Single-dose 1cp-LSD administration for canine anxiety: a pilot study.
Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández, Ignacio García-Serrano, Domingo J Quintana-Hernández, Jaime Rojas-Hernández, Elisa Hernández-Álvarez, Manuel Zumbado, Tobías Fernández-Borkel, Lucas F Borkel
Veterinary research communications December 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10542-6 via PubMed
Summary
A single low dose of 1cp-LSD (5 µg, or 0.38 µg/kg) was given orally to a 13-year-old mixed-breed dog with lifelong separation anxiety. For the first two hours the dog remained equally anxious in response to anxiety-inducing stimuli, but after that point its behavior showed a significant change with no or only mild signs of anxiety. The trial lasted five and a half hours and produced no adverse effects; the dog showed no signs of a psychedelic experience. The authors conclude that 1cp-LSD was safe and effectively reduced the dog's anxiety.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Pilot study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A 13-year-old female mixed-breed dog with separation anxiety |
| Topics | Anxiety LSD |
| Keywords | 1cp-LSD Animal behavior Animal consciousness Dogs |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | A single 5 µg dose of 1cp-LSD reduced anxiety in a dog without adverse effects or signs of a psychedelic experience. |
Abstract
Anxiety affects 14-20% of dogs. Pharmacological treatments often fail. Psychedelics have shown to be useful for anxiety and depression in humans, but their veterinary use remains unexplored. We aimed to determine the effects of low-dose 1-cyclopropionyl-d-lysergic acid diethylamide (1cp-LSD) administered in a single dose to a dog, to observe the effect and establish the safety of the substance. The patient was a 13-year-old female dog, weighing 13 kg, mixed breed, and spayed. A total of 5 µg was administered orally, equivalent to 0.38 µg/kg. The animal has had a history of separation related behavioral problems throughout her life. To objectively assess the degree of anxiety in the dog, a validated scale was utilized. The trial was scheduled at the house where the animal lives. The owner was present throughout the experience. Informed consent was obtained prior to the assay. The trial began at 12:15 p.m. on January 10, 2024, lasting for 5 and a half hours. The response to anxiety-inducing stimuli was equally anxious during the first two hours. From that point onwards, a significant change in the animal's behavior was observed, with no signs/mild signs of anxiety. The trial concluded without any adverse effects on the animal. The patient did not show signs of having a psychedelic experience. This is the first time that a study of this nature has been conducted and reported in the canine species. 1cp-LSD proved to be safe and exerted the desired effect on the animal's behavior, significantly reducing the patient's anxiety.