Last Updated on 19 mins by Dr. Shannon Barrett
Librela might be the solution you’re looking for to treat your dogs arthritis. It’s a new drug that promises to ease arthritis pain in dogs with just one shot a month.
Key Takeaways
- Librela is a new drug for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) pain, offering relief with just one monthly shot. It works by targeting the nerve growth factor (NGF), stopping pain signals at their source.
- Nearly half of the dogs in U.S. clinical trials showed improvement after their first dose of Librela, with some experiencing relief as soon as seven days post-injection. However, possible side effects include urinary tract infections and discomfort at the injection site.
- Dogs need the right dosage based on their weight, and it’s crucial to store Librela in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C without freezing it. After opening, use within 22 days for effectiveness.
Understanding Dog Osteoarthritis (OA) Pain
Dog osteoarthritis (OA) pain is more than just a simple ache. It’s a deep discomfort that affects their bones and joints, making every move harder for them.
Causes and Symptoms
Dog osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem that causes joint pain and affects your furry friend’s quality of life. It typically results from a combination of factors such as genetics, injury, and lifestyle.
- Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together perfectly, leading to arthritis.
- Elbow dysplasia in canines, similar to hip dysplasia, affects the elbow joints, causing pain and mobility issues.
- A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in dogs can lead to instability in the knee, promoting arthritis development over time.
- Obesity in dogs puts extra stress on their joints, which can accelerate the wear and tear that leads to osteoarthritis.
- Genetics play a role; some dog breeds are more predisposed to developing OA due to their genetic makeup.
- Symptoms include limping, difficulty moving or climbing stairs, showing less interest in play or activity, and noticeable discomfort when standing up or laying down.
The Power of Librela: The First Monthly Injectable Anti-NGF Monoclonal Antibody
Librela brings a big change for dogs with OA pain—it’s the first monthly shot that blocks specific pain signals, offering our furry friends relief like never before. Keep reading to find out how this breakthrough can help your dog live more happily.
How it works
Librela targets a specific part of your dog’s body that deals with pain—nerve growth factor (NGF). Think of NGF like a messenger that tells the brain, “Hey, something hurts!” By focusing on this messenger, Librela uses its active ingredient, bedinvetmab, to stop the signal in its tracks.
This means it essentially shuts down the path that would normally lead to pain. The process works through a subcutaneous injection which allows for quick absorption into the body. So rather than masking symptoms, Librela gets right at the source of osteoarthritis pain by neutralizing NGF in the joints.
I’ve seen firsthand how effective this can be. Many of the dogs I’ve treated with Librela show a noticeable difference in mobility and comfort levels within just days.
Neutralizing NGF turns off the pain signal pathway directly at its source.
Benefits for dogs with OA pain
Living with osteoarthritis (OA) can be tough for our furry friends. Luckily, the power of Librela brings a new hope, offering significant benefits for dogs suffering from OA pain. Here’s how:
- Increased activity levels: Dogs experience less pain after receiving Librela, which means they’re more likely to move around and enjoy their usual activities. This is crucial because staying active can help maintain healthy joint function.
- Monthly veterinary-administered injections: The convenience of having a vet give the treatment once a month ensures that your dog gets the right dosage and reduces the stress of frequent medication schedules.
- Suitable for young and old dogs alike: If your dog is 16 weeks or older, they can benefit from Librela. This wide age range makes it an excellent option for many pets.
- A nonsteroidal alternative: Traditional NSAIDs have been the go-to for managing OA pain, but they come with potential side effects. Librela offers an effective alternative with its innovative anti-NGF monoclonal antibody treatment.
- Enhanced quality of life: Pain relief means a happier, more comfortable life for your dog. They can engage in play, enjoy walks, and simply be more present in their daily interactions with you.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Librela
Librela shows promise, with nearly half of the dogs in U.S. clinical trials showing improvement after just one shot. Specifically, 47.4% of American canines and 43.5% in Europe felt better than those who didn’t receive it.
Some dogs even started to feel relief from their arthritis pain as soon as seven days post-injection, though for most, the magic happened after dose number two.
Despite its benefits, Librela isn’t perfect. Dogs undergoing treatment may face side effects like urinary tract infections or discomfort at the injection site — think dermatitis or red skin (erythema).
Then there’s vomiting and weight loss to consider, along with a peculiar uptick in a kidney value BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen). Knowing these potential drawbacks sets clear expectations for pet owners considering this treatment path.
Veterinarian support and supervision
Having a trusted veterinarian supervise your dog’s treatment with Librela is crucial. They must prescribe this medication and closely monitor your furry friend for any potential side effects.
This close supervision ensures that your dog gets the best possible care while managing arthritis pain. I always spend a lot of time with my clients discussing the treatment protocol and expectations.
Veterinarians play a key role in monitoring pet health and consulting with pet owners about medication like Librela.
Your vet will also want to know about any reactions or issues after administering Librela. It’s vital to report these experiences, so they can adjust treatment as needed.
Alternative treatment options
Addressing your dog’s osteoarthritis (OA) pain calls for thorough management strategies. Besides Librela, there exist many other treatments to support your dog’s comfort and mobility.
- A focus on weight management is instrumental in minimizing stress on your dog’s joints, potentially lessening OA pain considerably.
- Routine, light exercise contributes to maintaining healthy joint operations and muscle strength without putting undue strain on your pet.
- Physical therapy provides specialized exercises and therapies to enhance movement and lessen discomfort in dogs with OA.
- Acupuncture can be effective in alleviating pain for some dogs by triggering specific points on the body to release natural pain-relieving compounds.
- Hydrotherapy employs the resistance of water for minimal-impact exercise, fostering joint wellness and muscle firmness while mitigating pain.
- Massage therapy has the potential to soften stiff muscles, boost circulation, and ameliorate the discomfort linked with arthritis.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, sourced from fish oil, possess anti-inflammatory characteristics that can aid in reducing joint inflammation and pain.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements assist in cartilage repair and upkeep, possibly mitigating OA symptoms over duration.
- CBD oil is attracting attention for its perceived capacity to alleviate pain and inflammation without notable side effects when administered appropriately under veterinary oversight.
- Laser therapy employs light waves to penetrate tissue, diminishing inflammation, encouraging healing, and providing pain relief for dogs with OA.
- Adequan injections directly help the joints by reducing the breakdown of cartilage while improving overall joint health.
Related: Treatments for Arthritis
Each alternative has its own factors to consider and should be evaluated with a vet who is familiar with your dog’s distinct health status. Consistent monitoring is crucial to ascertain the effectiveness of chosen treatments in managing your dog’s osteoarthritis pain without inciting negative side effects.
Usage for Canine Sports Participants
Librela offers an innovative solution for managing osteoarthritis pain in canine sports participants, simplifying the process for them to maintain their performance levels. Its unique formulation, needing merely two doses 28 days apart, conveniently fits with the busy schedules of athletic dogs and their owners.
Available in single-use vials that vary from 5 to 30 mg bedinvetmab/mL, Librela suits different sizes and breeds engaging in high-performance activities. This specific approach ensures all canine athletes get the exact treatment they need to stay active and healthy.
The benefit of less frequent dosing decreases stress for both pets and pet owners while promoting top-notch athletic capabilities in dogs dealing with osteoarthritis challenges.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the appropriate pain control for your dogs osteoarthritis can be confusing. Luckily there are many options and not all are appropriate for all dogs. Discuss your dogs specific signs and your vet can help guide you both to a happier tomorrow.
FAQs
Is Librela safe for all dogs with arthritis?
While Librela has been developed with safety as a paramount concern, it’s always advisable to consult your vet before starting any new medication regimen for your dog.
Can I use other medications along with Libreala for my dog’s arthritis pain?
Many medications can be used with Librela. There are also non-drug treatents such as physical therapy and laser treatments that are a great compliment to Librela.
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a licensed veterinarian. Read More
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9790257/
- https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/article/download/598/903?inline=1
- https://www.zoetisus.com/products/dogs/librela/
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/04/20/librela-dog-arthritis-drug-side-effects/ (2024-04-20)
- https://www.librelavetteam.com/
- https://www.zoetisus.com/content/pages/products/dogs/Librela/Resources/documents/Librela-prescribing-information.pdf
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-monoclonal-antibody-dogs-osteoarthritis-pain
Dr. Shannon Barrett brings an exceptional blend of academic excellence and professional expertise to the world of veterinary medicine. With a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, where she graduated with honors, and dual Bachelor degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology, her depth of knowledge is extensive. A member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Barrett's insights and contributions to pet health have been featured in leading publications such as Rover, MarketWatch, and Newsweek.
