What is Librela?
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Librela (Beransa) is a veterinary drug designed to help manage pain in dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. It belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies (mABs), which in the case of Librela is bedinvetmab.
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Librela, in the form of synthetically engineered mABs (bedinvetmab), bind to a protein molecule called nerve growth factor (NGF) responsible for promoting inflammation and pain. Through monthly injections of Librela, these anti-NGF mABs block NGF and reduce pain perception which may improve mobility in some dogs with osteoarthritis.
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NGF doesn’t just appear in arthritic joints, it also appears throughout the entire body where it plays a critical role in regulating immune response and nervous system function. And once Librela is introduced into the body, it can disrupt critical bodily functions causing severe adverse reactions that can be life threatening.
It is estimated 1 of every 5 dogs will experience a serious adverse reaction from Librela that may be life-threatening
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Vet recommended supplements that may help your pet
“There is no ‘antidote’ which means if serious adverse reactions develop, they will persist for as long as a disruptive level remains in the system. ”
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Dr. Bassingthwaighte has indicated that propentofylline (Vivitonin, Karsivan) may aid dogs with adverse effects, as it increases NGF. Please see Dr. Bassingwaighte’s article in Dogs Naturally, Librela (Beransa) – Wonder Drug Or Disaster In The Making
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Dr. Vince has indicated that recent research suggests that Lion's Mane can stimulate NGF in the central nervous system, and may also support peripheral nerve regeneration.
Recently Dr. Vince published a Special Report on Librela that is available for FREE on his website . He is planning to provide additional guidance within this on Managing Adverse Reactions. As soon as it becomes available, we will publish it here.
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Dr. Rob Silver asserts that Lion’s Mane mushroom contains terpenes and other molecules that stimulate the production of NGF and a specific NGF found specifically in the central nervous system, called brain-derived NGF or bNGF. The possibility exists that using Lion’s Mane concurrently with the use of Librela, or in the event of an adverse side effect, might reduce the development of side-effects or allow the dog (or cat) to overcome those side-effects.
Adverse Reactions reported by Pet Parents
Adverse Reactions in Librela Package Inserts
Click to read package inserts of adverse reactions by country published by Zoetis:
Lethargy
Stumbling(ataxia)
Weakness in hind legs
Urinary incontinence
Increased thirst
Lack of hunger
Change in behavior: hiding, shaking
Seizures
Kidney failure
Death
Report Adverse Reactions to regulatory agencies
Click below to file an adverse event report with the regulatory agency in your area:
Instructions:
Forms:
GRIEF SUPPORT:
FAQs & Resources
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Source: DogsNaturally.com
Antioxidants
Vitamin C could be the most important antioxidant for the liver. Even though dogs and cats produce their own, a little extra help during a toxic exposure or a cleanse is prudent and easy.
Mixed ascorbates are buffered, very absorbable and economical. Whole food Vitamin C from plant sources such as camu camu and acerola berries are very absorbable.
Related: How To Give Your Dog Vitamins
Milk Thistle
The most well-known darling of liver support is silymarin (milk thistle) for both humans and canines. It’s said that ancient Rome used plenty of this flowering Aster plant – it was a party city after all!
Silymarin protects the liver cells against toxins and their oxidative effects, helps regenerate liver cells and stimulate protein synthesis.
Many herbalists suggest it not be used unless there is an acute exposure, and for short periods only. Many formulas also contain this herb with Vitamin C for added antioxidant help.
Related: Milk Thistle For Your Dog!
Glutathione Precursors
Glutathione, the most potent antioxidant made by the body, important for both phases of liver detox. Cats cannot make glutathione in large amounts, leaving them vulnerable to acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity and death.
It’s estimated that up to 45 percent of liver disease in dogs is caused by low glutathione levels. Because of it’s expense to produce, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid serve as precursors for it’s production in the body.
N-acetylcysteine can also fight infections and alpha-lipoic acid can help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
Related: Spot The Early Signs Of Liver Disease In Dogs
Amino Acids
A high protein diet usually insures the body of these protein building blocks; but a little more will ensure adequate detox flow. If your formula has taurine and glycine, even better.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine, is known as SAMe, is produced naturally in the body by amino acids and is another precursor to glutathione. SAMe improves detoxification, reduces inflammation and serves as an antioxidant.
The B’s
The B-complex vitamins are used to produce energy, a lot of energy, for the detox process. B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, folate/folinic acid (not folic acid) are involved in methylation (see Phase I detox). Use a B-complex unless they are in your detox formula.
Flavonoids
Bioflavonoids such as …
From citrus
Pycnogenol/pine bark
Grape seed extract
Green tea
Quercetin
Rutin
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In a field study at the labeled dose in dogs with osteoarthritis, the half-life was highly variable and averaged approximately 19 days (harmonic mean 15.8 days).. That means 50% is gone in 19 days, 75% is gone in 38 days, and so on.
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COMING SOON!