Librela

A New Solution for Canine Osteoarthritis (OA) Pain

As your dog ages, you may notice signs that suggest they aren’t as energetic or playful as they once were. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain in dogs, making it harder for them to move comfortably and enjoy the activities they love. At North Star Veterinary Hospital, we understand the impact that OA pain can have on both you and your dog. That’s why we’re excited to talk to you about Librela, an innovative, long-lasting treatment for canine OA pain.

Understanding Osteoarthritis (OA) in Dogs

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the protective cartilage in a joint, wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This friction leads to pain and inflammation, reducing your dog’s mobility and overall quality of life.

OA is not just a problem for older dogs; it can affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.

Birth defects, genetics, injury, and obesity can all play a role in early onset of arthritis!

Signs Your Dog May Have Osteoarthritis

Because the signs of OA can be subtle, it’s important to be aware of the following symptoms that could indicate your dog is suffering from OA pain:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to talk to your vet about OA and how it’s affecting your dog’s well-being.

How Librela Helps

Librela is a revolutionary treatment for OA pain that is administered through a once-a-month injection, given by your veterinarian. It’s the first monoclonal antibody therapy for dogs, specifically targeting a key pain mediator in OA called nerve growth factor (NGF). By binding to NGF, Librela blocks the transmission of pain signals from the joints to the brain, helping to reduce pain and improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.

This innovative treatment is unique in its ability to specifically target the pain pathway in a way that traditional pain medications like NSAIDs cannot. By focusing directly on NGF, Librela reduces pain without causing the side effects typically associated with other pain management treatments.

Benefits of Librela

Long-lasting pain relief: Librela provides continuous OA pain control for your dog with just one injection each month.
Minimal side effects: Librela is metabolized like naturally occurring antibodies, with minimal involvement of the liver or kidneys.
Safe and effective: It is clinically proven to reduce OA pain and improve quality of life, with studies showing dogs becoming more active and willing to engage in play.
Non-invasive: No need for daily oral medications—just one easy monthly injection administered by your veterinary professional.

What to Expect from Treatment

Librela helps to alleviate OA pain for up to a month after each injection. While most dogs may experience significant pain relief after the second injection, some may notice improvements as early as 7 days following their first dose. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s guidance and continue treatment monthly for optimal results.

Possible Side Effects of Librela

Like all medications, Librela may cause side effects in some dogs. The most common side effects reported in clinical studies include:

Urinary tract infections
Bacterial skin infections
Dermatitis

Other side effects may include

Pain at injection site
Vomiting
Lethargy
Neurological symptoms

In January of 2025, the FDA issued an update on reported adverse events since Librela’s U.S. launch. Here’s what you need to know:

Librela has undergone rigorous testing and is approved as safe and effective for managing OA pain in dogs.
Since its launch, more than 21 million doses have been distributed globally, with adverse events reported at a rate classified as rare (<10 per 10,000 treated animals).

At North Star, we’ve witnessed the life-changing benefits of Librela fro dogs with chronic OA pain over this past year. This groundbreaking treatment offers comfort and improved quality of life, allowing pets to enjoy their golden years pain free. As with any treatment, monitoring for side effects is important to ensure safety! We are committed to your pets health and well-being and librela continues to be a valuable option at NSVH for enhancing the lifes of senior dogs providing lasting relief.

If your dog experiences any unusual symptoms after receiving Librela, contact your veterinarian for further advice. Your vet can help determine if Librela is the right treatment for your dog and ensure that it continues to be effective.

Is Librela Right for Your Dog?

Librela is suitable for many dogs suffering from OA pain, but it is not appropriate for every pet. Your dog should not receive Librela if:

They are less than 12 months old
They are pregnant, nursing, or planning to breed
They have recently developed new health issues that could require additional tests

Be sure to discuss your dog’s health history and any concerns with your veterinarian before starting Librela.

Why Choose Librela?

Long-Lasting Relief – without the need for daily medication

Targeted Pain Management – providing precise and effective pain relief.

Improves Quality of Life – by increasing your dog’s mobility allowing them to enjoy their favorite activities again.

Minimal Side Effects – metabolized like naturally occurring antibodies and the risk of side effects is rare.

Proven Clinical Efficacy – significantly reducing OA pain and improving overall quality of life for dogs with osteoarthritis.

We’re here to help ensure your dog lives their best, most comfortable life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if Librela is the right choice for managing your dog’s osteoarthritis pain.

Give your dog more days of play with Librela—because every day is better when they’re feeling their best!