LIBRELA
The first injectable monthly antibody therapy to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Librela effectively alleviates osteoarthritis pain for one month with a proven safety profile.
PAIN BASICS SIMPLIFIED
A painful stimulus is perceived by nerves. These nerves transmit signals up to the spinal cord and then up to the brain. This transmission is achieved thru molecules that float between the nerves. Neurogenic Growth Factor (NGF) is a main player in this pathway and levels in osteoarthritis grow over time and become excessive.
NGF
Watch this video to see how this neurotransmitter is involved in the pain pathway!
WHAT ARE
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES
You may have heard of monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for certain infections. These monoclonal antibodies are developed to target a single, specific molecule in the body. Librela targets excessive NGF that occurs with osteoarthritis pain. This will result in decreased pain signals being transmitted thru the nerve pathways to the brain.
WHAT DOES PAIN LOOK LIKE IN PETS
Let's address the old wives tail that pet's don't feel pain - THIS IS ABSOLUTELY FALSE! Pet's do feel pain but instinctually hide this pain as they would be hunted in the wild if they showed this weakness. Osteoarthritis is a slow, insidious pain that dogs and cats learn to tolerate. Because of this, osteoarthritic pain can be very hard to detect until it is severe. They do not whine, cry, or limp but show subtleties like getting up slower, weight gain, stiffness, and mild muscle loss. Advanced signs include not running or jumping, reluctance to play or go on walks, different posture to potty, irritability or changes in behavior, lethargy or more. By the time we see significant clinical signs the arthritis is usually advanced!
We have had good success with a multi-modal approach to treating osteoarthritis using some combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID), neurologic pain medications, joint protectants, therapeutic laser, weight control and acupuncture. Prescription medications, such as NSAIDs, are good options and generally considered safe but can have negative or unwanted short term &/or long term side effects. Monoclonal antibody treatment for osteoarthritis is an exciting new way of treating pain that will be a part of this multi-modal approach and may help us limit medication use while achieving overall better pain control.
THIS IS ALSO A ONCE MONTHLY INJECTION -
no more pills to add to the daily routine!
MY PET CAN'T TAKE NSAIDS -
IS LIBRELA SAFE
NSAIDs, in general, block the production of natural chemicals that trigger inflammation, something called a COX pathway. Some COX pathways are helpful in digestion, kidney health and clotting. By blocking this pathway, pets with GI problems or kidney issues should not take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for pain management. Librela does not affect this pathway and after binding NGF, is broken down naturally making it much easier on the liver and kidneys. This unique feature of monoclonal antibody therapy will help many pets that otherwise would continue to struggle with osteoarthritic pain!
MY PET'S MEDICATIONS DON'T SEEM TO WORK ANYMORE,
WILL LIBREA HELP?
Over time pain can be harder to manage due to many factors. One of these factors is that current treatments only address part of the very complicated disease process of osteoarthritis. Other factors, such as NGF, continue to spiral out of control and will result in a painful pet even though multiple other medications and treatment are being used. Adding Librela to the pain management plan will help control another piece of this complicated system.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY PRODUCTS BEING USED?
YES! Monoclonal antibody products have been used in veterinary medicine for several years.
​
CYTOPOINT
You may have heard of another product used for allergies that utilizes this safe and effective unique way of treating disease. Cytopoint has been used at Trinity Veterinary Hospital for several years and has proven to be a safe and extremely effective treatment for allergic dermatitis.
​
LIBRELA
Librela has been used in Europe for many years and has proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of osteoarthritic pain. This product has recently been released in the U.S. and Trinity Veterinary Hospital is proud to be selected as one of 4 veterinary facilities in Oklahoma to have early access to the exciting new product!
HOW OFTEN DOES MY PET NEED LIBRELA
One of the benefits of Librela is that it is not a pill you have to give your pet. It is an injection given every 4 weeks (on average). There is typically significant improvement seen after the first injection but 2-3 may be necessary to maximize full efficacy and see full benefit from Librela. Dr. Carey Bonds or
Dr. Kent Williams will review your pet's current pain control treatment plan and discuss reducing oral medical if possible dependent on how your pet responds to monthly treatment.
DOES MY PET HAVE TO SEE THE VET FOR EVERY INJECTION?
Once your veterinarian has knows how your pet responds to treatment and the overall pain management plan has been determined, then injections can be schedule on an outpatient basis with one of our technicians. If a problem or question arise then an appointment with the veterinarian will be scheduled.
I WANT MY PET TO TRY LIBRELA, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Simply call our office or use our VitusVet Phone App to schedule and appointment with Dr. Carey Bonds or Dr. Kent Williams. We have Librela in stock and ready for your pet today!