Are you a dog owner who is worried about your dog's mobility? If so, you'll be delighted to hear about librela for dogs. This revolutionary new product is designed to help dogs with joint pain and limited mobility leap around like never before. It provides amazing relief for dogs with osteoarthritis to help ensure that your dog has the energy they need to enjoy a comfortable life. This article will explore what librela® is, how it works, and the benefits and risks associated with its use. Continue reading to learn more about librela for dogs.
What is Librela®?
Librela for dogs is made by Zoetis, designed to manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. Librela has been approved in the United States, Canada, and the UK for treating arthritis in dogs.
The active ingredient in Librela is bedinvetmab, which is a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets and neutralizes the action of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is a protein that plays a role in the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord, and by inhibiting its action, librela (bedinvetmab) can reduce pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis. Specifically, arthritis pain in dogs is often associated with the release of NGF from damaged cells in arthritic joints. This release can then contribute to further inflammation and soreness.
Librela for dogs is administered once monthly as a subcutaneous injection by a veterinarian. Generally, results will be seen within 7-28 days post-injection and peak at 60 days. If no response is seen after two treatments, other treatments should be taken into consideration.
What are the benefits of Librela for dogs?
Librela has been shown to provide several benefits for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. One of the most significant benefits is a reduction in pain and inflammation, which can greatly improve a dog's quality of life.
Dogs treated with Librela have demonstrated increased mobility, allowing them to resume activities they may have previously been unable to do due to pain and stiffness. By reducing pain and inflammation, librela may also reduce the need for other medications that may have unwanted side effects, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Studies have proven that librela is effective in managing pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis, and it has been well-tolerated with few reported side effects. The use of Librela may also help prevent the progression of osteoarthritis in dogs by reducing inflammation and pain associated with the condition.
Overall, librela provides a safe and effective treatment option for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, improving their mobility and quality of life while reducing their dependence on other medications. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if librela is the right treatment option for your individual dog and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication.
What are the side effects of Librela in dogs?
Librela is generally safe and well-tolerated by most dogs. However, like any medication, it can sometimes cause side effects.
- Mild Injection Site Reactions: Your dog may have some temporary swelling or warmth where they got the shot. This is uncommon but not a cause for serious concern.
- Other Possible Side Effects: Some less common side effects might include:
- Infections (of the urinary tract or skin)
- Skin problems (redness, itchiness, or small lumps)
- Temporary pain where the injection was given
- Small, harmless skin growths
What are the considerations when using Librela for dogs?
Librela is generally considered to be very safe for use in dogs with osteoarthritis. Uncommonly, injection site reactions such as swelling and redness can occur but are usually mild and resolve without treatment within 1-2 days.
The use of librela in dogs is contraindicated in certain cases. It should not be used in dogs with hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the ingredients.
Additionally, librela is not recommended for dogs under 12 months of age or for breeding dogs. It should also be avoided in pregnant or lactating dogs, as safety in these situations has not been established.
Rarely, your dog's body might start to react to Librela as if it were something to fight off. This is very uncommon, but if it happens, you might notice that the medicine doesn't seem to work as well as it used to. If you think this is happening with your dog, let your veterinarian know.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian before administering librela to your dog to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your pet's individual situation.
What to do if Librela stops working or doesn't last as long for your dog?
Librela can be an amazing tool for managing canine arthritis, but sometimes it might seem like it's losing effectiveness.
As your dog's arthritis worsens, their body naturally produces more of the pain-related protein that Librela targets (called Nerve Growth Factor). This means more antibodies from the Librela injection are needed to do the same job, so the effects might not seem to last as long.
It's important to talk to your veterinarian if you notice Librela isn't providing the same level of relief for your dog. Here's what I recommend for my patients:
- Increased Dose: I often suggest increasing the dose of Librela rather than administering it more frequently. This is often a more cost-effective approach than giving it more than once a month.
- Alternative or Additional Treatments: As arthritis progresses, I may recommend other medications or therapies to use alongside Librela. These might include:
- NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Other pain management medications
- Joint supplements
- Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, or rehabilitation exercises
FAQs
How often does Librela for dogs need to be administered?
Librela is administered once monthly as a subcutaneous injection.
What are the side effects of librela?
Very few dogs will experience side effects from librela. When they do occur, the most common are injection site reactions such as swelling and redness which usually resolve without treatment within 1-2 days.
Can my dog still take other medications while on Librela?
Yes, librela can be used in combination with other medications such as NSAIDs. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your dog.
How long does it take for Librela for dogs to start working?
The effects of librela may be seen as soon as 7 days after administration, but the maximum effect is usually achieved 30-60 days after starting librela. If no response is realized after two treatments, other treatments should be taken into consideration.
In conclusion, librela is a safe and effective treatment option for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. It has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, improving a dog's mobility and quality of life. However, as with any medication, there are potential risks and considerations that should be discussed with a veterinarian before starting treatment. Librela for dogs is contraindicated in certain cases and may induce transient or persistent anti-drug antibodies, so it is important to monitor your dog closely for any signs of adverse reactions. By working with your veterinarian to determine if librela is the right treatment option for your dog and following the prescribed dosage and administration, you can help your furry friend to leap back into an active and happy lifestyle.