Posts in Category: senior pet care

In the world of veterinary medicine, the pursuit of effective and compassionate treatments for common ailments in our beloved pets is an ongoing journey. Enter Librela, a groundbreaking solution offering hope and relief for dogs grappling with the pain of osteoarthritis (OA). In this blog post, we’ll explore what Librela is, how it works, its benefits, and why it might be the game-changer your furry friend needs.

Unveiling Librela

What is Librela?

Librela is a revolutionary monoclonal antibody designed to target Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF is a protein responsible for activating and binding to pain receptors within nerves. This can cause chronic pain in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.

The Mechanism of Librela

How does Librela work?

Librela works by binding to NGF which prevents OA pain. It also limits the release of NGF in the future resulting in a decrease in inflammation. Librela functions like naturally occurring antibodies thus making it a treatment that has far less side effects than traditional NSAIDs.

What are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs, such as Rimadyl, Carprofen, Deramaxx, Previcox, or Galliprant, hail as typical go-to treatments for canine OA. While these drugs generally work well to help with OA pain, they do come with potential side effects. Using these drugs also means careful monitoring of liver and kidney values through routine blood work.

Administration and Benefits

How is Librela administered?

Librela is a once monthly injectable treatment which may eliminate the need for daily medication. It must be administered by a veterinary professional and it is safe to be administered in conjunction with vaccines.

Benefits of Librela

The benefit of Librela is that your dog can have more days with less OA pain. It may take up to three months to see the maximum effects of Librela’s monthly injections. Some owners, however have seen results after their first injection.

It is very important that you monitor play and fitness in your dog once on Librela. The maker of Librela, Zoetis, has even put out a “Back to Play Fitness Plan.” This is important because once your dog is feeling better he is likely to be more active. That’s great! After all isn’t that the goal? The answer is yes and no.

While your dog may want to be more active he may not have the muscle strength to support high levels of activity right away. Slowly build up his activity level by following Librela’s back to fitness guide. This will allow your dog to ease into more activity and allow him to build needed muscle strength to avoid injury.

Is Librela Right for Your Dog?

Any dog with OA symptoms can benefit from Librela. Many dogs with OA are senior citizens. If you have a senior dog check out the information about senior and geriatric dogs on our website for tips with common senior dog ailments.

Signs that Librela may be beneficial:

• Limping after exercise
• Slow to rise
• Lagging behind on walks
• Difficulty jumping
• Stiffness
• Difficulty navigating stairs or reluctance to use them

Transitioning from NSAIDs to Librela

If your dog is currently taking an NSAID for OA pain, consult your veterinarian to explore the possibility of transitioning to Librela.

Side Effects and Consultation

Are there side effects with Librela?

Librela is metabolized and eliminated like naturally occurring antibodies, with minimal involvement of the liver or kidneys. Side effects observed in clinical studies were typical for dogs with OA and included urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections, dermatitis, and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Consult Your Veterinarian

The ultimate guide to determining whether Librela is suitable for your dog and your family is a conversation with your veterinarian. Their expertise and knowledge of your pet’s health history will help make an informed decision for the well-being of your furry companion.

In conclusion, Librela stands as a promising advancement in veterinary medicine, offering relief for dogs suffering from OA and a chance to reclaim the joy of an active life. If your canine companion is showing signs of OA, consult your veterinarian to explore the possibilities that Librela may bring to your pet’s well-being.

What is Solensia?

Solensia offers breakthrough treatment specifically designed to address osteoarthritis pain in cats. This drug offers a much-needed solution for feline well-being.

The Challenge of Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects aging cats, yet effective pain relief options remain limited. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) approved for long-term use in cats are scarce, and steroids, while sometimes used, come with potential long-term side effects. Solensia is here to change that. Find out more about caring for Senior and Geriatric Cats by visiting our website.

How Does Solensia Work?

Unlike traditional medications, Solensia takes a different approach. Given by injection monthly, this cat-specific monoclonal antibody aims to prevent cats from experiencing the pain of osteoarthritis rather than by directly treating it. By targeting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a critical component in joint pain signaling and inflammation, Solensia’s active ingredient, Frunevetmab, binds to NGF, blocking its interaction with pain receptors. The result? Reduced pain sensations and increased comfort for your feline companion.

Administration and Effectiveness

Solensia is administered once every four weeks, typically requiring two to three doses to observe the full effects. Many cat owners have reported improvements after just a single dose. The subcutaneous injection takes minutes and is typically not painful.

The Benefits of Solensia

One of the key advantages of Solensia is its minimal impact on the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract, making it a safe treatment option. In fact, 77% of cat owners have witnessed notable improvements in their cats’ pain symptoms.

Identifying the Need for Solensia in Your cat

To determine if your cat could benefit from Solensia, consult with your veterinarian and consider the following symptoms

• Difficulty jumping up, resorting to using front paws/claws for assistance.
• Challenges in jumping down from furniture, opting for alternative routes to minimize impact on their bones.
• Reduced ability to climb stairs, resulting in bunny hopping and taking breaks during the ascent or descent.
• Difficulty running, noticeable through a combination of walking and jogging.
• Decreased enthusiasm or difficulty engaging in playful activities or chasing toys.

Potential Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, Solensia may cause temporary side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or mild pain at the injection site. It’s important to note that Solensia is suitable for cats weighing at least 5 lbs and older than 1 year. Do not administer to pregnant, breeding, or lactating cats.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Talk to your veterinarian so together you can decide if Solensia is right for your cat. Your cat’s doctor will provide personalized advice and guidance. Call our hospital at 210-695-4455 to schedule a visit. Please visit Solensia’s website to learn more.