner, along with instructions for continued use or discontinuation as needed
Financial incentives
All exams, along with the study medication, will be covered by the study. Additionally, at the end of the study, the owner will receive a one-month supply of the drug the pet was on in order to continue dosing or transition to a different medication if needed.
condition(s)
eligibility information
To participate in this study:
- Dogs must be between the ages of 1-6 years when the first seizure occurs
- Dogs cannot currently be on any anti-seizure medications
- Dogs must have had at least two seizures in six weeks, with at least 24 hours separating the seizures
- Dogs must be otherwise healthy
- Owners must be willing to keep a detailed seizure log throughout the study
Enrollment Deadline
Enrollment ends January 31, 2026
contact information
If you are interested in enrolling in this clinical trial, please reach out to our team at [email protected] with your dog’s name, age, seizure history, and veterinary clinic information so we can call for records.
