Background and Aim: Marijuana poisoning in canines is still considered a taboo topic. Poisoning in pets is becoming increasingly common, in many cases resulting in severe clinical signs, such as ataxia, urinary incontinence, mydriasis, depression, and hyperesthesia. Colombia does not have any reliable test for the diagnosis of exposure to cannabis in animals, and it is not an obligation to report this kind of poisoning to the authorities. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the frequency of cases compatible with tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC) poisoning in canines in the Aburrá valley (Antioquia-Colombia), 2023-2024. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Aburrá valley (Antioquia-Colombia) from 2023 to 2024. Veterinary centers that were allowed to participate were visited, and the clinical records were examined on the canines that were diagnosed positive for marijuana poisoning. We examined the clinical record for different risk factors that could explain the poisoning. A descriptive statistic and a Chi-square test were used to identify risk factors; p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and thirteen (113) cases compatible with cannabis poisoning were found in dogs. Puppies, crossbreeds, trim sizes, and canines whose owners have middle or high economic incomes were the most affected. In addition, a relation between the route of possible cannabis poisoning and the severe presentation of clinical signs was found, with ingestion and inhalation being the routes that generated a more pronounced sign. Likewise, a relationship between age and the most probable route of exposure was found, finding that puppies were more related to the ingestion of cannabis products. Conclusion: This is the first article in Colombia that was focused on determining the frequency of possible cannabis poisoning in canines. The dogs that are more susceptible to suffering cannabis poisoning are puppies and small-size dogs that are attended by veterinary medical centers and are in neighborhoods that are recognizable by people who have high salaries.
Keywords: cannabis; dogs; intoxication; tetrahydrocannabinol.
Copyright © 2025 Natalia Restrepo Marulanda et al. Veterinary Medicine International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.