Acupuncture and Librela

-LIBRELA-

Did you know that osteoarthritis affects 50% of large breed dogs? Librela is a new injectable anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis pain. It is used to manage pain and inflammation in pups with osteoarthritis. Librela can help alleviate lameness (limping), pain, and mobility disorders. When combined with physical therapy, it can provide a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for dogs suffering from this condition. The drug itself does not address the lack of muscle or strengthening typically needed, but that’s why it’s so important to pair Librela with rehab. 

Here’s how Librela and physical therapy can work together to help dogs with osteoarthritis:

1. Pain Management: Librela can be effective at reducing pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis. It is specifically targeted for osteoarthritis pain. As everyone knows, pain can limit movement and everyday activities. 
2. Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation is a huge contributor to the progression of osteoarthritis. By reducing the inflammatory response in the joints, Librela can improve your pup’s mobility and comfort.
3. Improved Joint Mobility: Rehabilitation, including hands-on work, exercises, and range-of-motion can help improve muscle strength and joint mobility. This is essential for dogs with osteoarthritis because it helps maintain and/or restore function in the arthritic joints. Motion is lotion and the body needs to move in order to stay healthy. 
4. Weight Management: Excess weight places additional strain on the body and joints, increasing pain, causing more wear and tear of the joints, and progressing this condition.
5. Promoting Circulation: Rehabilitation can include modalities like soft tissue work and myofascial release that can improve circulation to the body and affected joints. This can enhance the delivery of nutrients to the joints via increased blood flow.
6. Encouraging a Positive Mental State: Osteoarthritis can lead to depression, frustration, and anxiety in dogs due to the constant pain and limiting mobility of their bodies. Physical therapy can provide mental stimulation, physical stimulation, confidence, and even social interaction, which can improve the dog’s mental status.
7. Individualized Care: Both Librela and rehabilitation are customized to meet the specific needs of each dog and their condition. A veterinarian and a certified canine physical therapist can develop an individualized plan of care, taking into account the dog’s age, breed, overall health, and the severity of osteoarthritis.

While the Librela injection can be a useful tool in managing osteoarthritis pain in dogs and it should always be used under the guidance of your veterinarian. They will determine the best dosage and course of treatment for your pup. Rehabilitation should also be provided by a qualified canine rehabilitation therapist who can ensure the exercises and activities are safe and effective. The combination of medication and physical therapy can significantly improve the dog’s happiness, mobility, and quality of life.

-ACUPUNCTURE-

What Is Acupuncture For Dogs?

Managing your dogs’ chronic pain can be challenging and stressful. Of course you want to search for solutions to help your companion be as comfortable as possible, especially if you want to provide long term healing instead of relying on pain medication for the rest of their life. You might be considering a more holistic approach. One of the most common of these is dog acupuncture, which is growing in popularity. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, but it’s only in recent decades that vets have started prescribing it as a treatment for dogs.

“Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points where the nerves and blood vessels travel closely together. Stimulation of these specific ‘acupoints’ can trigger a response in the circulation and nervous system,” says Dr. Patricia Khor, DVM, a certified veterinary medical acupuncturist and veterinary pain practitioner. This increase in circulation can alter nerve activity and help heal the nervous system, which decreases pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture is NOT a one-and-done type of treatment. Just like for humans, consistency is key. Typically, your dog will have multiple individual sessions, ranging from 5 minutes to half an hour, as it’s believed that the benefits are cumulative. For some dogs it takes many sessions for any difference to present itself. Depending on your dog’s response and the condition acupuncture is treating, your vet might stop sessions once you see improvements or when your dog’s underlying injury or condition improves. Sometimes acupuncture sessions continue on a less frequent, long-term basis. It all depends on the dog. 

You might worry that the needle placement will cause discomfort during an acupuncture session. Most pets do not notice the needles being placed and can often relax during a treatment. It’s not uncommon for dogs to fall asleep during or immediately after a session.

Potential Benefits of Acupuncture For Dogs

Below are some of the most common reasons you might want to book your dog for acupuncture sessions.

1. Pain Management: The needles can interfere with incoming pain signals in the central nervous system and produce beta-endorphins that can have a systemic analgesic (pain-relieving) effect.
2. Cancer: While there are no studies to support acupuncture “treats” canine cancer, Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, says that acupuncture may help with side effects such as nausea and pain. In human patients, studies suggest acupuncture could help to regulate the immune system, manage pain, and reduce some radiation and chemotherapy side effects (such as nausea and lack of appetite).
3. Sports Strains: Competing agility dogs or one involved in another high-impact activities, might consider regular acupuncture. Sessions could help reduce problems with sports-related aches and strains.
4. Anxiety: If your dog’s anxiety is a major concern, you could use acupuncture alongside behavioral support and traditional medication. Acupuncture helps maintain homeostasis, and there are specific points that can be used to calm the mind and body.

Acupuncture is low risk and is minimally invasive. It can be a safe, cost-effect option to support the body. When paired with physical therapy, these treatments can give your pup some great support and relief for many different conditions. By promoting pain relief, enhancing mobility, reducing stress, and minimizing the need for excessive medication, acupuncture can significantly improve the quality of life for our pups. 

~Canine PT and Me Team