Cbd Oil For Cat Seizures: Is It A Good Treatment Option?

Cbd oil has been linked to many different medical benefits, but few as rewarding and potentially life-saving as the treatment of seizures in cats. If a cat begins to exhibit signs of seizures including body spasms, loss of balance, or twitching, cbd oil may be one of the best treatment options available. Unfortunately for some feline companions, their seizures may not respond well to other treatments such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. You can visit theislandnow.com for more information.

Overview

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a cannabinoid that can be extracted from cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp plants – which does not produce a “high” like its more well-known counterpart THC does.

CBD has been found to have many potential medical uses including the treatment of seizures in humans and cats. Studies have shown that CBD is a potent anticonvulsant and works just as well, if not better than traditional anticonvulsants.

CBD Vs. Traditional Medications

Phenytoin (also known as Dilantin) is one example of a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of seizures in both humans and cats. It is a long acting medication that can be administered in the form of a pill, oral liquid, or IV infusion. Unfortunately, the side effects of phenytoin can be irritating to both cats and humans. Cats may develop increased sensitivity to light, mood swings, tremor, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition there may be an increased risk of developing liver problems and kidney damage if administered in high doses over a long period of time.

Ketogenic diets

Another side effect associated with traditional anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital is their tendency to cause weight gain in cats. Ketogenic diets are a high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate weight loss method. They have the potential to cause weight loss in the patient while treating their seizures. This treatment option is still relatively new and has not been tested on a very large scale.

Potassium bromide

Potassium bromide is another option that has been explored with both humans and cats, but only produces marginal results at best. The side effects associated with potassium bromide include nausea, tremors and muscle weakness. There is also a possibility of toxic buildup occurring in cats that are treated with potassium bromide for too long or in doses that are too high.

CBD Oil

When comparing the side effects associated with CBD oil to those of traditional medications, CBD oil is a clear winner. Very few side effects have been noted, and most are only mild. The most common are tiredness and diarrhea that may occur within the first week of treatment but then subside. There is also the possibility of an increase in appetite due to an increase in metabolism.

The process of administering CBD oil to a cat can be relatively simple, especially if you know what you are doing. The best time to administer the medication is just before a meal or directly after, which increases the absorption rate.