Assessment of Cannabidiol Supplements Use in Small Animals Practice in Portugal

This study aimed to assess the current use of cannabidiol supplements (CBDS) by Portuguese small animal veterinary practitioners. An anonymous online survey questioning the frequency of CBDS use, purpose of use and the perceived outcome was developed using Microsoft Forms, and targeted veterinarians currently working in small animal clinics in Portugal. Among the 186 responses obtained, 166 met the inclusion criteria for further analysis. From the responses included (n = 166), 5% (8/166) never used CBDS. From the ones using CBDS, 71% (112/158) used it frequently or with high frequency in dogs and 59% (92/158) in cats. In a multiple selection question from respondents that never used CBDS, 75% (6/8) cite lack of knowledge about their properties and applications as the main reason for not using them, suggesting that a lack of knowledge is preventing 4% (6/166) of the respondents from considering the CBDS as a therapeutic tool. Many respondents reported to be satisfied or very satisfied in using CBDS for: oncological diseases (93%; 106/114), management of chronic pain (92%; 144/156), behaviour changes/stress (83%; 90/109), or as an anti-inflammatory drug (76%; 83/109). Additionally, in an open-answer question, some respondents referred to the use of CBDS for other purposes, namely: cognitive dysfunction, appetite stimulant, feline gingivostomatitis, geriatric animals, senility and wound healing. The most frequent adverse effects were hypersialia/sialorrhea (28%; 44/158) and apathy (25%; 39/158). About 34% (53/158) of respondents did not identify any adverse effects. This survey revealed that a significant proportion of Portuguese companion animal veterinarians are already prescribing CBDS in their clinical practice with a perceived benefit in oncological diseases, chronic pain, behavioural changes/stress and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings indicated widespread awareness and confidence in using these products among Portuguese companion animal veterinarians. No conclusions on the actual efficacy of CBD can be drawn from the present study.