scott@vtx-cpd.com

Hi Rosanna,

Welcome back to practice! The concerns about Librela (bedinvetmab) and Solensia (frunevetmab) are understandable given recent reports, and it’s important to balance these concerns with evidence-based information.

Evidence and Known Side Effects
There have been some reports of adverse effects, including nerve problems, in animals receiving these treatments. However, these cases represent a very small percentage of the total number of animals treated with these drugs. A clinical trial involving 287 dogs treated with bedinvetmab showed significant pain relief from osteoarthritis (OA) with minimal adverse effects. Similarly, frunevetmab has shown to be effective in managing OA pain in cats with generally mild and manageable side effects.

Advising Clients
When discussing these medications with clients, transparency is key. Inform them of the potential for adverse effects but also emphasize the benefits observed in the majority of patients. It’s important to communicate that while adverse reactions can occur with any medication, the overall safety profile of Librela and Solensia remains positive.

Specific Animals to Avoid
There isn’t definitive evidence pointing to a specific subset of animals that are more prone to adverse effects from these drugs. Generally, these medications are used in older animals who are more likely to have multiple health issues. Close monitoring is essential, particularly in animals with pre-existing conditions or those who are immunocompromised.

Common Nerve Effects
The nerve effects reported include vestibular signs such as ataxia and head tilt, as well as lethargy and decreased appetite. In most cases, these signs are reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. It’s important to monitor for any signs of adverse reactions and adjust treatment as needed.

Treatment and Management
If adverse effects occur, discontinuation of the drug usually leads to resolution of symptoms. Supportive care, such as anti-nausea medication and appetite stimulants, can help manage symptoms in the interim.

Further Information
I have some contacts at Zoetis that I will reach out to for more detailed information. Additionally, I plan to consult with some of my anesthesia colleagues to get their input on managing these potential side effects. I’ll be sure to share relevant papers and findings here as well.

I look forward to hearing everyone’s comments and experiences with these medications.

Best,

Scott 🙂

Replying to Rosanna Vaughan 29/06/2024 - 21:26

Hi Rosanna,

I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Ettinger’s textbook! For quick references that are handy on-the-go, I recommend the following:

BSAVA Manual of Canine Practice: This manual covers a wide range of topics with practical guidance for everyday clinical practice in dogs.

BSAVA Manual of Feline Practice: Similarly, BSAVA’s manual for feline practice provides concise information tailored to cat care.

Notes on Canine Internal Medicine by Victoria L. Black et al.: This book is excellent for quick insights into various aspects of internal medicine in dogs.

Happy reading!

Best regards,

Scott

Really interesting Liz.

Thanks for sharing!

Scott 🙂

Replying to Jon H. 14/06/2024 - 09:22

Hi Jon,

Thanks for your input! You make a good point regarding the availability and cost of blood products. It’s definitely a significant factor to consider in practice.

I appreciate you sharing the paper on acute haemorrhage volume resuscitation. It’s always great to have more resources to better understand the implications of high-volume crystalloid resuscitation.

Cheers,

Scott