A dog mom has shared her senior dog’s remarkable recovery after receiving Librela injections to relieve her osteoarthritis symptoms.
Sara (@sararenea96) posted the heartwarming journey of her now 15-year-old dog who, at 12, could barely get around. Today, thanks to the injections, her senior pup is happily running outside with newfound freedom and joy.
“This injection changed my senior pup’s life! I am forever grateful. If your dog struggles with OA pain, 10/10 recommend,” Sara captioned the video, which has garnered 141,500 likes and 1.3 million views on TikTok.
Dr. Elizabeth Benson, hospice veterinarian and founder of Paws into Grace, revealed the life-changing potential of the drug to Newsweek.
“In my experience, 70% of dogs see dramatic improvements in their stiffness and lameness. Many of them are more willing to go for longer walks and become more social,” Benson said. “It has been a game-changer for many of my patients, especially when not tolerating nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”
Librela is a veterinary injection used to relieve osteoarthritis pain in dogs, featuring a monoclonal antibody called bedinvetmab.
This antibody targets nerve growth factor (NGF), which contributes to pain in dogs by binding to receptors involved in pain signaling. By inhibiting NGF, Librela effectively reduces pain without relying on traditional pain medications, according to Veterinary Prescriber.
In the emotional footage, Sara reveals the incredible before and after of her dog’s progress. The video begins with her dog limping and struggling to move despite being on anticonvulsant drug gabapentin, NSAID carprofen, turmeric and other supplements.
“Could barely get outside to potty, eat, struggling every day. Wondering which day would be my last,” reads the overlay text on the early clips of her frail, struggling companion.
Then the video cuts to a joyous transformation: her dog now bounds around outside, healthier and more lively than ever.
“14 years old after a few months on the Librela injection. Running uphill and loving every last minute I have on this earth,” Sara writes over footage of her pup enjoying life.
Newsweek reached out to @sararenea96 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the video.
Stock image of dog limping. The dog could barely walk before having the injections.
Teamjackson/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Benson said about Librela: “I don’t use it as a sole pain medication, but it could be for mild arthritis along with supplements like omega fatty acids and joint support medications so that fewer NSAIDs are needed, which can be hard on the kidneys and liver.”
In her blog, Benson notes that the medication could also be helpful for dogs with bone cancer or osteosarcoma, although she advises caution for dogs with neurologic issues.
She said: “Any dog with hindlimb weakness or poor coordination should not be prescribed Librela. Underlying intervertebral disc disease or spinal cord inflammation/disease or degenerative myelopathy patients should not be prescribed Librela. It is not completely understood why, but the medication seems to make symptoms worse.”
TikTok users were moved by the dog’s uplifting transformation.
“As a vet tech, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the miracles of Librela. These videos always make me cry. So happy for your baby,” shared Ashley.
“We had a patient at work who couldn’t even get up on his own, and the owner was considering euthanasia due to quality of life concerns. We tried Librela, and now he runs in the clinic,” said Liv.
“I KNEW this was going to be about Librela!! As a vet tech of 13 years and a pet mom with a couple of old dogs myself, this injection has been a life saver!!!” added Victoria.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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