Animal pharmacokinetics

Animal pharmacokinetics is the study of how a substance is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in a specific animal species.

Species differ in gut anatomy, liver enzymes, body composition, and how they handle fat-soluble compounds, so a result measured in humans cannot be assumed to hold in a dog or cat. Veterinary pharmacokinetic studies give the substance to a small group of animals, draw blood at set intervals, and calculate values such as maximum concentration, time to peak, and half-life. The formulation used, whether the animal was fed, and the route of administration all shape the results.

For cannabidiol, published animal work has been concentrated in dogs, with smaller studies in cats and horses. These studies suggest that absorption and elimination vary considerably between species and between oil-based and other preparations, which is one reason veterinarians caution against extrapolating from human data. Pet owners meet this term in research summaries and in veterinary guidance. Any question about cannabinoids and a particular animal is best directed to a veterinarian who knows the animal's history and current medications.