Librela: A New Treatment Option for Canine Arthritis
Librela (bedinvetmab) is a first-of-its-kind treatment for canine arthritis. Unlike the daily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) we’ve come to know, Librela is given as a once-a-month injection.
How Librela works
Librela is a monoclonal antibody (antibodies are the foot soldiers of the immune system) that blocks nerve growth factor (NGF), a key player in creating arthritis pain. Less NGF = less pain.
A study of 272 dogs demonstrated Librela’s safety and effectiveness. Arthritic symptoms improved in just under 50% of the dogs treated.
The most common Librela side effects are polydipsia (increased thirst) and subsequent polyuria (increased urination). These symptoms are harmless, but can be deal breakers if they cause urinary accidents or urine leakage.
Librela isn’t intended to be a standalone treatment for canine arthritis. Consistently, one of the most effective treatments is weight loss. The less weight the joints carry, the less they hurt. Other treatments that can be combined with Librela include supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, fish oil), NSAIDs, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
Just as in people, any dog who lives long enough will develop arthritis. My 16-year-old Quinn takes a daily NSAID for arthritis in one of his front legs. No need for weight loss with this little guy. He’s always been a lean, mean, working machine. Lately, he’s developed a reluctance to go down stairs which may be a vision issue rather than arthritis. So, we’ll do a trial run with Librela. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Have you observed any arthritis symptoms in your best buddy? If so, how are you treating them?
Best wishes to you and your four-legged family members for abundant good health,
Dr. Nancy
I am on a fence about this one. When first Cookie's veterinarian mentioned it, I researched it. My first question was, is the nerve growth factor really not needed in a adult dog's body? I have my doubts about that.
I also found many testimonials where dogs suffered severe ataxia post-treatment (among other terrible signs which may or may not have been related to the injections).
At that time, Cookie already had issues with hind end weakness. I didn't not want to add oil to the existing fire, especially since the cause of the issue was open and no identified though there were several diagnostic theories, the latest--diagnosed by an orthopedic specialist--was iliopsoas.
Either way, for me, this would have been only a Hail Mary option.
After doing some research, the side effects of the drug were frightening. I decided not to try it on my dog. I look forward to hearing your experience.