The Latest in K9 OA PAin Management: Librela

Most dogs don't cry or whine when they are in pain unless it is very severe. So, how can you tell if your pet is in pain? The link below will direct you to a checklist where you can assess your dog for OA pain. It takes only a few minutes, and you can email the results directly to us at [email protected] 
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https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist
 
I’ve heard people talking about Librela, what is it?
Librela is a monthly injection that is given at our hospital. It is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets a key factor in osteoarthritis pain called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). It works to reduce pain signals, making it easier for your dog to move and play. Go to https://www.librelavetteam.com/ to watch a great video on how Librela helps to control osteoarthritis pain in dogs.

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What is a Monoclonal Anitbody? 
Antibodies are produced naturally by your 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.
 
Is Librela safe for my dog? 
Unlike other pain medications used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs Librela is very safe and does not effect their vital organ function in the same way as other pain medications. Librela is metabolized and eliminated from the body in the same way as naturally occurring antibodies. This means that if your pet has any disease process or changes in vital organ function that may limit their options in terms of what medications they use, Librela may be a great choice! This is also a great option if your dog is stubborn about taking oral medications.
 
The most common side effects reported are injection site pain (similar to that of a vaccination), urinary tract infections and skin irritation.
 
Some dogs feel so much better once starting Librela that we recommend a “Return to Play” plan. Our canine companions can feel so great that they injure themselves having a good time! We will discuss your pets current activity level with you and customize a program for your pet to gradually increase their activity.
 
Can my dog stop taking the other medications that were prescribed for pain? 
Some patients are able to discontinue using other pain medications, some are able to decrease the dose or frequency with which they are taking medications but starting Librela is not a guarantee that your dog will be able to stop taking other pain medications. For the first two weeks after starting Librela, continue to give your pet their other medications as prescribed and then speak with your veterinarian before making any changes.
 
Is this available for cats? 
There is a similar product that is available for cats called Solensia. If you are interested in more information about this product for your cat, please call or email our clinic at 802-365-9362 or [email protected]