FDA Issues Warning About New Anti-Arthritic Drug for Dogs: What You Need to Know

The FDA has recently issued a letter to veterinarians regarding a new anti-arthritic drug called Librela, urging caution due to a significant number of adverse events reported in dogs treated with it. This is something you should know if you’re considering this treatment for your dog.

What Is Librela and How Does It Work?

Librela is a monoclonal antibody drug that was fast-tracked by the FDA for managing osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Approved in May 2023, this drug has shown promising results in many dogs. However, there have been numerous reports of severe side effects, with over 4,000 serious adverse events reported as of April 2024.

The drug is designed to be administered once a month via injection, but the side effects have been alarming. These include neurological signs such as:

• Ataxia (wobbling)
• Seizures
• Pus or paralysis
• Full recumbency (unable to move)

Other reported issues include:

• Urinary incontinence (dribbling urine)
• Increased thirst and excessive urination
• In some cases, even death or euthanasia due to the severity of the reactions

Most of these serious side effects occurred within the first week of administration, which is extremely concerning for pet owners.

The FDA’s Reassurance (But Should You Trust It?)

While the FDA is working to monitor the safety of drugs after they hit the market, the letter acknowledges that pre-approval studies may not always catch potential issues that become apparent once the drug is widely used. Disturbingly, the FDA lacks the authority to mandate changes to the labeling of such drugs, meaning the manufacturer is not required to issue a warning about the serious side effects.

This situation raises questions about the reliability of this drug and whether it’s being used safely in pets.

What Should You Do If You’re Considering Librela for Your Dog?

Given the severity of the potential side effects, I recommend extreme caution if you’re even considering this drug for your dog. Here’s what you should do:

1. Explore Alternatives First
   Before opting for Librela, try safer alternatives for joint health. Many pets respond well to natural and holistic treatments. If nothing else works, then and only then consider Librela, but be fully aware of the risks.

2. Supplements for Joint Health
   Ensure your dog is on a high-quality joint support supplement that includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. I recommend Dr. Jones’ Ultimate K9 Advance for effective joint support.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Inflammation
   Omega-3 fatty acids like Dr. Jones’ K9 Oil can help reduce inflammation and support joint health naturally.

4. Effective Natural Pain Relief
   Dr. Jones’ Ultimate CBD for Dogs and Cats is another great option to manage pain without the side effects of conventional drugs.

5. Weight Management
   Maintaining an ideal weight is crucial to relieving stress on your dog’s joints. If your dog is overweight, consider feeding a low-carb, high-protein diet to help manage their weight.

6. Gentle, Gradual Exercise
   Regular but gentle exercise, like walking or swimming, helps improve joint mobility and fluid production, which can naturally relieve pain.

7. Touch Therapies for Pain Relief
   Consider acupressure to alleviate pain. One of the easiest points to use is the aspirin joint between the skin webbing above your dog’s Achilles tendon. Apply gentle pressure for 30-60 seconds, twice daily. You may see improvement in pain levels and movement without any side effects.

   Another effective point is the Ying Tang point at the base of your dog’s nose bridge, which can help reduce anxiety. Pressing this point can bring a sense of calm to anxious dogs.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Dog’s Health

As a veterinarian, I want to ensure your dog remains safe and healthy. If you’re considering using Librela, be fully informed about the potential risks. There are many safer, effective alternatives that can provide relief without the harmful side effects seen with this drug.

Join My Free Webinar on Dog Nutrition and Health

Are you concerned about your dog’s nutrition and health? In my free webinar, I’ll cover everything you need to know about:

• Proper dog nutrition: Is your dog’s food really safe?
• The truth about pet food contamination: Including the risk of bird flu in pet food
• Common veterinary medications: Can they harm your dog?
• Top natural remedies: How to avoid conventional drug reactions and promote overall health.

The webinar is happening on Tuesday, January 21st at 5:00 PM Pacific, and it’s completely free to attend. Click the link below to sign up and reserve your spot!