Flumazenil may improve gait and mentation in dogs with marijuana toxicosis
Author Information
Author(s): Alyson H. Fitzgerald, Yuntao Zhang, Samuel Stewart, Scott A. Fritz, Alex M. Lynch, Monique Ramras, Stacy D. Meola
Primary Institution: Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital
Hypothesis
Flumazenil would improve the level of consciousness, brainstem reflexes, gait, and stance in dogs with marijuana toxicosis.
Conclusion
Flumazenil might be considered as an adjunctive treatment for marijuana toxicosis based on improved neurological symptoms within 30 minutes of administration in affected dogs.
Supporting Evidence
- Flumazenil administration resulted in significant changes in MGCS and CMSS scores.
- 94% of dogs had detectable concentrations of THC in serum.
- Improvements in clinical signs were observed within 30 minutes of flumazenil administration.
Takeaway
This study found that a medicine called flumazenil can help dogs feel better and walk better after eating marijuana.
Methodology
Seventeen dogs with marijuana toxicosis were given flumazenil and assessed using the Modified Glasgow Coma Score (MGCS) and Canine Marijuana Severity Score (CMSS) at baseline and after administration.
Limitations
Lack of a control group, small sample size, different scoring assessors, and varying storage conditions for serum samples.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 10 males (8 castrated, 2 intact) and 7 females (6 spayed, 1 intact), with a median age of 3 years and median weight of 10.5 kg.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0033
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website