If you’re exploring options for managing your best friend’s osteoarthritis pain, you’ve likely come across Librela™ and Solensia™. These innovative treatments are gaining attention, and I’m here to break it down for you with the essential info, potential risks, and alternatives. Let’s dive in!
Quick Summary:
- What Are They?
- Librela™: For dogs.
- Solensia™: For cats.
- Both are monthly injections targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) to help with osteoarthritis pain. Available in Europe since 2020 and the US since 2023.
- The Good:
- These treatments have shown great results in reducing pain and improving mobility for many pets.
- The Bad and the Ugly:
- Reports of side effects range from mild issues like lethargy to serious concerns like neurological problems and potential organ damage.
- What’s Next?
- We need to weigh the benefits against the risks, keep a close eye on our pets, and consider other options like physical therapy or natural remedies.
- Dig Deeper:
- For more details, check out these resources:
Let’s Dive into the Details
What Are Librela™ and Solensia™ All About?
These drugs are monoclonal antibodies designed to target specific pain signals (nerve growth factor, or NGF) in pets with osteoarthritis. Librela™ is for dogs, and Solensia™ is for cats. They’re given as a monthly shot, and since their approval, many pet owners have seen improvements in their pets’ mobility and comfort. But, as with any medication, there’s more to the story.
What Side Effects Should We Watch For?
- Common Issues:
- Injection site reactions, lethargy, drooling, shaking, behavior changes, and altered thirst patterns.
- Serious Concerns:
- Neurological issues like ataxia (hind-end weakness), allergic reactions with facial swelling, new or worsened seizures, renal and urinary tract disorders, and anorexia.
Safety Worries: What We Don’t Know Yet
There are still many unknowns about the long-term effects of these drugs:
- Long-Term Impact:
- Potential neurological damage, immune response issues, or organ damage (heart and central nervous system) remain concerns.
- FDA Warning:
- Serious side effects like ataxia, anorexia, and even death have been reported but aren’t always listed in drug inserts. It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant.
- Unanswered Questions:
- The effects on vaccinated pets, those with kidney or neurological issues, and the impact of age or breed are still unclear.
Examining the Risks of Librela™
I recently came across an intriguing study focused on Librela™. This research delved into the musculoskeletal adverse event reports (MSAERs) for dogs treated with Librela™, comparing these findings with six other similar medications. The data was sourced from the European Medicines Agency’s EudraVigilance database. Here’s a summary of their findings:
- Reported Issues:
- Ligament/tendon injuries, polyarthritis, fractures, musculoskeletal tumors, and septic arthritis were reported about 9 times more often in dogs on Librela™.
- Expert Panel Insight:
- An expert panel strongly suspected a link between Librela™ (bedinvetmab) and accelerated joint destruction. This means that a group of experts reviewed the data and findings related to Librela™ and concluded that there is a strong possibility that the drug may be associated with faster deterioration or damage to the joints in dogs. Such findings suggest the need for further investigation to better understand the relationship between the drug and joint health.
- Alignment with FDA Analyses:
- These findings align with FDA analyses showing higher rates of musculoskeletal problems in dogs on this drug.
Takeaway:
More research and close monitoring of dogs on Librela™ are needed to better understand these risks and improve safety measures. For the full study, check it out on PubMed. Also, see the FDA’s evaluation here.
Other Ways to Help Our Pets
Considering all options is crucial, especially when there are risks involved. If you’re hesitant about Librela™ or Solensia™, or want to try additional therapies, here are some alternatives:
- Physical Therapy & Massage:
- Can significantly improve mobility and relieve pain without medication.
- Dietary Tweaks:
- Use Nutriscan to identify food sensitivities, add probiotics, or try herbal remedies like nettles and bromelain for natural support.
- Allergy Shots:
- Desensitization injections for environmental allergies have about a 75% success rate, though they require at least a year of immunotherapy.
- Supportive Supplements:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, phytoplankton, and medicinal mushrooms like reishi, chaga, or turkey tail powder https://petventures.petclub247.com/product_details.html?productcode=50001
can enhance immune health and overall well-being.
My Final Thoughts
We all want the best for our pets, and while Librela™ and Solensia™ might seem like quick fixes, we must weigh the pros against potential risks, especially if our pets have other health issues. My advice? Educate yourself, ask your vet plenty of questions, and focus on treating the underlying causes of pain, not just the symptoms. Exploring other therapies can also support your pet’s overall health.
It’s so important to keep learning and educating yourself as well as others so that we can make the best choices for our beloved pets. The more we know, the better we can do to help them live their best and longest life! 🐶🐱
Helpful Resources:
- FDA Evaluation on Librela™ Adverse Effects
- PubMed Study on Librela™ Risks
- Vet Times Article on Librela™ Controversy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxTLhDubIWY – watch Dr. Judy Mor