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Effects of a Supplement Containing Cannabidiol (CBD) on Sedation and Ataxia Scores and Health.
Abstract: Supplements containing Cannabidiol (CBD) are available for horses, however, few studies have been published on their effects on behavior and health parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine if a daily oral supplement containing CBD would cause sedation, ataxia or alterations in other health parameters during administration for 56 days. Twenty clinically healthy adult Thoroughbred horses were housed in stalls. Before treatment was initiated, a complete physical examination, complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical panel were evaluated. In addition, horses were examined for sedation and ataxia using standard scoring systems. Horses were randomly divided into two treatment groups, treated (supplement pellets containing CBD as Hemp Extract, 150 mg) or control (supplement pellets without CBD). Horses were treated daily and sedation and ataxia scores were assigned by two masked observers once weekly for 56 days. Horses were monitored daily for clinical signs or adverse events and body weights were recorded weekly. A CBC and biochemical panel were repeated on days 28 and 56, two hours after administration of the supplement. The supplement was readily consumed by the horses and no adverse effects were seen over the treatment period. Sedation and ataxia scores ranged from zero to two for all horses during the weekly examinations and there was no statistical difference between treatment groups. There were no treatment effects on blood values, including indicators of anemia and blood proteins, liver enzymes, kidney values, electrolytes or calcium. Body weight significantly increased in all horses, by Day 56 compared to Day zero but no treatment by day effect was noted. The CBD supplement (150 mg) was readily consumed and safe and did not result in changes in mentation, gait, or other health parameters, and no adverse clinical signs were observed during 56 days of oral administration.
Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2022-07-23 PubMed ID: 35882292DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104085Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Randomized Controlled Trial
- Veterinary
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research article studied the effects of a daily oral supplement containing Cannabidiol (CBD) on y the behavior and health of horses. The research found no negative effects on the animals’ health parameters and behavior, including sedation and navigation skills, and no adverse clinical signs were observed.
Study Design and Methodology
- This study was conducted with a sample of twenty clinically healthy adult Thoroughbred horses to test the effects of a supplement containing Cannabidiol (CBD).
- Scientists divided these horses into two groups: one group received supplement pellets containing 150 mg of CBD, while the control group received supplement pellets without CBD.
- The horses were treated daily for 56 days, and their sedation and ataxia (loss of control of body movements) were monitored weekly by two masked observers.
- The researchers carried out a complete physical examination, complete blood count (CBC), and biochemical panel before and after the treatment period (on days 28 and 56).
- The horses’ body weight was also recorded weekly to check for any significant changes.
Research Findings
- After treatment, there was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding their sedation and ataxia scores.
- No adverse effects were observed over the treatment period, the supplement was readily consumed by the horses and all maintained their clinical health.
- The blood values, including indicators of anemia and blood proteins, liver enzymes, kidney values, electrolytes, and calcium, remained unaffected by the treatment.
- The body weight of all horses increased significantly by Day 56 in comparison to Day zero; however, this change was not influenced by the treatment.
Implications of the Study
- According to these findings, the daily oral administration of a CBD supplement does not result in any unfavorable changes in horses’ mentation, gait, or other health-related parameters.
- This suggests that CBD supplements might be a safe option to include in the diet of healthy horses, as long as they are administered responsibly and under appropriate supervision.
Cite This Article
APA
St Blanc MP, Chapman AM, Keowen ML, Garza F, Liu CC, Gray L, Andrews FM.
(2022).
Effects of a Supplement Containing Cannabidiol (CBD) on Sedation and Ataxia Scores and Health.
J Equine Vet Sci, 117, 104085.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104085 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Health Studies Program, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
- Equine Health Studies Program, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
- Equine Health Studies Program, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
- Equine Health Studies Program, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.
- SmartPak Equine, Inc. Plymouth, MA.
- Equine Health Studies Program, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. Electronic address: fandrews@lsu.edu.
MeSH Terms
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- Ataxia / chemically induced
- Ataxia / veterinary
- Cannabidiol / therapeutic use
- Dietary Supplements
- Electrolytes / therapeutic use
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horses
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Ekstrand C, Michanek P, Hernlund E, Gehring R, Spjut K, Salomonsson M. Differences in Plasma Exposure of Cannabidiol and Cannabidiolic Acid Following Oral Administration to Horses. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2026 Jan;49(1):22-32.
- Fusaro I, Parrillo S, Buonaiuto G, Prasinou P, Gramenzi A, Bucci R, Cavallini D, Carosi A, Carluccio A, De Amicis I. Effects of hemp-based polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on membrane lipid profiles and reproductive performance in Martina Franca jacks. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1553218.
- Di Salvo A, Bazzano M, Rocca GD, Galarini R, Marchegiani A, Paoletti F, Giusepponi D, Mantovani M, Laus F. Pharmacokinetics of a single oral administration of two cannabidiol formulations in fed and fasted horses. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1515833.
- Di Salvo A, Chiaradia E, Sforna M, Della Rocca G. Endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in the main species of veterinary interest: a comparative review. Vet Res Commun 2024 Oct;48(5):2915-2941.
- Eichler F, Ehrle A, Machnik M, Jensen KC, Wagner S, Baudisch N, Bolk J, Pötzsch M, Thevis M, Bäumer W, Lischer C, Wiegard M. Behavioral observations, heart rate and cortisol monitoring in horses following multiple oral administrations of a cannabidiol containing paste (part 2/2). Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1305873.
- Eichler F, Ehrle A, Jensen KC, Baudisch N, Petersen H, Bäumer W, Lischer C, Wiegard M. Behavioral observations, heart rate and heart rate variability in horses following oral administration of a cannabidiol containing paste in three escalating doses (part 1/2). Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1305868.
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