Older pets bring joy and warmth to our lives. However, as they age, they are susceptible to various health conditions, osteoarthritis (OA) being the most common condition. Osteoarthritis is a painful, degenerative joint disease that hinders your dog’s quality of life. Fortunately, recent breakthroughs in veterinary medicine have introduced an innovative injection to All Creatures Veterinary Hospital. Librela™ (bedinvetmab injection), is designed to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis, this cutting-edge treatment can provide much-needed relief to the New Paltz dog population.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease that leads to the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in joints. This degeneration results in pain, inflammation, and a reduced range of motion. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in a pet’s body, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, elbows and shoulders. This disease can be caused by various factors, including genetics, aging, obesity, joint injuries and underlying medical conditions.
What are the Signs of Osteoarthritis?
Recognizing the signs of osteoarthritis in your dog is crucial for early intervention and improving their quality of life. Since our pets are adept at concealing pain, you must be vigilant to see the signs of it. Here are some common signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis pain in dogs. If you notice any of these, book an appointment with one of All Creatures Veterinary Hospital‘s veterinarians:
Signs of Osteoarthritis In Dogs:
- Limping or Lameness: Dogs may favor one limb, exhibit a noticeable limp or show stiffness when they walk.
- Stiffness: Your dog may struggle to rise from a sitting or lying position and could be hesitant to climb stairs or jump onto furniture.
- Reduced Activity: Osteoarthritis often leads to decreased physical activity. Your dog may lose interest in playtime and walks.
- Muscle Atrophy: As your dog uses affected joints less, the muscles around those joints may start to waste away.
- Behavioral Changes: Pain may cause restlessness, irritability or even aggression in some dogs.
- Excessive Licking or Chewing: Dogs may lick or chew at painful joints in an attempt to alleviate their discomfort.
- Swelling and Heat: Affected joints may appear swollen and feel warm to the touch due to inflammation.
Consult your veterinarian about Librela™
Osteoarthritis can significantly impact the lives of pets, causing pain and discomfort that diminishes their quality of life. However, thanks to recent advancements in veterinary medicine, Librela™ has emerged as powerful tool in the fight against this debilitating condition in New Paltz. These injections, when used in conjunction with a comprehensive approach to management, can help pets regain their mobility, reduce pain, and enjoy a happier and healthier life.
If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from osteoarthritis, book an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian to explore the best treatment options available. Your pet deserves a pain-free life, and these groundbreaking medications can help make that a reality.
Librela ISI: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: See full Prescribing Information. For use in dogs only. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur with self-injection. LIBRELA™ should not be used in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. LIBRELA™ should not be administered to dogs with known hypersensitivity to bedinvetmab. The most common adverse events reported in a clinical study were urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections and dermatitis.