The latest in Feline OA Pain management: Solensia

,Cats are masters at hiding pain. Actually, let’s face it, cats are masters at everything (don’t tell the dog). Studies have shown that approximately 60% of cats over the age of 6 and 90% of cats over the age of 12 have pain associated with osteoarthritis. Are you unsure whether your cat is in pain or not? Check out this interactive checklist to help you identify pain in your feline friend https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist-cat. It will only take a minute or two to fill out and you can email the results directly to us at [email protected] 
 
I’ve heard about Solensia, what is it? 
Solensia is a monthly injection given in hospital. Just think, no pills or liquid medications! Solensia is the first, and only, FDA approved drug for the treatment of OA pain in cats.

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What's a monoclonal antibody and how does it work? 
Antibodies are produced naturally by the body and help the immune system recognize antigens (foreign material) such as bacteria and viruses that cause disease, and mark them for destruction. Like your body’s own antibodies, monoclonal antibodies are immune system proteins that provide targeted therapy. The word “monoclonal” refers to the fact that the antibodies created in the laboratory are clones. They are exact copies of one antibody. The monoclonal antibody targets nerve growth factor (NGF), decreasing pain signals and making it easier for your cat to move and play. This video shows how Solensia works to help control osteoarthritis in our feline friends https://www.solensiavetteam.com/
 
Is Solensia safe for my cat? 
Solensia is very safe. It does not affect their vital organ function like other medications because it is metabolized and eliminated from the body in the same way as their naturally occurring antibodies. This means that even if your cat has any disease process in vital organs, Solensia may be a great option for them!  The commonly reported side effects are occasional vomiting and injection site pain similar to that of any vaccine. It is safe to use in cats with other diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Rarely a cat may be sensitive to the ingredient, or develop temporary allergic itch that resolves by discontinuing injections.
 
Our hospital currently has a handful of feline friends who have started taking Solensia. The results have been amazing!
 
If you think there’s no way that you can get your cat to the vet every month (they are hard to get in the carrier or they don’t travel well) please let us know! We have tips, tricks, and suggestions that can help you get your cat into their carriers more easily. If they get stressed out or carsick, there are oral medications that can be used to help make their travel experiences more comfortable.
 
What about my dog? 
Is there something available for them? Yes! We also now also carry Librela, a monoclonal antibody to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Please call or email our office for more information 802-365-9362 or [email protected]
 
For more information and other frequently asked question about Solensia, please visit https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products/solensia