Q: My veterinarian said I should try a new drug called Apoquel for my Bichon, Schatzie who has really bad allergies. Does it work and is it safe?

A: Apoquel is a very exciting new drug for allergies that was released a couple of years ago, but because of supply and demand issues, only veterinary dermatologists and veterinary universities were able to get a steady supply. We are now able to get a limited amount each month but the company expects to increase production in the next year or so.  The exciting points for Apoquel are the small amount of serious side effects compared to other allergy medication and it’s fast onset of action, often stopping itching in only 1 -2 days.

Prior to Apoquel our main medications for serious allergies have been steroids (prednisone) and cyclosporine.  Both of these medications have side effects that make long term use undesirable if we can avoid it.  Apoquel works more locally in the skin to block the cause of the itch and appears not to have as much of the systemic side effects of thirst, hunger and immune suppression that we see with prednisone and cyclosporine.  Hopefully the availability will continue to improve and we can try it on more itching dogs.  At this point I am optimistic that Apoquel will allow us to help more allergy dogs live a full and comfortable life.

Dr. Swingle
Countryside Veterinary Clinic
715-246-5606
24/7 Emergency Services 715-246-2619
http://www.countrysidevet-nr.com
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