Librela for Dogs

Dogs with Osteoarthritis can benefit from Librela ™

Librela ™, a new product gaining much attention, is similar to the buzz and excitement surrounding the FDA’s recent approval for Solensia for treating Osteoarthritis among cats. Most pet owners with senior dogs will be familiar with Osteoarthritis, a common but unfortunate joint disease affecting cartilage, soft tissues, and bones. Degenerative joint disease is another name for it.

As it occurs in humans, cartilage, which cushions the joints, breaks down with age, leading to stiff joints, swelling, and generalized discomfort. This can affect a pet’s mobility and quality of life as the joints that bear the most weight, the elbows, hips and knees, are most often affected. Sometimes, severe cases of OA can require more than just weight loss and physical therapy. They may also need surgery. The long recovery period after surgery can be costly and burdensome for older dogs.

Librela, the first monthly injection of antibody therapy to relieve Osteoarthritis among dogs, is exciting. Librela is a new treatment for OA. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat OA. However, these drugs can cause serious side effects in the gastrointestinal tract and significant organs with prolonged use.

Please Note that Librela has been approved for dogs in Canada and the UK.

What is Librela for dogs?

Librela is a monoclonal antibody (mAbs) treatment. This therapy is based on manufactured antibodies that recognize specific proteins within cells and target them. (This technology has been used in medicine for years to target viruses, tumour cells, etc.). The mAb antibody destroys the cell when it binds with the target.

Librela is unique, as it targets the same factor responsible for dog osteoarthritis and inflammation: Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Bedinvetmab is the active ingredient of the new drug. It is specific for dogs due to the particular protein it contains. This ingredient binds with NGF and blocks pain from reaching the central nervous system. Bedinvetmab blocks the pain caused by NGF released into joints from damaged cells.

How quickly does Librela work?

Librela can be given monthly and has positive effects as soon as one month after the initial injection. However, it is most noticeable 60 days later.

What are the benefits?

Librela, a monthly injection that has a long-lasting effect, causes a noticeable improvement in mobility and a dramatic reduction in symptoms of Osteoarthritis. Also, it is said that Librela works well with other medications, such as antibiotics, vaccines, and preventatives against parasites. Subcutaneously (under the skin), it is given to dogs based on their weight.

5-10 kg (1 Vial; 5mg)10-20 kg (1 Vial; 10mg)20-30 kg (1 Vial; 15mg)30-40 kg (1 VIal; 20mg)40-60 kg (1 vial; 30mg)60-80 kg (2 Vials; 20mg)80-100 kg (1, 20, 30mg and 1 vial)100-120 kg (2 vials, 30mg)

Note that 1 kg is 2.2 pounds. Verify all dosages according to the drug label.

Librela is similar to the benefits found in cats. The artificial antibodies are excreted in a manner that mimics naturally occurring antibodies.

How long will it last?

Librela’s benefits are felt for four weeks (1 month) following injection.

What are the differences between this treatment and other treatments?

NSAIDs, the most common and current treatment for OA, can cause gastrointestinal problems with prolonged use. These include nausea, diarrhoea, and ulcers in the stomach. They can also cause liver damage, or even liver failure, in dogs with preexisting conditions. Librela is much gentler on the system.

Supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine, which support joint health, may be used to treat OA more passively. Weight loss, physical therapy, and exercise (especially water therapy) can also have an anti-inflammatory effect and omega-3 fatty acids. Weight management is also a matter of diet, particularly for dogs. Consider converting your pet to a diet low in inflammation (discuss with your veterinarian the options available) to reduce systemic irritation and aggravators.

What are the side effects of Librela for dogs?

Librela has mild side effects but only affects a few people. These include swelling, tenderness and heat at the injection site. Solensia is associated with fewer side effects in dogs than it does in cats.

Can pregnant dogs use it?

Due to the limited data available, it should not be administered to pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs. Librela is not to be used for dogs younger than 12 months.

Canine arthritis can be managed, even though there is no cure. Librela is a promising drug that can help manage OA and improve the quality of life for senior dogs.

The author has done his best to ensure that the information in this article is accurate. This article is not intended to replace veterinary medical professionals’ formal advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if an animal exhibits symptoms or signs of distress.