#apoquel

[ask-a-vetblr]

I hope this doesn't count as asking for treatment advice but I was wondering, what's your take on apoquel? I'm looking for something to help with my dogs itching and I WAS going to ask the vet about apoquel but then I looked it up and it seems like there's a disturbing amount of owners reporting their dogs getting/dying from cancer after being on it, and the fact it's an immunosuppressant. It seems like the safety trials also had abysmal sample sizes and only went on for a short period of time.

gettingvetted here.

Apoquel can be a miracle drug for many patients! If a dog already has cancer, or a history of cancer, it isn’t a great idea to give them Apoquel, since as you mentioned it is an immune system regulator (not suppressant) and can allow existing cancers to grow more rapidly than normal. However, it does not *cause* cancer, and it’s a great solution for otherwise healthy dogs with allergies. I have even occasionally used it off-label for cats with allergies. You really have to be careful with what you read on the internet, such as about products like the Seresto collar.

[talesfromtreatment]

my dog has awful allergies and has been itching like crazy for weeks. we're hesitant to put her back on apoquel since she's getting older and we're nervous about side effects, but i saw you've got a dog on cytopoint injections, so i'm wondering how that's been going for her? is it something you'd consider a viable option for allergy relief for dogs? (i understand that you're not my dog's vet and can't give proper medical advice for my dog, but i figured i'd ask about it since you have experience with cytopoint.)

Cytopoint has worked well with Alyssum but it doesn't with all dogs.

Regarding the side effects, frankly I more than considered those worth it with my dog. I was going to euthanise her at *3*, so I didn't care if it meant she might have issues later, because no matter what that would have been time with a good quality of life than she otherwise would have had. Being constantly itchy is maddening and significantly decreases quality of life. The reason I got Alyssum off the apoquel was because, after 5 years, she was showing some bone marrow suppression. However, she was also on 8mg a day which is twice the normal dose for a dog her size, and she was still somewhat itchy even on that. It was just no longer constant and driving her to self mutilate.

If cytopoint had not existed or had not worked, Alyssum would still be on apoquel. Because quality of life is more important than quantity with animals.

Your dog should be on something for the allergies or you need to have a serious conversation about quality of life and euthanasia.

[mandana-the-service-pup]

Almost home. We’re going to be wiped out, so here’s a quick rundown. No congenital defect, no stones, polyps or other abnormalities. The head vet at the school made some phone calls and found out there have been a few cases of urinary incontinence connected to Apoquel but it’s so rare or underreported that most vets don’t know about it. So considering the timeline of her incontinence it could be that. If it’s not that then it’s most likely spay incontinence. They gave me some medication to help her with the incontinence and then I’m going to talk to my vet to see how we should proceed with the Apoquel.

Her liver enzymes were slightly elevated which could have been from the antibiotics so I’m supposed to follow up on that and the medication she is on could cause high blood pressure so I’m supposed to have my vet check that later too.

They think her back discomfort might just be some soft tissue soreness and couldn’t find anything to suggest otherwise. We are still waiting on the thyroid panel which is now running late for some reason. But it’s possible her exercise intolerance alone was enough to make her gain that much weight and have trouble losing it.

TLDR: Adjust medication to fix urinary incontinence. Continue therapeutic conditioning exercises to help her sore back and get her back into exercise safely so she can lose weight.

[vetisntdead]

I'm so hyped I just watched a very sought after dermatology product launch

Zoetis basically said: oh hey we've isolated the exact molecule and neural pathway that causes itchiness in dogs and we've managed to produce the (almost) exact antidote to this molecule and pathway and btw its a super safe drug, especially when compared to steroids and we've bottled it and it's called oclacitinib but you can call it

[drferox]

My dog was recently prescribed Apoquel for chewing/licking her hind legs enough to cause hair loss/scabs. The vet is treating her for allergies as of now, with anxiety on our minds. She does it all year but it gets worse in the summer. She is a generally anxious dog. I'm also using bitter spray and holistic calming treats. Is Apoquel a safe drug in your opinion? Are there ways to tell it it's allergies/anxiety? Any thoughts you have are appreciated! Thanks!

Apoquel is a relatively new drug in Australia, but I understand has been available overseas for much longer. The active ingredient is oclacitinib.

So far it looks pretty safe for dogs with a mature immune system, especially compared to our less targeted therapies, namely corticosteroids and cyclosporin.

No drug is ever going to be completely, 100%, absolutely always in every circumstances guaranteed to be totally safe. Nothing in life is, but Apoquel is proving to have less side effects than corticosteroids.

The bitter spray is probably not doing anything other than annoying your dog. If she’s itchy she’s still going to itch, even if her skin tastes bad, and if she’s doing it because of anxiety, then fear is often a stronger motivator than a bad taste.

Obsessive chewing or licking due to anxiety can be difficult to diagnose, and I most commonly prescribe a treatment trial of a fast acting anti-itch medication, like corticosteroids or apoquel, to see if the itching stops. If it does, then it wasn’t anxiety. If it doesn’t, and other pathogens are ruled out, then maybe it is. I prefer to do it this way, rather than trial anxiolytics which take longer and have a more variable response.

[ask-a-vetblr]

Is apoquel a safe option for a dog who has multiple lipomas? Mine is on it, as prescribed by my vet, but I recently heard something about a side effect that causes tumors to worsen. Is this something I should be concerned about? Or is this something really rare and the benefit is worth it?

gettingvetted here.

Apoquel is somewhat immunosuppressive and may or may not contribute to allowing certain cancers to grow. However, if the lipomas are benign, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. There are other prescription allergy medications you can try if this possibility is a deal-breaker for you.

[ourpetwarehouse]

Apoquel for Dogs Benefits & Dosage Guide – Expert Tips for Itch Relief

Discover our comprehensive guide on Apoquel for Dogs—explore the benefits, correct dosage, and expert tips for managing your dog’s itching and inflammation. Learn how to keep your furry friend comfortable and healthy with insights from OurPetWarehouse!

[sumit6712]

Apoquel Dosage for Chronic Allergies: Expert Insights

If you've ever had a dog with chronic allergies, you'll know the heartache of seeing them in constant distress—endless scratching, itching, and that pitiful look of suffering in their eyes. Moments like these make you wish you could wave a magic wand and make it all disappear.

Fortunately, we have something almost as magical: Apoquel, a medication specially designed to bring much-needed relief to your furry companion. But, as with any solution, it's all about getting the dosage right.

In this blog post, we'll delve into expert insights on Apoquel dosage for chronic allergies in dogs.

Understanding Chronic Allergies

Imagine your furry friend, who greets you with boundless enthusiasm daily, suddenly plagued by relentless itching, redness, and hair loss. These chronic dog allergies, like our battles, can have various triggers.

It could be the pesky pollen that drifts through the air, the tiny but mighty dust mites lurking in the corners of your home, or even food allergies that catch you both by surprise. Working with your veterinarian to identify the root cause of your dog's allergies is essential before determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Apoquel as a Treatment Option

Apoquel, which contains the active component oclacitinib, explicitly targets dog pathways that cause itch and inflammation. It is a valuable tool in controlling chronic allergies and is renowned for offering quick relief from itching.

However, the proper Apoquel dose is essential for excellent results with the fewest adverse effects possible.

Expert Insights on Apoquel Dosage

Begin the Journey with Your Veterinarian

Imagine walking into a cozy, well-lit room filled with the warm scent of familiarity—the veterinarian's office.

Here, the journey towards finding relief for your furry friend's allergies begins. Your veterinarian, the trusted companion in your pet's health journey, is ready to embark on this path with you.

They will consider your dog's age, weight, overall health, and the severity of their allergies to determine the appropriate Apoquel dosage.

Initial Dosing

In most cases, dogs start on an initial higher dose of Apoquel. This "loading dose" is administered twice daily for up to 14 days. It is like giving your dog a turbo boost at the starting line, a burst of relief that quickly alleviates their itching and discomfort, setting them on the path to a more comfortable life.

Maintenance Dosing

Once you've navigated through the initial phase of Apoquel treatment, it's like transitioning from a rollercoaster ride to a gentle stroll in the park. Here's where your veterinarian's expertise truly shines.

They'll carefully fine-tune your dog's Apoquel dosage to manage your dog's symptoms. It helps minimize the potential for side effects while still providing relief.

Possibly Adverse Effects

Apoquel is generally well-tolerated, much like a favorite comfort food that rarely upsets your stomach. However, it's good to be aware of potential side effects, like knowing that indulging in too much of your favorite dessert might lead to a sugar rush.

Some of the possible adverse effects are gastrointestinal upset, increased thirst and urination, susceptibility to infections, and rare behavioral changes. Communication with your veterinarian regularly is essential to address any concerns promptly.

The results

Now, picture Apoquel as a shining beacon of hope on the horizon, promising your furry friend relief from this relentless itchiness. It's not just a medication; it's a lifeline to your canine companion's happier, more comfortable life.

Here's where the magic happens - the expert insight. Think of your veterinarian as a wise and caring friend who knows your dog inside out. They've seen the ups and downs, the playful moments, and the quiet cuddles.

Also read here for further information.

Blog-Apoquel

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