28/12/2024
There is currently a lot of controversy surrounding the use of Librela in dogs, and of Solensia in cats. Significant neurological issues have been noted, as well as joint locations and death.
Based on what I am currently seeing from veterinary orthopedic specialists, I am even more reticent in utilizing this drug than I previously was…I possessed an already significant level of caution. It should never be used in any patient displaying neurological signs, and it should never be used as a first choice treatment for arthritis pain. It does NOTHING to address the underlying issue…it only blocks pain receptors. There are many other ways to address the pain of osteoarthritis that are very effective….these should be the first line of consideration.
Even more troubling…there WAS a human version of this drug, but it was pulled due to the adverse effects..many of which we are seeing in dogs currently.
“The FDA’s Arthritis Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee voted 19 to one that while clinical data indicates tanezumabcan benefit patients, the associated risk for joint destruction or rapidly progressive osteoarthritis (RPOA) was too great.
Pfizer is currently seeking US approval for the drug, an investigational nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibitor, as a non-opioid treatment for moderate-to-severe OA pain in adults for whom the use of other analgesics is ineffective or inappropriate.”
https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/fda-pfizer-tanezumab-safety/?cf-view
Also know that there is currently a class action lawsuit against Zoetis for minimizing warnings about Librela:
https://www.classaction.org/news/librela-lawsuit-says-zoetis-failed-to-warn-pet-owners-about-dangers-of-canine-osteoarthritis-drug
Saying that, there is a study being headed by Dr. Curtis Dewey, DVM, MS (at Cornell University) to try to determine the extent and quality of effects (good and bad) of Liberia…ostensibly because Zoetis has perhaps not actually done its true due diligence.
If your dog has been administered Librela, with positive or negative effect, please consider completing this survey to help collect information on effects of Librela in dogs.
https://qualtricsxm6cplyb35y.pdx1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/previewId/8efb78a6-698e-4afd-aa72-c2f76a51dd84/SV_4Mya4VkMtLXwVLw?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current