05/14/2026
We wanted to spread the word on a new toxicity that is starting to become more common.
Apoquel is a common drug that is used for atopic dermatitis or allergic skin disease. When used as directed, it is safe and effective. However, we have been seeing an increase in toxicity with their new pork flavor tabs. Both cats, yes cats(!!) and dogs are eating the pork flavored chew tablets.
Unlike the regular white tablets, the chew tabs are leading to much more significant side effects:
-severe vomiting/diarrhea
- lethargy, dull mentation, elevated third eyelids
-Cardiac rhythm disturbances, hypotension, new onset heart murmur
-eye swelling, high eye pressure
-significant kidney and liver insult
- suppression of all blood cells ( Red, white, and platelets)
Immediate decontamination is STRONGLY recommended and immediate protective care such as activated charcoal, IV lipids and N-acetyl cysteine may help prevent some of the toxicity symptoms.
If you have a large dog on this medication and a cat in the house hold, please discuss the pros and cons of the chewable flavor tabs. 1 x 16mg tablet is enough to cause significant changes in a small cat. Many cats are eating the whole bottle! May cats are developing fatal complications BUT dialysis and aggressive care has saved 2 cats from death.
This is a safe and useful drug but there is too much of a good thing!
