Apoquel
 

In May Taycie went to the Dermatologist and had skin testing done. She has been doing the sublingual allergy drops along with Atopica.

Things have been good so for but as of late I am really struggling with the Atopica. Her super sensitive stomach as been a mess lately. We went to the vet yesterday and I had some blood work done just to be safe. I spoke with the Dermatology office this morning and left a message. Our Dermatologist will be in the office tomorrow.

The tech on the phone mentioned Apoquel might be a good option as well.. Has anyone used this?? I am hesitant because it is a new drug.. not sure how I feel about that... But I do need to find her something while we do the drops.. Poor girl.

I don't what to form a biased opinion but when I was researching Apoquel and Atopica many were saying it caused cancer among other things because of how it suppresses the immune system .. I just logged off because sometimes google isn't a good idea late at night but has anyone heard of this? I'm not sure how I feel about that..

Thanks.

Apoquel has been a little miracle drug for many dogs, as has Atopica. They both suppress the immune system in their own way, just by different methodology/pathways. Some dogs aren't going to get relief from their allergies without somehow suppressing part of their immune system - so that's where you have to weigh quality of life. For my Marcel, his QOL isn't good enough w/out Atopica (he also does the sublingual therapy), so I consider Atopica necessary. And, I am interested in trying Apoquel for both Marcel and Wylie (who has seasonal allergies, whereas Marcel is almost year round).

My vet says that the nice thing about Apoquel is that it works for itching within the hour, and lasts about 23 hours -- so you do have to give it every day, and on time or you'll get breakthrough.

Here are some threads on Apoquel:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...s-apoquel.html

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...allergies.html

Thanks Ann! I really appreciate it :-)

My 11 year old Olivia has very bad allergies year round. We tried Atopica. It did not work. Our dermatologist told me to keep the Atopica in freezer. It would not upset her stomach so much. We did allergy testing. She is allergic to all things blooming outside and dust, wool and so much more. We did food trial. She was slightly better on controlled food. She now ears Purina HA. Also she takes 1/4 tablet of Apoquel a day. Olivia still scratches but she is so much better. She hasn't had a skin infection since starting the new med. the end of Dec. I too think about the newness of the Apoquel and the lowered immune system but my little 4 pound girl was so itchy all the time. So far she is doing well. Derm monitors blood work.
I am hopeful this is the answer for her.

ATOPICA for allergy
 

Last summer, Star (passed on 6/3) had BAD allergies all summer into fall. Finally I told the dermo vet at Blue Pearl, that I could not continue this expensive drug. She suggested that I switch to Claritin (over counter, amount she prescribed). After medicated baths every week and the claritin, she was fine I had bathed her for 50 weeks+ until she went to heaven due to trachea.....

Max's dermatologist also told us to keep Max's pills in the freezer as it wouldn't upset his stomach. He seems to do fine now. Have you tried that?

I don't know if people are using pills or liquid but I've used Atopica for nearly 10 years and there are no problems. I give it with meals.

My isabella is on Apoquel and she still continues to scratch and lick on her paws. I have read that this drug does not work on all allergies. I am wondering if any one has had this problem too and what have you done to relieve the itchiness.

I hate to see her scratch so much

Allergies and apoquel plus lymphangectasia
 

My derm vet said this drug does not work for all dogs. Olivia still scratches and bites her paws but not as much since starting the apoquel. My derm said it is a win if she is mildly itchy with no skin infections. Also, did you try a food trial for food allergies? Sometimes it is a food and environmental allergy. Olivia eats Purina HA right now. There are many Prescription dog foods out there. I did the home cooked diet but that did not help much either. My little girl is allergic to all trees and grass. I asked derm if I should keep her off the grass. He told me to wipe her paws when she comes inside. It is a cycle of allergy, scratching, infection. Could your dog have a bacterial or yeast infection that continues to cause problems? If so, get that under control and then maybe the apoquel will work better. This is so frustrating, I know. We all want to help our babies to feel better.
I also have a 12 year old yorkie named Abigail with lymphangectasia. An allergy to food that damages the intestines. We see a vet nutritionist and internal medicine vet. She eats crab and sweet potato with many supplements. I am looking to talk to anyone that has battled this disease with their dog.

I have no clue on this but wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and Taycie!

Me, too, Emily, I'm thinking of and praying for Taycie and you. Here's hoping the new drug works well for your precious little princess should you start it. She's always been one of my and Tibbe's favorite girls on YT - such a sweetiepie and a wonderful little girl.