At Cascade Vet Clinics, we are committed to providing the best possible care for your furry friends. We understand the pain and discomfort that osteoarthritis can cause in dogs, which is why we are thrilled to introduce a breakthrough in pain management – Librela. In this blog, we will explore what Librela is, how it works, the benefits it offers, and review the proven safety and efficacy of this new drug.
What is Librela and What is it Used For?
Librela is specifically designed for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. This remarkable medication contains the active substance bedinvetmab. This is the first monoclonal antibody directed at pain receptors in nerve cells. This represents a game-changer in the field of pain management for our beloved canine companions.
How is Librela Used?
Administering Librela is simple and convenient. It is provided as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, and the recommended dose depends on your dog’s weight. Librela is given once a month, and it’s important to note that this medicine can only be obtained with a prescription. The convenience of once per month dosing allows owners to easily improve your dog’s comfort. Librela is also safe to use in conjunction with other common veterinary pain relievers and supplements. Please ask your veterinarian which medications your pet should continue. Your veterinarian at Cascade Vet Clinics will guide you through the proper usage, ensuring your dog’s comfort and well-being.
How Does Librela Work?
The active ingredient in Librela is a monoclonal antibody designed to target a protein known as nerve growth factor (NGF). Once Librela attaches to NGF, it prevents NGF from binding to its receptors on nerve cells. As a result, the transmission of pain signals is interrupted, leading to significant pain relief for your furry friend.
Benefits of Librela: Proven Effectiveness
The effectiveness of Librela has been demonstrated through rigorous field studies. In the first study, conducted in the European Union, 287 dogs with osteoarthritis participated. These dogs were given either Librela or a placebo, with pain assessed using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI). The results were remarkable, with 43.5% of dogs treated with Librela showing improved pain scores compared to 16.9% in the placebo group. Veterinarians at Cascade Vet Clinics also observed significant improvements in the Librela-treated group in terms of weight-bearing ability, limb sensitivity, and overall mobility.
In a second field study in the USA, 135 dogs received Librela, while 137 dogs were given a placebo. The results were equally impressive, with a 47.4% success rate in the Librela-treated dogs, compared to 36.6% in the placebo group.
Safety
Librela has been proven to be a remarkably safe drug in dogs. The most common side effects, which are generally mild, may include injection site reactions such as swelling and heat.
Librela is a groundbreaking solution for managing osteoarthritis-related pain in dogs, and it represents a significant advancement in veterinary medicine. Its proven effectiveness and convenience make it an excellent choice for ensuring your furry friend’s comfort and well-being. If you have any questions or would like more information about Librela, please don’t hesitate to contact us or your veterinarian. Your dog deserves the best care, and with Librela, we can help provide it.
