Marijuana intoxication in a cat

Abstract

BackgroundCannabis from hemp (Cannabis sativa and C. indica) is one of the most common illegal drugs used by drug abusers. Indian cannabis contains around 70 alkaloids, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) is the most psychoactive substance. Animal intoxications occur rarely and are mostly accidental. According to the US Animal Poison Control Center, cannabis intoxication mostly affects dogs (96%). The most common cause of such intoxication is unintentional ingestion of a cannabis product, but it may also occur after the exposure to marijuana smoke.Case presentationA 6-year-old Persian cat was brought to the veterinary clinic due to strong psychomotor agitation turning into aggression. During hospitalisation for 14 days, the cat behaved normally and had no further attacks of unwanted behaviour. It was returned to its home but shortly after it developed neurological signs again and was re-hospitalised. On presentation, the patient showed no neurological abnormalities except for symmetric mydriasis and scleral congestion. During the examination, the behaviour of the cat changed dramatically. It developed alternate states of agitation and apathy, each lasting several minutes. On interview it turned out that the cat had been exposed to marijuana smoke. Blood toxicology tests by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry revealed the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 5.5 ng/mL, 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC at 1.2 ng/mL, and 11-carboxy-delta-9-THC at 13.8 ng/mL. The cat was given an isotonic solution of NaCl 2.5 and 2.5% glucose at a dose of 40 mL/kg/day parenterally and was hospitalised. After complete recovery, the cat was returned to it’s owner and future isolation of the animal from marijuana smoke was advised.ConclusionsThis is the first case of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intoxication in a cat with both description of the clinical findings and the blood concentration of delta-9-THC and its main metabolites.

Cannabis sativa L. may reduce aggressive behaviour towards humans in shelter dogs

“…The two best known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While the second one is responsible for the psychotropic and toxic effect, both in humans and animals (e.g., 4 – 7 ), CBD has no psychotropic effects and has a low toxicity 8 – 10 . Due to its high tolerability 8 , it has been increasingly used in clinical trials for humans and animals (e.g., 11 – 13 ).…”

“…The two best known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While the second one is responsible for the psychotropic and toxic effect, both in humans and animals (e.g., [4][5][6][7] ), CBD has no psychotropic effects and has a low toxicity [8][9][10] . Due to its high tolerability 8 , it has been increasingly used in clinical trials for humans and animals (e.g., [11][12][13] ).Despite the discomfort that many veterinarians feel in proposing cannabis-derived remedies to pet owners 14 , CBD is gradually becoming an important tool for the treatment of pain, inflammation, seizures and anxiety (e.g., [14][15][16] ).…”

Safety and tolerability of escalating cannabinoid doses in healthy cats

“…While data exist to understand how dogs manifest exposure to THC (alone or with CBD) in a controlled research setting or via accidental exposure to human recreational or medical cannabis, 8,9 data on cats are sparse, with only two published case reports on accidental cannabis intoxication. 10,11 The primary objective of this placebo-controlled study was to determine the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of well-defined cannabis formulations predominant in CBD, THC or CBD plus THC (1.5:1) in healthy cats in a controlled research setting. As a secondary objective, this study also explored the plasma concentrations of CBD, THC and their major metabolites following serial dosing with CBD, THC or CBD plus THC.…”

Cannabis, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine: Cannabinoids’ Role in Public Health, Food Safety, and Translational Medicine

“…177 Cannabis intoxication in pets most commonly affects dogs (96%) and is uncommon in cats (3%). 178 The minimum lethal oral THC dose for dogs is more than 3 g/kg. 176,179 The median lethal dose, commonly known as LD50, has not been established in dogs or cats.…”