Skip to Article Content; Skip to Article Information; Search within. Adverse events were reported in less than 5% of dogs, including urinary tract infection, vomiting, otitis, pyoderma, and diarrhea.9 A subsequent study concluded that there is no increased risk for urinary tract infections.10, The efficacy of oclacitinib was also compared to that of other drugs such as prednisolone and cyclosporine. Depending on the size of a cat and the condition being treated, a veterinarian may elect to alter the dosage. Acepromazine affects animals and humans by depressing the central nervous system. Dexamethasone commonly is used in horses to treat allergic reactions such as respiratory allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (heaves), hives, itching and inflammatory diseases including arthritis. She added, "Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help horses with equine asthma. Because insects are omnipresent in the horses environment at least some portion of the year, IBH is particularly labor-intensive to manage. I draw up a little calendar for them each month to help keep track. Loft K, Simon B. Recently, one group has looked into immunomodulatory properties of oclacitinib by observing canine T-cell proliferation and cytokine productions in vitro. Alternatively, your veterinarian may be able to show you some techniques. Equine Regenerative Therapies for Managing Arthritis in Horses, Infographic | 12 Smart At-Home Biosecurity Practices for Horse Owners, Infographic | How To Keep Your Horses Joints Healthy. She then completed a 1-year rotating small animal internship in Massachusetts followed by a 3-year veterinary dermatology residency in Georgia. But I had my mare tested last year, she also came up allergic to some foods (flax being one) for which I was told serum was not an option. Apoquel Dosing Chart For Dogs To ensure that it's easy to administer the proper dosage to your dog, this treatment comes in three different dosages. The compounded medications featured in this content have been prescribed and/or administered by prescribers who work with Wedgewood Pharmacy. 23. Interestingly, the results suggest that oclacitinib has immunosuppressive properties, but only at a higher dosage than that approved on the label.30. Option 4 is an oral tablet called Apoquel. Hay replacement consists of any of the following: a complete pelleted diet, soaked alfalfa cubes, hay pellets, or possibly a bagged forage product like Chaffhaye. llergies can develop at any time, in any horse, and for virtually any reason. Apoquel should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. These reports suggest the potential use of oclacitinib in other diseases; however, it cannot be stressed enough that the use of oclacitinib in these diseases is an off-label use. Apoquel starts working within 4 hours of administering the first dose and controls itching within 24 hours. @stb its definitely not cheap. Pollen and other plant-based aeroallergens are the source of their distress, and they fare much better inside, Many allergens can cause skin reactions. Look for a supplement with at least 1,500mg of DHA per serving. 16. Atopic dermatitis is often a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach. Shes on 5 pills once a day for 7 days, after that we will drop to every other day, and then see how far we can space it out. In fact, in our recent study evaluating almost 400 potential allergens, latex proteins were the most significant allergens for diagnosing severe equine asthma.. I paid $250 for 100 pills (thats 20 5-pill doses). 11. Is it horrendously expensive? There is a new drug available to help allergic horses: Apoquel. Lopes NL, Campos DR, Machado MA, et al. One of the things the trials found on using apoquel with horses is that they need a relatively small dose. @vxf111 we were told the same thing for food allergiesthat they did not make serums fot them because they were not very effecttive and the the expectation was that the allergen be removed from the diet. Therefore, in many of these cases, veterinarians use steroids sparingly, says Fultz, at lower doses than recommended, or they turn to non-steroidal medications. If your horse's test results (from a BAL or tracheal wash) show a certain cell type in the lungs, we may recommend trying Zyrtec!Clenbuterol: This is a bronchodilator that may be beneficial in treating some horses with Equine Asthma. When your dog is itchy, you get desperate to make him feel more comfortable. It is absolutely miraculous for these itchy miserable horses. Little PR, King VL, Davis KR, et al. Schindler C, Levy DE, Decker T. JAK-STAT signaling: from interferons to cytokines. Hydroxyzine is usually given orally twice to three times daily in dogs, cats, horses and birds. She would be a scratching mess without it. But Im not sure how much the long term cost will be yet. Allergies primarily affect the immune, respiratory, and integumentary (skin) systems and, if unmanaged, can seriously impact an animals performance and well-being. Vet Dermatol 2015;26(3):171-179, e35. Since some horses have both "types" of asthma, you may need to try a stall without bedding, or experiment with different types of bedding. And some can got a lower dose or a further spread out dose. Rest assured, your horses are receiving the best possible disease protection. 18. Learn how allergies happen, how they affect your horses body, and how to avoid or treat them. She adds, however, that some horses allergy signs are so dramatic that corticosteroids are the most logical choice, at least initially. Although no studies of pharmacokinetics in cats have been published, oclacitinib is well tolerated and seems to be safe when used in cats at 1 or 2 mg/kg q12h for 28 days.21 Further studies are needed to investigate adverse effects associated with long-term use in cats. If your horse worsens when hay is re-introduced, you'll need to consider a permanent change to one of the other options! The drug targets pro-inflammatory proteins, called cytokines, responsible for itching and inflammation, relieving signs of skin allergies. She reports choosing Apoquel over corticosteroids in several of her allergic patients that are also at risk for developing laminitis. Since it became available in 2014, several clinical studies have confirmed its antipruritic effect not only in dogs but also in cats, as well as in other immune-mediated diseases. Ultimately, my vet did not recommend we go down that route. Recently, researchers have delved into the causes and consequences of what now falls under the umbrella term equine asthma. APOQUEL FOR DOGS DOSE. Although oclacitinib is licensed for use in dogs, it has been reported to be effective to treat pruritus in allergic diseases in other species, including cats. Apoquel is a prescription dog allergy medicine used for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs 12 months and older. The Horsesexperts answer your questions during a monthly live audio event. No claims are made as to the safety or efficacy of mentioned preparations. Simpson AC, Schissler JR, Rosychuk RAW, et al. actually treats degenerative joint disease (DJD), not just its clinical signs. See full Excede for Swine Prescribing Information. The Janus kinases (Jaks). Vet Dermatol 2018:29:371 (abstract). After that it would be about $250 every 6 weeks or so if I cant further reduce time between pills. 14. Clenbuterol should only be used short-term, since it will stop working with long-term administration. She adds, however, that some horses allergy signs are so dramatic that corticosteroids are the most logical choice, at least initially. Dexamethasone: EZ Dose Micro Transdermal Gel, Dexamethasone: Twist-a-Dose Transdermal Gel, Discussion Guide for Pet Owners and Veterinarians, Medication Information for Pet and Horse Owners. Commonly prescribed for: Manage inflammation in diseases or conditions in which the immune system has a significant role, Therapeutic Class: Synthetic Corticosteroid Hormone. She is a New-York-based freelance author with a passion for equine health and veterinary care. A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the safety of oclacitinib in cats. This medication may be a very good option for minis, since the costs will be much lower. In cats, this medication can cause excitement rather than sedation. In many cases, symptomatic therapy alone with drugs such as oclacitinib is insufficient to control allergies long-term. Also. We. Option 4 is an oral tablet called Apoquel. Allergen avoidance and allergen-specific immunotherapy are measures that address the allergy itself; various drugs are available for symptomatic management. This would be treatment with a systemic steroid (usually dexamethasone or prednisolone). Noli C, Matricoti I, Schievano C. A double-blinded, randomized, methylprednisolone-controlled study on the efficacy of oclacitinib in the management of pruritus in cats with nonflea nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. Adv Vet Dermatol 2017;8:192-198. The efficacy and safety of oclacitinib have been assessed in various studies. This treatment option is FDA approved for equine asthma, and is very safe with no known side effects. For dogs weighing between 10 and 14.9 pounds, give of a 5.4 mg tablet twice daily as dosage. Panteri A, Strehlau G, Helbig R, et al. Genome Biol 2004;5(12):253. My dog has been on apoquel for about 2 years. This product is top-dressed onto the feed and helps horses with equine asthma, including heaves in older horses and inflammatory airway disease in young, athletic horses.". Please select your state below. Aymeric E, Bensignor E. A case of presumed autoimmune subepidermal blistering dermatosis treated with oclacitinib. The bodys largest organ, the skin serves as the immune systems first protective barrier. You may give this medicine with or without food. and unfortunately grass and dust are the main culprits. If you struggle to get your dog to take tablets, you can try hiding it in their food, or wrapping it in a tasty piece of meat. Some states restrict the information we may provide about controlled substances. The dose range is very strict, I do not recommend going above the recommended dose due to immune suppression, below the range and it doesn't seem to work in most cases. Banovic F, Tarigo J, Gordon H, et al. Most commonly, horses develop an allergy to the saliva of biting insects (e.g., gnats, black flies, stable flies, horn flies) known as insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). A follow-up study assessed the long-term safety, efficacy, and quality of life of oclacitinib-treated dogs. It's touted as being "a fast-acting and safe treatment for the control of acute and chronic canine pruritus." Pruritus means itching. So what else can we do for our Equine Asthma patients? While relatively safe for use in most horses, these potent anti-inflammatory drugs can cause a serious potential side effect in some individuals: an increased risk of developing the debilitating hoof disease laminitis. Maintaining Your Horses Weight During the Winter, Special Report: Preventing 3 Common Equine Joint Issues, JACKSON- Gelding/Bay/Mustang (Nevada) - Project/Ready for Training, JENNINGS Gelding/Cremello/Mustang (BLM) Ridable (Green), recent study evaluating almost 400 potential allergens, BONNIE: Sorrel Mustang Mare Non-Riding Companion Only. RELATED CONTENT | Infographic: Equine Allergies. Immunomodulatory in vitro effects of oclacitinib on canine T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. 12. Panteri A, Strehlau G, Helbig R, et al. Vet Dermatol 2013;24:48-e12. Summer-pasture-associated horses tend to be triggered by spring/summer allergens like grasses and trees, and classic horses tend to be triggered by barn dust and mold spores. Pros and cons of oclacitinib therapy. These are known as allergy shots. The second option is serum (blood) testing. Despite its delayed effects, cyclosporine is still a popular drug to treat canine atopic dermatitis because in some cases it can be dosed every other day or even every third day after initial daily treatment. Intradermal allergy testing is the gold standard for this and involves a veterinary dermatologist subcutaneously injecting very small quantities of potential allergens into a clipped patch of the horses neck. On the topic of simple and economical allergy management, a readily accessible ingredient that helps many horses is, Recently, we have found that latex, which is everywhere in the horses environmentembedded in riding surfaces and racetracks, for examplemay be associated with severe equine asthma, he says. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information. Apoquel can only be obtained with a prescription; it is available as film-coated tablets and chewable tablets in different strengths to cover a range of dog weights. In the first pilot study, oclacitinib (0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg, q12h for 14 days, then q24h for 14 days) was used to treat pruritus in cats with non-flea, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. A Magnawave-certified practitioner, Lucile also runs a small equine PEMF therapy business. Once you have the horse's symptoms under control, you can try re-introducing hay. Apoquel Dosage in Dogs Apoquel tablets for dogs comes strengths of 3.6mg, 5.4 mg and 16mg of oclacitinib per tablet. Schindler C, Levy DE, Decker T. JAK-STAT signaling: from interferons to cytokines. More severe ones, however, can truly take a toll on your horses health and make him miserable. found a significant improvement in 76% of horses with skin allergies within one year of using allergen-desensitization serums. Im hoping those are things I can stop giving, so that will help some with overall cost. Oclacitinib maleate is used twice daily for two weeks and then dropped to a maintenance dose of once daily. Meaning, if a 100lbs dog gets 16mg (1 pill), a horse does not need 160mg (10 pills). Apoquel is a non-hormonal drug for dogs, used for dermatitis of various etiologies, which are accompanied by itching. Her asthma had gotten so bad I thought I wouldnt be able to ride her again, but now we are back to w-t-c. She is down to every other day. Because many respiratory allergies come from the dust in hay and bedding, veterinarians generally recommend maximizing fresh-air time through turnout. The second option is serum (blood) testing. Apoquel Overdose Information Dogs that received overdoses in safety studies had side effects that included one or more of the following: vomiting, diarrhea, cysts between the toes, skin inflammation, papilloma's (warts), pneumonia, enlarged lymph nodes, and decreased blood cell production. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, You need to be logged in to fill out this form. Dr. Nao Hensel obtained her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2010. Efficacy and safety of oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with canine allergic dermatitis. Its an annoying pill schedule to keep track of, but my boarding barn has been great about it. Give one chewable per month to the dog. Allergies can develop at any time, in any horse, and seemingly for any reason. Typically, a few sessions are required. Vet Dermatol 2019;30(2):87-90. Apoquel may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Its expensive, but its working. Adverse events were reported in less than 5% of dogs, including urinary tract infection, vomiting, otitis, pyoderma, and diarrhea. Drake GJ, Nuttall T, Lpez J, et al. On the topic of simple and economical allergy management, a readily accessible ingredient that helps many horses is flaxseed. If the diagnosis is wrong or the medication affects the horse adversely, you could endanger your horse's life. 6. The drug targets pro-inflammatory proteins, called cytokines, responsible for itching and inflammation, relieving signs of skin allergies. Apoquel For Dogs: Dosage Apoquel comes in three tablet sizes: 3.6mg, 5.4mg, and 16mg. The most common side effect is lethargy, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Pet owners should visit ZoetisPetcare.com for product info, rewards and support. The concentration of the drug is 500 mg/ml. Oclacitinib (APOQUEL) is a novel Janus kinase inhibitor with activity against cytokines involved in allergy. View more. Its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties can soothe irritated lung tissues and help to expel mucus.Licorice root should not be fed to pregnant mares. Vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite are also possible. The dose of Apoquel is 0.4-0.6 mg/kg every 12 hours for up to 14 days, then 0.4-0.6 mg/kg once daily thereafter. This content is intended for counseling purposes only. Copyright 2023 Today's Veterinary Practice Web DesignbyPHOS Creative. Oclacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, has become an important drug in the management of allergic pruritus. Apoquel comes in tablet form only. For years, glucocorticoids and cyclosporine have been used for the symptomatic management of atopic dermatitis, including the associated pruritus. Many of these cytokines bind to cytokine receptors that have JAK enzymes associated with their cytoplasmic portion. I was one of the veterinarians involved in early field trials for Apoquel in horses. K. Route of Administration . Most horses in our area of North Carolina are "Summer-Pasture-Associated" asthma patients, so we recommend starting yearly treatment or management in March or April. But you're making a deal with the devil when you use these . Really? According to the manufacturer's dosage chart, a large breed weighing between 130 and 175lbs should take two Apoquel 16mg daily. Apoquel is an anti-allergy drug that's often prescribed by vets. So I want to make sure she has the support she needs to acclimate to hot humid summer weather. Apoquel is a dog allergy medicine used to treat and control chronic manifestations of allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs. Apoquel is a prescription medication used to treat itching and inflammation in dogs. 20. Helpful steps you can take include providing full-body fly apparel, applying fly spray liberally, avoiding turnout at dusk and dawn, and using fans in stalls to disrupt insect flying patterns. I spend $150 a month on my horse on apoquel. White believes that while further research in horses is warranted, veterinarians should consider latex exposure a potential risk to equine respiratory health. Saridomichelakis MN, Olivry T. An update on the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Previcox is an FDA-approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) prescription medication used in dogs to treat pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with soft-tissue and orthopedic surgery. All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. Little PR, King VL, Davis KR, et al. Dosage and treatment schedule The recommended initial dose is 0.4 to 0.6 mg oclacitinib/kg bodyweight, administered orally, twice daily for up to 14 days. Safety & Side Effects Apoquel is safe to use in dogs one year and older. So lets review why allergies happen, how they affect your horses body, and how to treat themor, better yet, how to avoid them altogether. 9. This site is for US animal healthcare professionals. Avoid giving the medicine twice daily long-term. Collard WT, Hummel BD, Fielder AF, et al. Vet Dermatol 2017;28(5):512-e123. Yamaoka K, Saharinen P, Pesu M, et al. Soaking hay can be time-consuming but is vital to helping horses that are showing signs of respiratory allergy., Feeding hay at ground level offers an added benefit: To maximize respiratory health, horses should spend portions of the day with their heads down, the way nature intended, she adds. Ortalda C, Noli C, Colombo S, et al. I hear the result have been spectacular. Saridomichelakis MN, Olivry T. An update on the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Cyclosporine, which is approved for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, has an onset of efficacy of up to 4 weeks. My mare started on 5 pills every day and then we were able to move her down to 5 pills every other day. 6. Drake GJ, Nuttall T, Lpez J, et al. Eur J Pharmacol 2017;794:20-26. Apoquel. Efficacy and safety of oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with canine allergic dermatitis. Efficacy of oclacitinib (Apoquel) compared with prednisolone for the control of pruritus and clinical signs associated with allergic dermatitis in client-owned dogs in Australia. Breeding and Reproduction Horse breeding from planning through foal care; Diseases and Conditions Horse-health-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; Farm and Barn . Simpson AC, Schissler JR, Rosychuk RAW, et al. This links to a pdf file Storage and Handling : Store at controlled room temperature 20 to 25C (68 . At that point, the treatment can be changed to oclacitinib. Binding of these cytokines to their receptors activates the JAK-STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) pathway, which leads to further cytokine production.1 In recent studies, IL-31 has been shown to play an important role in pruritus, and elevated serum levels of IL-31 have been found in many atopic dogs.2, There are 4 JAK families in mammals: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. Oclacitinib preferably inhibits JAK1 and, to a lesser degree, JAK3, resulting in decreased activity of JAK1-dependent cytokines involved in allergy and inflammation (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13) as well as pruritus (IL-31).4. Search term . 16. Dosing Chart Contraindications Generally self-limiting and harmless, hives are nonetheless uncomfortable and can occasionally lead to angioedema (swelling under the skin) or purpura (blood vessels rupturing and leaking blood internally). More studies are necessary to confirm oclacitinibs effects in non-allergic diseases and what other immune-mediated mechanisms may be involved. Dosage Chart If the horse is allergic to any of them, his immune system elicits a response, and a hive forms at the injection site. I havent noticed any abnormal side effects. This option has somewhat fewer risks than option 1, has a higher initial cost ($1,000 for the nebulizer mask), but a lower monthly cost- $20-$40/month. Vet Dermatol 2014;25(6):512-518. Left untreated, these conditions can not only cause discomfort but also lead to raw, broken skin that allows bacteria to invade and infect. In the past 5 years, however, oclacitinib (Apoquel; ), a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has become another important drug in the management of allergic pruritus. A blinded, randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of oclacitinib and ciclosporin for the control of atopic dermatitis in client-owned dogs. 22. The recommended dosage of Apoquel 3.6mg tablets is 0.18 to 0.27 milligrams per pound of body weight. 27. Option 3 is using a nebulizer with dexamethasone and/or other drugs. Stay current with the latest techniques and information sign up below to start your FREE Todays Veterinary Practice subscription today. Several reports of successful use of oclacitinib to treat other diseases have been published. It can be given with or without food. Dawn M. Cleaver, DVM Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the safety of oclacitinib in cats. Have you considered trying allergy testing? It is initially prescribed twice daily for 14 days, then once daily for maintenance therapy. KER offers EO3, which contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. 1800PetMeds is your online pet store offering discount prices on pet supplies, medications, vitamins and supplements for your pet. Apoquel (oclacitinib tablet) Dosing & Administration How to dose Apoquel 0.4-0.6 mg/kg (0.18-0.27 mg/lb) Twice daily (BID) for up to 14 days Continue therapy once daily (SID) thereafter for maintenance May be given with or without food May discontinue without tapering Apoquel Dosing Guide Weight Range (lb) Number of Tablets to be Administered The biggest disadvantages are the cost, the need to acclimate the horse to having the device placed in his or her nostril, poor tolerance by some horses who dislike the device, and the uncertainty about how long your horse will be able to go without repeating the treatment. It definitely makes them more comfortable. Vet Dermatol 2015;26(1):23-30, e7-8. Im currently struggling with my horses allergies. Vet Dermatol 2019;30(2):110-e30. Gonzales AJ, Bowman JW, Fici GJ, et al. Initially, the recommended dose of 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg should be given twice daily for up to 14 days. Yes, we looked into this approach, but unfortunately it was not a viable option for my horse for a variety of reasons including other health factors and severity of allergies. Even though the drug is currently labeled for use in dogs (with allergic dermatitis), initial studies show that horses absorb it well, Fultz says. Vet Dermatol 2013;24(5):479-e114. If the patient remains stable and other controlling measures-such as allergen avoidance, allergen immunotherapy, and preventive topical therapyhave been implemented, the use of oclacitinib can be limited to flare control.16, Although oclacitinib is licensed for use in dogs, it has been reported to be effective to treat pruritus in allergic diseases in other species, including cats.17-20 shutterstock.com/Thrithot, Although oclacitinib is licensed for use in dogs, it has been reported to be effective to treat pruritus in allergic diseases in other species, including cats.17-20. Blood was collected prior to drug administration and at 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 . Olivry T, Banovic F. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: time to revise our strategy? Intradermal allergy testing is the gold standard for this and involves a veterinary dermatologist subcutaneously injecting very small quantities of potential allergens into a clipped patch of the horses neck.