Alternative to Apoquel for dogs..

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by Ron Fisher, Oct 20, 2020.

  1. Ron Fisher

    Ron Fisher Registered Users

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    Hi everyone,

    I haven never posted here, I have no affiliations with any food or supplement manufacturer. I simply have a 10 year old Field Lab that has suffered from skin "allergies" his whole life. We used very expensive Apoquel for a couple years during which time he developed a cancerous skin lesion that had to be surgically removed. Surgery was not only expensive but he had a lengthy healing period. I have no proof Apoquel produced the cancer but there seems to be a mountain of building evidence this drug is potentially dangerous.

    Since his surgery about a year and half ago we've been feeding him quality grain free kibble and no supplements or drugs to address the ongoing constant itching. What to do?

    I recently found a number of supplements focused on Turmeric Curcumin.. most are fairly expensive so I decided to try off the shelf human grade 500mg capsules (3 per day). The great thing about labs is they will eat just about anything so feeding him even plain capsules is fairly easy.. the great news is his itchy reactions have almost totally subsided after a month. Cost is very acceptable especially considering it is working!

    Hoping this may help somebody else who's struggling with helping our best friends live a good life.

    Ron
     
  2. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    Hi Ron
    Thank you for sharing your experience and hope your dog fully recovered from the skin cancer.
    I don’t know if you are referring to a Mast Cell tumour but mine had one at 18 months(grade 3 high MI ear removal and chemo)
    He had been on Apoquel for a while prior to this although not immediately before. Whilst consulting a dermatologist more recently for ongoing skin itchiness he said Apoquel was a drug to definitely avoid with Mast Cell cancer. I should have asked him for more details.
    We go back for further check ups in Dec so will mention turmeric to the oncologist then.
    I have cut out all unnecessary chemicals having had another lump come up during lockdown at the site of a Seresto tick collar. It had gone by the time I could get an appointment(but that is the nature of MCT’s) I had stopped Bravecto as soon as he was diagnosed.
    Please keep us posted especially if the skin condition continues to improve. Turmeric seems to have wonder Anti inflammatory properties especially for joint issues.
    Julie
     
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  3. Keri

    Keri Registered Users

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    Hi Ron, what weight is your Labrador? Thanks
     
  4. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    It might be worth looking at the Golden Paste recipe for dogs. That would give you an idea of suitable turmeric quantities or ask your vet.
     
  5. Keri

    Keri Registered Users

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    Thanks J.D, will be speaking to my vet in a week. My Labrador is only 30kgs hence my question!
     
  6. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    That’s about what Toby weighs. Would be interested to hear what the vet recommends.
     

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