Galliprant New Arthritis Medication for Dogs
Do you have a dog with arthritis? If you do, or even if you have a dog that just seems to be “slowing down,” you are going to love the news we have about a new medication available!
The veterinary world is very excited about a brand-new class of medication that has been developed to treat osteoarthritis in dogs, called Galliprant.
A Brief History of Arthritis Medications for Dogs
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have long been a first line medication for relieving pain and inflammation. Many of you have used these medications, such as carprofen (Rimadyl), or Metacam. These medications work in a similar fashion to our common human NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, Aleve and our older NSAID, aspirin.
Before we had NSAIDs, our best anti-inflammatories were steroids. Although steroids still play an important role in medicine, they are not ideal for treating most joint pain and inflammation, simply due to their side effects.
Although NSAIDs have fewer side effects than steroids, they can still have potential undesirable effects. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal (vomiting, diarrhea and possibly ulcers) and renal (kidney damage due to decreased blood flow to the kidneys).
In developing a new medication, the challenge was to create a product that alleviated the problem without having any other side effects. Research focused on finding a more specific target for a drug, so that it would have all of the positive effects against inflammation and pain, with none of the negative effects.
How Galliprant Works
Enter Galliprant, a new medication recently released in the United States for dogs only that looks quite promising in targeting pain and inflammation, without affecting the GI tract and kidneys.
Because Galliprant is so specific in targeting an area that blocks only pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, it is not classified as an NSAID. It is the first drug (for humans or animals) in a new class called piprants. (For more pharmacology or biochemistry-minded people, this is a non-COX-inhibiting prostaglandin receptor antagonist.)
Galliprant, or grapiprant, is available in a once-daily tablet form for dogs as young as nine months old. Safety studies showed no significant negative health impact—even when given at 15 times the recommended dose for nine months.
The most common side effect noted was vomiting, but it was mild and short-lived and did not affect appetite or overall demeanor of the dog. Soft stool was another noted side effect.
Galliprant will begin to work shortly after it is given, but signs/symptoms continue to improve for four weeks after the first daily dose.
Currently, Galliprant is not labeled for use with NSAIDs or steroids. If you are interested in trying it for your dog that is currently on an NSAID, such as carprofen or Metacam, we will discuss a “wash-out” period where we discontinue the NSAID for 3-7 days before beginning Galliprant. If another pain medication is needed, we can prescribe something to help your dog through this period.
Because Galliprant is able to better target pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, without having the typical negative side effects of NSAIDs, this may be an ideal anti-inflammatory for dogs that do not tolerate NSAIDs well, or for those with kidney disease.
Comments (10)
Hi, I have a 15 year old Yorkshire terrier who has arthritis and untreatable kidney disease, will galliprant help his arthritic pain without affecting his kidneys?
I have a forteen year old border collie with renal failure, his diet has been changed to , basmati rice, and spit roasted chicken, plus royal canine renal support, dry food.
I add a pinch of powdered egg shell, which apparently binds phosphorus, hopefully, I’ve got the dosage right. And trying to keep salt away, as much as possible.
Now, not so mobile, I feel he needs some joint support.
How compatible will Galliprant be with his condition?
As after investigating other joint support products, ie Yumove, and the Petcare, advanced joint support, it appears they would be detrimental to his health. Too high in phosphorus.
I have a 14 year old miniature Yorkie. He is having a hard time getting up and sometimes walking. I wondering if this medication would be a problem with his age. If not where could I get some to try
Okay Thanks
can I purchase Galliprant from my vet in Yakima, WA?
Does Galliprant come in a liquid instead of tablets? We need to squirt meds down our dogs throat with a small syringe. He won’t take pills.
Which is better for senior dog with kidney disease- galliprant or librela injections? Our 16 yr old shepherd mix had 1 librela injection with no obvious improvement. I want her comfortable.
My dog is a 9.5 year old male pitbull mix that weighs between 45-55 lbs.
Within the past year Ben has had a good deal of difficulty jumping up onto my bed, in fact requires my help to do so. I’ve noticed that he is moving slower than he used to. He seems to be having pain in his lower back and hips.
He still however initiates play with his female partner, but tires more easily than he used to.
I would be interested in trying Galliprant to see if it would help relieve his pain.
He has used Rimadyl in the past and tolerated it well.
Is Galliprant available without a prescription, and how much does it cost. How would I know how much to give him.
I have 2 senior GSDs. Our 13 yr old male GSD is having trouble with stairs now and is beginning to drag his rear paws when he walks. He’s healthy otherwise, no kidney or other heath problems. I’m hoping that this medication can help him. Our two German Shepherds are 90% indoors and very well cared for. I’d love to try this me out for our big guy.
I have older Dashund with arthritis he is on Gabapenten and cartrophen shots. He also is in early stages of kidney decline
Would Galliprant Arthritis be better option to help with pain?
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