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New Dog Drug Linked to Deaths: Vets Warn Owners
9 Feb
Summary
- Hundreds of dogs in the US reportedly died after receiving Librela.
- Serious adverse effects include seizures, neurological issues, and death.
- UK vets are urged to research the drug before administering it.
A prominent UK vet has cautioned against using the new canine drug Librela, citing reports of hundreds of dog deaths in the US. Dr. Nick Thompson advises vets to research the medication thoroughly due to evidence of significant harm to numerous dogs. Librela, also known as Solensia for cats, is a monthly injection designed to relieve osteoarthritis pain and has received positive reviews. However, severe side effects have been reported by owners, including seizures, hind limb collapse, urinary incontinence, and neurological issues.
US FDA data from May 2023 to June 2025 indicates nearly 14,000 adverse reactions and 2,300 deaths in dogs treated with Librela. The FDA had previously alerted US vets to serious side effects. Campaigners in the UK highlight that similar adverse reactions are being reported, yet UK regulatory information describes Librela as "generally safe." They emphasize the lack of informed consent when potential risks, like death, are not fully disclosed to pet owners.
Advocates are calling for the UK's Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to issue a comprehensive list of adverse reactions, mirroring the US FDA. They also request that owners receive detailed information sheets before consenting to the treatment. Personal accounts detail tragic outcomes, such as young dogs experiencing paralysis and incontinence shortly after the injection, leading to euthanasia. While the VMD states it monitors Librela and believes its benefits outweigh risks for most dogs, and Zoetis maintains confidence in the drug's safety, concerns persist among pet owners and veterinary professionals.
