Endocannabinoid system in animals
The functioning of the human body is a complex mechanism, with individual processes depending on each other. The endocannabinoid system is one of the neglected ones, and only in recent years has it been given credit in both humans and animals.
From humans to little ones
The endocannabinoid system is an innate physiological mechanism and its role is to maintain homeostasis. Cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids do most of the work. In a healthy body, where the system doesn't have to deal with dysfunctions and diseases or immune system disorders, everything works seamlessly. But sometimes (or even just as a preventative measure), help is needed in the form of a full-spectrum extract of the cannabis plant. Research suggests that this increases the effectiveness of cannabinoids many fold.
The human body makes its own cannabinoids, as is probably the case with all mammals and even lower life forms. Its precursor is probably arachidonic acid. And that's what selected species in the animal kingdom can't make. No cannabinoid receptors have been found in the honey bee or the honey badger. But in most animals (from mammals to earthworms, catfish and anemones to nematodes), the system has been found. The question remains whether it has an identical role to that of humans and whether animals can (and do) work with endocannabinoids to their advantage. Most of the attention, of course, has been focused on dogs, cats or horses.
Betting on the similarity between humans and animals
Research to better specify the action of the endocannabinoid system in the body of animals is lacking for now. But experts expect the process to be strikingly similar to humans, with few deviations.Most tests so far are only on rodents, but attention is turning primarily to dogs, where interest in more detailed information about the action of the endocannabinoid system and cannabis products is growing.
Dogs have a greater representation of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum, brainstem and medulla oblongata. Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons why they are sensitive to certain substances including THC (as little as 0.5mg per 1kg of live weight) and unsafe foods for animals, and they can develop static ataxia, where they spread their paws and the only movement they can manage is rocking back and forth. Although the receptors have different locations in humans and dogs, the structure and function are more or less the same.
The CB1 and CB2 receptors are located in different places, sometimes even intermingling and working together. The former is found in fibroblasts, mast cells, sebaceous glands, and in the erecting muscles of hair follicles and the cell cytoplasm of the epidermis. CB2 is also present in sweat glands or lymph nodes.
In dogs, the endocannabinoid system functions similarly to humans, where it reduces the manifestations of inflammation, reduces pain, promotes digestion, balances metabolic and neurological functions, and eliminates reproductive problems and promotes healthy fetal development. But all this is based on assumptions and similarities between humans and dogs. Without more detailed research focused solely on veterinary use, it is impossible to confirm the information and build a treatment on it.
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