Apoquel

[Cherrypies]

My collie type dog, got a grass seed in her ear, unfortunately it was there a long time before she started with symptoms. She kept shaking her head, and had pain, took her to the vet, who sedated her and found a very hardened and black grass seed.
Unfortunately her ear drum was perforated.
Was informed takes about two weeks to heal.
A while later, she started shaking her head again, back to the vets, not a grass seed this time, but lots of wax, ear drum, still perforated. Sedated again, and ears thoroughly washed out, given drops, to clean the ear. Still not quite right.
Today, coming back from a walk, she stopped suddenly, chewing and licking her paw.
Got home, looked at the paw, with torch from phone, nothing to be seen.
Checked her a while later, her whole face had swollen up, back to the vet, she had stepped on something, which then stung her mouth, when chewing her paw. Also mentioned to the vet, ear still not right and causing pain.
Vets now thinks it could be dermatitis which is causing the ear problem, as the swelling up because of the sting, shows she has sensitive skin. So now prescribed Apoquel, which if works, will be a long term daily medication.
My question is, does anyone else have this medication, is it effective, and do you use a online prescription service for it? My vet has charged 6.15 per 16mg tablet.
Sorry it's a long post, but wanted say how it's all tied in.
Thank you.

Hi, one of my dogs is on apoquel. She has lots of pollen allergies. We’ve had her for six years. We originally managed by keeping her off grass in summer and using piriton and soothing creams, but last year she was particularly bad and we were prescribed apoquel. My vets were quite good (we have lots of animals so know them quite well) and added discount so that they were similar price to online. However this year there’s a new practice manager who is a bit awkward about it (and our fave vet has been off with long Covid) so I bought them off Viovet last time. I had to pay £23 for the prescription though, but it still works out cheaper.

Personally I’d try piriton and creams first in your shoes, and avoid grass for a couple of months- see if the itching and paw chewing stops. You can get pots of 500 piriton for about £15 from human pharmacy sites. Obviously have a chat with your vet about it. I found Udder cream (which you’ll find on viovet too) was the best by far for soothing the itch and stopping her chewing her paws. Wipe the paws and belly (if a little dog) with sensitive baby wipes then put the udder cream on. It isn’t toxic so doesn’t matter if they lick it. It’s also quite a good barrier cream to put on paws if you have to go on grass.

Sorry that was a bit long- hope it’s useful.

It's a game changer, stick with it

Our lab is on apoquel and will stay on it for the rest of her days. Poor thing is allergic to most pollens and struggles year round with out it. Her eyes stream and she itches non stop. She smells like a cheesy wosit 🤣
We get a prescription every 6 months from our vet and email that to VioVet. I think her tablets work out about £1.40 each (16mg) so massively cheaper than the vets.
You could try it and see how your dog gets on, it may be they only need it through the spring/ summer months

Try piriton tablets first. So much cheaper

@Skyla2005

Try piriton tablets first. So much cheaper

Yes I agree. Plus one vet said it’s not good for a dog’s heart, particularly a young dog - however my latest vet disagrees with this!

My dog has been on apoquel for years and will be on it until she is no longer with us, the poor thing would bite her paws until they bled if it wasn’t for the apoquel it makes her life quality so much better.