Many pet parents with aging dogs have concerns about mobility – whether it’s when their dog has trouble getting up or laying down, walking up stairs or limping. These may be signs of chronic osteoarthritis (arthritis); however, the good news is an FDA-approved arthritis medication is proving to be a breakthrough for treating arthritis pain in dogs.
If you’re asking, “How can I help my dog with arthritis at home?”, let us introduce you to Librela, a once-monthly injection that can alleviate the symptoms of chronic arthritis pain in dogs.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that is increasingly common, causing challenges with movements and chronic pain. While arthritis is more prevalent in aging dogs, studies say up to 40% of dogs show signs of arthritis – as the disease affects dogs of all breeds, age and size. OA is a chronic and painful condition that causes your dog to hurt all the time if left untreated. Symptoms include:
- Limping after exercise
- Lagging behind on walks
- Slow to rise
- Acting lethargic
- Reluctance to be touched
- Bathroom accidents inside
- Difficulty standing or jumping
- Hesitancy to take stairs
- Unexpected aggression
If you recognize any of these arthritis symptoms in your dog, let your veterinarian know and open a conversation about a pain management plan for arthritis.
What is Librela?
Librela is the first and only once-monthly injection that provides long-term control of arthritis pain symptoms and has been shown to improve a dog’s mobility, their mood and overall quality of life.
While full effectiveness may not be seen until after the second dose of Librela, some dogs may experience a reduction in pain as early as 7 days after the first dose. Signs that the medication is working include:
- Decreased limping
- Improvement in stair climbing, jumping and playing
- Better sleep at night and sleeping less during the day
- Improved energy levels and play behaviors
- Improved mood
- Less difficulty getting up
How does Librela work?
Bedinvetmab is the active ingredient in Librela and is classified as a monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment. It blocks a chemical messenger called nerve growth factor (NGF), which sends pain signals to the brain. By blocking NGF, bedinvetmab prevents a dog from feeling arthritis pain and makes it easier for them to move and play.
Instead of daily medications that might be forgotten or easily overlooked, Librela is a steady and enduring alternative designed to consistently relieve your dog’s chronic pain. To learn more about what Librela is and how it works, you can visit: https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products/librela
Is Librela safe for dogs? What are the side effects of Librela?
YES! Librela is FDA-approved to be well-tolerated, safe and effective for dogs, having been successfully used by veterinarians in Europe since 2021 with over 4.6 million doses distributed.
Studies have shown that Librela is effective in managing pain in dogs with arthritis with few reported side effects. The most common side effects of Librela for dogs include urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections and dermatitis (skin inflammation). As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects that should be discussed with your veterinarian before starting treatment.
How much does Librela cost?
The cost of a monthly Librela injection is between $69 to $95 a month depending on weight and the dosage required. We’re happy to provide a cost estimate during any ReadiVet appointment.
Librela is also only available by prescription and must be administered by a licensed veterinarian or vet tech. Thankfully, ReadiVet has a fully-stocked pharmacy (both in-clinic and on-the-go!), so one of our mobile veterinarians or vet techs can conveniently administer Librela at home, eliminating the need for a monthly visit to a vet clinic.
Where can I buy Librela for dogs?
Ask ReadiVet About Librela! Our ReadiVet care teams across Collin County, Dallas, and Nashville have this treatment in stock and are able to easily administer this to your dog in the comfort of your home, just like we do with all of your pet’s other care needs.
We know how stressful it can be to see pup in pain from arthritis, and we welcome you to ask if Librela is a good treatment option for your dog. Our veterinarians are well-versed in diagnosing, answering questions and walking through every available option to ensure the best treatment possible for your best furiend.
P.S. Is your cat showing signs of arthritis?
Ask your veterinarian about Solensia (frunevetmab injection), the monthly, FDA-approved equivalent to Librela for the control of arthritis pain in cats.
