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DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Your recent article about giving CBD oil to pets omitted an important factor: its effect on the eyes. Past research has shown that CBD causes eye pressure to spike in humans, and the same issue was noted in a study with rodents. Popular media has not noted this. CBD oil should be given to pets only with appropriate oversight from an animal specialist able to measure eye pressure. – Dr. Denise Valenti
DEAR DR. VALENTI: Thank you for the update. I had not seen the research on this, and it is important for pet owners to know about this possible side effect of CBD (cannabidiol).
A 2006 study at the University of Aberdeen of human glaucoma patients found that a fairly high dose, 40 mg of CBD oil, administered sublingually (under the tongue) caused a temporary rise in intraocular pressure. (A lower dose, 20 mg, did not cause the same problem.) And a more recent study at Indiana University found that mice given CBD oil experienced a similar rise in interocular pressure. The study found that when THC and CBD were given together, the THC blocked CBD’s effects on eye pressure – but because THC also is the component of marijuana that makes a person (or pet) high, it opens a whole other kettle of fish.
If you’re currently giving your pet CBD oil, contact your veterinarian to ask about checking and monitoring your pet’s eye pressure. High interocular pressure can cause serious damage to the eyes. If your dog or cat has glaucoma, avoid administering CBD oil until you’ve talked to the vet about all possible side effects.
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