Cannabis sativa poisoning: Challenges related to the pet clinic

Abstract

Plants of the genus Cannabis produce, among others, a class of chemical compounds with relevant psychotropic action, phytocannabinoids, for this reason it is the recreative drug with the greatest consumption worldwide. The proximity of pet animals to humans and their behavioral aspects make them susceptible to exposure to this and other drugs. The toxicological profile of Cannabis sativa L. intoxication is directly related to the proportion between the concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in the ingested sample. Two chemical compounds with high liposolubility, which makes their absorptions, distribution and metabolization occur quickly. Following absorption, they interact with cannabinoid receptors present in the body, CB1 (predominant in the brain) is responsible for most of the symptoms caused by contact, causing mainly symptoms related to the central nervous system. However, the interaction with CB2 (predominant in other parts of the body) and the variable profile of this interaction with both receptors can result in an excitatory or inhibitory effect, making the clinical diagnosis difficult, being aggravated by the absence of compatible rapid tests for the diagnosis intoxication. Treatment, in the absence of specific antidotes, is based on reduced absorption, supportive therapy based on the present clinical symptoms and the peculiarity of Cannabis intoxications. In the absence of concomitant conditions, the prognosis is favourable, but its recognition and differentiation from other intoxication and neurological disorders is important.