Hi guys!

My name is Dan, and I am a veterinarian. Today I am talking about Librela. Librela is a drug that treats OA or osteoarthritis pain in the dog. Zoetis states the following regarding Librela and its treatment of OA pain in the dog.

The follow are referenced and quoted or summarized from Zoetis' websites:

Librela offers long-lasting pain relief with a once-monthly injection administered by your vet. Osteoarthritis (OA), or arthritis, is a painful chronic condition of the joints. Pain from OA can severely affect the health and well-being of your dog. Although we cannot cure OA, we can control the pain it causes. www.zoetispetcare.com

Librela is the First and Only Monthly Injectable Anti-NGF Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for the Control of Canine Osteoarthritis (OA) Pain. Approved as safe and effective and provides long-term canine OA pain control. Reduced canine OA or Osteoarthritis pain, which led to increased activity to help improve quality of life. www.librelavetteam.com

Traditional OA Care:

Osteoarthritis in dogs, often referred to as canine osteoarthritis or canine arthritis, is a common degenerative joint disease that affects the joints of dogs as they age. It can also occur due to genetic factors, joint injuries, or other underlying health conditions. Here are some key points to know about dog osteoarthritis:

Causes: Canine osteoarthritis is typically caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This can be due to the natural aging process, genetic predisposition, joint injuries, obesity, or other factors that cause excess wear and tear on the joints.

Symptoms: Common signs of osteoarthritis in dogs include limping, stiffness, difficulty in getting up or lying down, decreased activity or exercise intolerance, joint pain, and noticeable changes in gait. Dogs with arthritis may also show signs of discomfort when their joints are touched.

Diagnosis: A veterinarian can diagnose osteoarthritis in dogs through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and possibly imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of joint damage.

Treatment: The treatment for dog osteoarthritis aims to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Treatment options may include:

Pain Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.

Diet and Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reduce stress on joints. Specialized diets or weight management plans may be recommended.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and exercises can help improve joint mobility and muscle strength.

Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements may support joint health and reduce symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications: Changes in your dog's environment, such as providing soft bedding, ramps or steps, and modifying exercise routines, can help reduce joint stress.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints.
Lifelong Management: Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, and management often requires ongoing care and monitoring. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to assess the progression of the disease and adjust treatment as needed.

Pain Assessment: It's crucial to monitor your dog's pain levels and response to treatment. If you notice any worsening of symptoms or side effects from medications, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Holistic Approaches: Some dog owners explore alternative therapies such as acupuncture or dietary supplements like fish oil to complement traditional treatments. Always discuss these options with your veterinarian.