For anyone with an older dog

I had a very special dog I loved with all my heart. His name was Banksy. My daughter named him after the graffiti artist. Of all the dogs in shelter, he was the only asymmetrical one (patch on his eye) and that is why he got that name. He is an American Staffordshire Terrier with a heart of gold, and he loved his family and all people.

Banksy was getting old (over 14) and the arthritis and spinal stenosis were taking there toll. To ease his arthritis pain, I first gave him carprofen. But his liver enzymes went up and I switched him to Galliprant at my Veterinarians’ recommendation. The Galliprant was not too efficacious. The arthritis pain was still there. He still went for walks, but at time just had to stop. So, I would call my wife, and she would pick us up. I picked him up and put him in the car as he was too weak due to the spinal stenosis (he was 90 pounds).

Getting to the point of this post, my veterinarian recommended and new drug, Librela. It has been used in Europe for years. I spoke to 4 other veterinarians. Three called it a miracle drug. One warned against it as dog had skin issues. My veterinarian had used it on a few dogs with success. I gave it a try to try and relieve his arthritis discomfort. Initial results were good. The first symptom I noticed was right after the first shot: Polydipsia. He was constantly thirsty and wanted to constantly drink.

There was one curious side effect that showed up after the first shot. We would go for a short walk, and he would drink two Poland Spring Sport bottles. He also had polyuria. But I’m not sure if the was a result of the drug or his increased water intake. Banksy then became very unsteady on his feet. The term is ataxia. I attributed it to the progression of the spinal stenosis. But it never occurred to me that the sudden onset was due to the Librela. All his symptoms continued to worsen. He could no longer get up without my help. His “walks” were limited to the front yard, and I carried him up and down the stairs.

I started to suspect the Librela and switched back to the Galliprant. But it was too late. The ataxia, and other symptoms became much worse to the point he could not stand and developed seizures. We said goodbye to Banksy on Oct 17th, 2024. I still grieve daily.

I now think I was wrong to put Banksy on the Librela. If you have an older dog who has arthritis, PLEASE read the article. He showed ALL the side effects mentioned. I do not want any dog to suffer like mine did.

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterina...-adverse-events-reported-dogs-treated-librela.


Sorry for the long post.

 

Great looking dog.

It's never easy losing your best buddy. Sounds like your family gave him great life.
It's unfortunate that drugs can have such awful side effects.

 

What makes it worse is that we did everything together. Vacation in Penn, he came. Up to the Finger Lakes, he came. I have not words to describe the feelings of my loss. But I was hoping this post may help others.

 

My 11 year old Chihuahua has real bad hip dysplasia. So far she is doing great but I know it's going to catch up to her soon enough. Thank you for putting this information out there for the rest of us who are worried about the same thing. We just want them to have the best life and if this helps even 1 dog not to suffer the nasty side effects... We'll just thank you.

 

Very sorry for your loss. Dogs are better than people and their only flaw is that they don’t live longer. Rest easy Banksy and know that you gave him a great life!!!

 

First, let me say that I'm sorry for your loss

Banksy was a beautiful pup whom was clearly loved and well cared for... We ALWAYS focus on the microcosm of time at the end of their lives, as those moments are so fresh and cut so deep as we reflect and try to figure out what we could have done differently or where we went wrong in caring for them in the end. However, it's important to also reflect on all the great years that were had throughout the relationship (I'm sure you and your family are already doing this), but I think most of us would love to hear some of those reflections as well; when you feel up to sharing

Now, regarding the 'miracle drug'...

Thank you for taking the time to post your experience with this drug. As someone who has a few senior pups w/the typical ailments of an aging large dog, I too started receiving 'recommendations' to add Librela to their arthritic care regimen; both in long term care settings (in conjunction w/Gabapentin) and for acute ailments. These recommendations struck me a bit odd as each vet (3 or 4 different vets, at various times, at 2 different facilities, who were caring for 3 different dogs of mine) all started making the 'pitch' at the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 to add Lebrela.

What struck me as odd was they ALL said they had the same experiences w/it (great success on a few dogs we've used it on, a couple w/no change, and NO negative side effects)...

At one clinic (an emergency clinic we had to use because we couldn't get in to see our normal vet), I actually had the receptionist pushing it before the dog was even seen (WTH???)...

We asked more about the drug during one of the visits w/our regular vet, and he was very positive/confident about it and highly recommended it as well; he then said dogs that do well w/it usually see improvements in a few days to a couple weeks, but sometimes it takes a 2nd injection to see the benefits. Okay, so which is it... (If I remember right one clinic was charging about $86/shot and the emergency clinic was getting about $130/shot).

I remember telling my wife that it sounds like a marketing push and either the vets or the clinics are getting a huge kickback for the darn shots, or something like that....

Anyhow, as time goes on and my oldest was deterriorating more and more, you start trying to find anything you can to help them...

and so at one point, I gave in to the hype and allowed them give one of my pups a Lebrela shot. I was just hoping that maybe we'd be one of the success stories... Fortunately in our case, I don't believe we experienced any ill effects from the injection, but it didn't help our pup either. The vet recommended doing a second shot, but we declined and just held firm w/the protocols we were familiar with through the end. When he passed, I kicked myself in the ass for not giving it (the Lebrela) a better chance and maybe trying a 2nd or 3rd shot...

Looking back at things though, I think my initial instincts were right, and I'm glad I didn't do any additional shots w/that pup or any of my other dogs. I don't think the shot hastened his passing, but I really don't know...

With my old vets from Vegas, I would never question their recommendations or advice... I trusted that they were operating in the best interest of my dog. Here and now though, I struggle to trust my current vets and I constantly find myself questioning and 2nd guessing any recommendations being made. It's a frustrating position to be in, but experiences like yours and several others within the reports you shared give confirmation to some of my concerns/suspicions.

My condolences to you and your family... shit this sucks!!!!

It really shouldn't be this way...

 

Yes, I let my Vet know. Unfortunately, he seemed to dismiss me.


Undaunted, I called Zoetis and register my concern regarding the side effects I observed. To their credit, they listened to everything I said. Zoetis called my Vet and again, I think he downplayed the symptoms I saw and attributed to a combination of his old age at 14.5 and the spinal stenosis.

I followed up with my Vet with the following letter:


Please allow me to follow up on Banksy regarding what I perceive as side effects of Librela. The following have been observed.

1. Loss of muscle coordination (Ataxia), with very awkward movements and difficulties with balance. He has been falling backward and increasing unstable at a dramatically increased rate. In observing him one might think he was drunk in appearance due to very wobbly and inaccurate gait.
2. Gait ataxia is characterized by a wide-based gait and difficulty standing with the feet together. As well as very poor balance and ability to walk in a straight direction.
3. Abnormal skin at the injection site (dermatitis):
4. Increase urination and urinary incontinence.
5. Dramatic increase in thirst and water consumption. This was seen and mentioned to you after the first injection
6. Weight loss
7. Generalized weakness (Note both weakness and ataxia have develop rapidly in last 3 months or so very dramatically such that 3 to 4 months ago he would walk 30 to 45 minutes. Now he cannot walk 5 steps without assistance Very sudden appearance of both over a few weeks to month time period about 3 months ago.

As you previously recommended, I have contacted Zoetis Inc., and the Case Number: 03576961. Zoetis will be reaching out to you and request Veterinarian to Veterinarian consultation. My biggest concern and question/concern would be if we discontinue the Librela would we potential see any improvement in his weakness and ataxia over the next month or two?


I know you have not seen Banksy in a few months due to the loss of muscle coordination and difficulties with balance. When your Technologist came to the house to give Banksy the Librela she did notice how I had to help Bansy up the stairs to get him in the house. You may want to consider speaking to her.


Now the issue is what to do going forward. The carprofen was hepatotoxic, the Galliprant less efficacious. If we stop the Librela due to its possible cause of his rather sudden ataxia and weakness, what alternative medication can we give Banksy as he will be in severe pain. Are narcotics an option? I have sent a video that shows his bilateral weakness on all four extremities. It was too large to send via email. However, you can download from the cloud. Please take the time to watch the 45 second video.

Sorry for the long post. But if I help just one other dog, it will be worth it. I think anyone reading this may want to consider more tradional treatments.

 

Please allow me to follow up. Please see the attachment. Also, my gym partner told they had info on Librela on the news. Seems many people are noticing bad side effects leading to the dog death. LIBRELA IS DEATH for your dog.

 

I understand your pain - I too still grieve all my pets as I go down the list since childhood going to sleep at night - sometimes I just shake my head at it to go away for another day. Rest in Peace.

 

Putting a pet down sucks. I had to put my 12 year old Parsons Jack Russell down this morning.

 

Sorry to hear. It hurts.

 

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Our Vet and a very good friend, also a vet were very excited when librela finally hit the US market. They currently will NOT rx that god awful drug to any dog due to the horrific side effects. It did seem like a miracle drug but it’s a nightmare drug.

 

It does! I have to tell the kids when they get home. He was having trouble pooping and took him 3 or 4 minutes to get it going. We took him in 2 weeks ago and he had an infected and leaking gland and a hard area. They aspirated it and put him on some meds. We went back for the followup and she said it had gotten aggressively worse over the last 2 weeks. She said there was a large tumor as well. It's usually malignant and has probably already spread to other parts of the body based on the aggressiveness. It was a very tough decision to make but he is no longer having to suffer.

 

Thank you for posting that. I did not want this to be a "My Opinion" post. I tried to get reference material like the link from the FDA, someone trusted, so people would start there and research more.

I too was excited when it became available. I love my pup and wanted nothing but the best for him. But I saw all these side effects, I took him off it. Unfortunatley too late.

As I said before, if this saves one other dog from going through what my pup went through. Save one other owner for feeling the guilt I feel. All these posts will be worth it.
OWNERS: READ. Research. Do not take my opinion. But think hard and take accountablity for your choice.

 

Maybe do something in memory. My wife and I went thorugh all our pictures and may a coffee table style book in his memory. You do what feel right for you and your family.

 

Yeah good idea - i had mini headstones made that sit up on my mantle. In October my wife puts up a Day of the Dead tree and display of family pics and of course all our pets who have shared their lives with us - gives us all a good feeling of respect for our passed.

 

A favor....
If you are on another site, help other owners help their dogs and post this on those sites too. Spread the word when possible.
Librela is hurting dogs. Not only my opinion, that of the FDA.

 

Another article to read if your considering Librela:

https://www-ky3-com.cdn.ampproject....s-risks-fda-issues-warning-adverse-reactions/

 

Thank you and so very sorry for your loss. We're a "bully breed family" and they have a special place in our hearts here. We currently have 3 and 2 of them (blue nose American Pit and brindle Staffordshire Terrier) are over 11 so we know we will likely be seeing more and more health issues arising and this is good to know.