On 4th March 2025 we had our Galen Myotherapy monthly meeting. We were incredibly lucky to have Dr. Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management joining us to talk about Librela. I’ve been doing my own research, but there’s nothing quite like learning directly from an experienced vet like Dr. Capon. Always eager to learn more with my peers! If you’re curious about Librela, feel free to drop me a message.

Here is a a very brief summary from her two hour talk.

The discussion focused on the use and controversies surrounding the monoclonal antibody drug, Librela, for osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs.

Librela is licensed only for OA and requires physical examination for diagnosis. It targets nerve growth factor, reducing its concentration to alleviate pain.

Clinical trials showed a 43.5% clinical improvement in 287 dogs after one month, with a placebo effect of 16.9%.

Adverse events were similar between placebo and drug groups. The FDA updated the SPC sheet due to public concerns. The drug’s efficacy, cost, and potential for rapidly progressive OA were debated, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to pain management.

The discussion focused on the challenges of diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis in dogs, emphasising the need for comprehensive clinical exams and proper caregiver education. 

Key points included the importance of observing gait, posture, and palpation, and the role of therapists in supporting vets by providing clear observations, this really is a strength of us Galen Myotherapists.

The conversation also covered the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of medications like Librela and non-steroidals, stressing the need for regular monitoring and proactive care. 

Hannah highlighted the importance of evidence-based practices, shared decision-making, and the potential benefits of holistic approaches in managing pain and improving animal welfare.

When using librela please don’t just treat it as a standalone solution, your dog needs a multimodal approach, combining pain management, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.