The Use of Cannabidiol as a Novel Treatment for Oral Stereotypic Behaviour (Crib-Biting) in a Horse

16 Pages Posted: 15 Dec 2022

See all articles by Rodrigo Zamith Cunha

Rodrigo Zamith Cunha

University of Bologna

Letícia Locatelli Felisardo

Universidade Metodista de São Paulo

Giulia Salamanca

University of Bologna

Gabriela Gomes Marchioni

Universidade Metodista de São Paulo

Orlando Iazzetti Neto

Universidade Metodista de São Paulo

Roberto Chiocchetti

University of Bologna

Abstract

Behaviour is the response of living things to their environment and external stimulation, and is one of the parameters to be observed when assessing animal welfare. Any alteration from the conditions found in nature can lead to the occurrence of some specific behaviours, called stereotypies which are characterised as repetitive, consistent patterns of behaviour usually defined as having no apparent ultimate or proximal functions. It has been reported that once stabled or subjected to stressful activities, horses have more susceptibility of developing behavioural disturbances; therefore, behavioural disorders in horses are a strong indicator of poor welfare. Cannabis spp.-derived molecules have been studied under different medical conditions; the therapeutic potentials of phytocannabinoids are related to the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol (CBD), and other compounds. Cannabidiol has many activities within the central nervous system, such as anxiolytic, antidepressant, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Some studies have recently shown the potential and successful therapeutic use of phytocannabinoids in veterinary medicine. This clinical case report described a 22-year-old mare suffering from chronic crib-biting and wind-sucking, and the successful outcome of four weeks-therapy with CBD. This is the first report of the successful therapeutic use of phytocannabinoids in equine behavioural disorders.

Keywords: Cannabis spp., Phytocannabinoids, Wind-sucking, Endocannabinoid System, Equine, Neurodisorders

Suggested Citation

Zamith Cunha, Rodrigo and Felisardo, Letícia Locatelli and Salamanca, Giulia and Marchioni, Gabriela Gomes and Neto, Orlando Iazzetti and Chiocchetti, Roberto, The Use of Cannabidiol as a Novel Treatment for Oral Stereotypic Behaviour (Crib-Biting) in a Horse. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4297457 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4297457

Rodrigo Zamith Cunha (Contact Author)

University of Bologna ( email )

Piazza Scaravilli 2
Bologna, 40100
Italy

Letícia Locatelli Felisardo

Universidade Metodista de São Paulo ( email )

R. do Sacramento 230
Rudge Ramos
São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo 09640-000
Brazil

Giulia Salamanca

University of Bologna ( email )

Piazza Scaravilli 2
Bologna, 40100
Italy

Gabriela Gomes Marchioni

Universidade Metodista de São Paulo ( email )

R. do Sacramento 230
Rudge Ramos
São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo 09640-000
Brazil

Orlando Iazzetti Neto

Universidade Metodista de São Paulo ( email )

R. do Sacramento 230
Rudge Ramos
São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo 09640-000
Brazil

Roberto Chiocchetti

University of Bologna ( email )

Piazza Scaravilli 2
Bologna, 40100
Italy

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