Help! My Dog Had an Adverse Reaction to Librela! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Librela injections have basically destroyed my 5-year-old Sheltie’s back legs. After much, much testing to rule out everything else, my surgical vet (who suspected Librela) told me that new information in the past few months has come out on Librela and that the FDA has an investigation ongoing. We are in the process of getting a wheelchair.
He had surgery months ago because of bilateral torn ACLs in his back knees. After continuous PT, he continued to get worse. He cannot walk on his paws because of severe ligament damage, etc. His legs are just floppy. Please advise in your column about Librela’s dangers so others can be made aware. He was on Librela due to arthritis in his front legs. “ – Donna
Quick Info
Hi Dona,
I’m so sorry you’re going through such a painful and overwhelming experience with your Sheltie. When a beloved dog begins to lose function despite surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, it’s not only physically demanding but emotionally exhausting. Your dedication to seeking answers while supporting your dog through this is deeply commendable.
Librela (bedinvetmab) is a monoclonal antibody approved to manage osteoarthritis pain by targeting nerve growth factor (NGF). While it was generally well tolerated in clinical trials, the FDA has received over 3,600 adverse event reports since its U.S. approval in 2023. These include neurologic signs such as ataxia, paresis, paralysis, recumbency, and in some cases, death or euthanasia. In many reports, these signs occurred within days of administration, often after the first dose, and without other medications involved. A review published in 2024 further highlighted that musculoskeletal adverse events, including ligament damage and rapid joint deterioration, were reported significantly more often in dogs treated with Librela than in those receiving NSAIDs. As a result, the FDA has required Zoetis to update Librela’s label to include post-approval reports of serious neurologic, urinary, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal events. A more recent 2025 global pharmacovigilance review of more than 18 million administered doses found that while adverse events are still considered rare, some serious effects, such as neurologic and musculoskeletal signs, have been reported, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and open communication among veterinarians and pet parents worldwide.
Although causation is not confirmed by these reports alone, they are being taken seriously by both regulatory agencies and the veterinary community. In complex cases like your dog’s, with prior orthopedic challenges, it can be difficult to isolate a single contributing factor, but sharing this information helps protect other pets and raises awareness of the need for further research. Your voice plays an important role in that effort, and I admire your courage in speaking up.
Sincerely,
– Dr. Paola