Librela, the brand name for bedinvetmab, is a breakthrough treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) pain in dogs, which became available in May of 2023.
Although there is currently no known cure for canine OA, a veterinary pain management plan that includes medications like Librela may help improve your dog’s quality of life.
In this blog post, we will explore Librela’s benefits and risks so that you can decide whether it might be a good option for your pet.
What is Librela?
Librela is a monthly, injectable monoclonal antibody therapy for treating the pain and mobility issues associated with osteoarthritis.
How Librela Works
When a dog has OA, the cartilage of the joints starts breaking down over time, causing pain. Librela (bedinvetmab) works by binding to nerve growth factor (NGF), a pain pathway, and blocking pain signals to the brain.
What to Expect with Librela
How to Access Librela
If Librela is recommended for your dog, your veterinarian can prescribe and administer the monthly injection during a scheduled medication appointment.
A mobile veterinarian from BetterVet can administer Librela to your dog at home, eliminating the need to bring them to the clinic each month.
How is Librela Administered?
Librela is given to dogs in the form of a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection administered by your veterinarian or veterinary technician on a monthly basis.
The Benefits of Librela for Dogs
Librela is said to offer a range of benefits to dogs with OA, including:
- Improved mobility
- Less pain
- A better quality of life overall
- Is injected monthly; no daily pill to remember
Librela Safety
Librela has been the subject of extensive testing and clinical trials and was determined to be safe and effective for dogs. According to the manufacturer, the medication is usually well-tolerated and metabolized, has few serious side effects, and has a minimal impact on the liver or kidneys.
Librela Success Rate
As reported in the Zoetis client handout, two clinical studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Librela, which included a total of 559 dogs. The results, as reported by the dogs’ parents, indicated that Librela produced better results in reducing pain and improving quality of life than a placebo.
Librela Side Effects
Although usually well-tolerated in dogs, some of the side effects reported by Librela include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Bacterial skin infection
- Dermatitis
- Dermal mass
- Erythema
- Dermal cyst(s)
- Pain on injection
- Inappropriate urination
- Histiocytoma
Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?
1. Limps after exercise or active play.
2. Has trouble keeping up on walks.
3. Is slow to get up from sitting or lying down.
4. Has difficulty jumping up and down.
5. Seems stiff when moving around.
6. Has difficulty climbing up and going down the stairs.
7. Changes in appetite - your dog is showing less interest in food.
8. Changes in grooming - your dog is not grooming as much or is licking certain areas more than usual.
9. Personality changes - your dog is less sociable than usual or is resistant to being touched.
10. Changes in potty habits - your dog is having accidents inside the house or does not want to go outside.
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Is Your Dog Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?
1. Limps after exercise or active play.
2. Has trouble keeping up on walks.
3. Is slow to get up from sitting or lying down.
4. Has difficulty jumping up and down.
5. Seems stiff when moving around.
6. Has difficulty climbing up and going down the stairs.
7. Changes in appetite - your dog is showing less interest in food.
8. Changes in grooming - your dog is not grooming as much or is licking certain areas more than usual.
9. Personality changes - your dog is less sociable than usual or is resistant to being touched.
10. Changes in potty habits - your dog is having accidents inside the house or does not want to go outside.
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Is Librela Right for Your Dog?
It’s important to discuss with your veterinarian whether Librela is a good treatment option that should be added to your pet’s OA or pain management plan.
Librela should not be prescribed to dogs sensitive to bedinvetmab or breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Conclusion
Librela is a promising treatment option for dogs suffering from the symptoms of OA. You can decide with your veterinarian whether adding monthly Librela injections to your pet’s treatment plan is in their best interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Librela available in the US?
Yes, Librela is available to dogs in the United States under the care of a veterinarian.
What does Librela do for dogs?
Librela targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a pain pathway, by blocking pain signals to a dog’s brain.
Where to buy Librela for dogs?
Librela can be purchased through a veterinary practice and can be administered by a veterinarian or veterinary technician.
Does Librela have harmful side effects?
Common side effects in dogs listed by Zoetis are generally considered mild and short-term.
How much does Librela cost for a dog?
The cost of Librela may vary by your dog’s weight and age, but your veterinarian can provide you with an estimate of the medication and monthly appointment.
