By Dr. Johnathan Pierce
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy is working for dogs.
Spring is right around the corner and most of us can’t wait for it to arrive. It has been a long windy and rainy winter for us Floridians. I guess we can’t complain too much compared to our neighbors up north. But the future is bright for all of us including our pets. The reason? Monoclonal antibody therapy.
Monoclonal antibodies (MAs) are produced by a single cell line and are uniform, identical molecules that target specific items in the body. These are, in essence, molecules that tag other molecules or cells that are or should be considered to enhance or enable the body’s immune system to target and destroy that particular molecule. Sounds pretty cool right? Well, the applications of this technology may be virtually limitless.
By now you have likely seen commercials for Humira or Skyrizi? Well, these are two human forms of MA therapy that target specific molecules called interleukins and TNF, which are responsible for many types of inflammation. The same type of technology can be used to help our pets with significant increase in safety compared to our more traditional drugs and with increased efficacy. Some of these we have been using for years.
Do you have an itchy canine fur baby? We have a MA therapy for that called Cytopoint. This particular MA targets interleukin-31 (IL-31). IL-31 is made by the body to signal the allergic response against outside triggers called allergens. The cytopoint antibody then attaches to IL-31 and prevents it from interacting with other cells therefore interrupting the allergic response. No itchier dog. Unfortunately, we do not have a similar drug for our feline companions just yet.
What we do have for our kitties is a way to give them relief of their osteoarthritis pain, however. Enter Solensia. Where most traditional osteoarthritis drugs must be used with caution in cats due to the potential side effects, Solensia is a very safe and effective means of giving them relief. This MA targets nerve growth factor (NGF) which in adult cats is responsible for the over-sensitization of the nerve endings where osteoarthritis is present. Solensia attaches to the NGF molecule and prevents it from interacting with the nerve endings, which decreases the pain signal.
We have seen cats that have become averse to jumping up and down on their cat trees and are sleeping all day to acting like they feel years younger within days of receiving the injection. We have also seen similar results with the canine version called Librella.
Ever heard of Canine Parvovirus? Yep, we also now have a game changer monoclonal antibody to aid in the treatment of parvo. One injection can help to reduce the severity and length of the disease, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. We are only scratching the surface of what monoclonal antibody therapy can do. Speak with your veterinarian for more insight on how these therapies can improve the lives of your pets.
Island Life Animal Hospital
Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce
5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107, Saint Petersburg, FL 33715
727-289-3776 • islandlifeanimalhospital.vet