Librela Study

Evaluation of Joint Changes in Dogs with and without Previous Administration of Librela

February 2026, Fort Collins, CO, USA

While anti-Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) therapies like Bedinvetmab (Librela™) are highly effective at managing arthritis pain, research in both humans and dogs suggests that blocking this protein may impact the "health" of the joint itself. The goal of this study is to identify specific markers that can help veterinarians predict which dogs are the best candidates for anti-NGF therapy. This study examines joint tissues (cartilage and bone) from dogs treated with Librela™ who are already undergoing hip surgery. By analyzing tissues that would normally be discarded, we aim to understand how this therapy affects joint structure and long-term safety.

Eligibility: Client-owned dogs with naturally occurring hip osteoarthritis.

Surgical Requirement: Dogs must already be scheduled for a Total Hip Replacement (THR) or a Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO) at a participating CANDO site.

The Groups: We are seeking both dogs who have received Librela™ and those who have never received it (as a control group).

Owner Commitment: Participation only begins after you have decided on surgery. You simply allow us to analyze the bone and tissue that would otherwise be discarded after the procedure.

Participating Institutions: All CANDO members

More Info: Please contact the PI, Dr. Kristin Shaw, at orthoresearch@colostate.edu for more info.