Happy Friday, dvm360 Readers!
October is here, and this week brought a busy mix of clinical, regulatory, and practice news. From a toxicology trend worth sharing with clients to a skull reconstruction that enabled a return to herding trials, here’s a look at what you might have missed:
Pet Poison Helpline Reports Uptick in Calls
Pet Poison Helpline has seen an uptick in calls regarding overdoses of oclacitinib (Apoquel). The increase in reports is linked to accidental ingestion, rather than any defect with the drug itself. The FDA has documented 259 overdose reports in dogs and 64 in cats since June 2023. The pork liver-flavored chewable formulation poses a particular risk, and cats are at a higher risk for severe complications.
Dr. Renee Schmid, senior veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline, advises veterinarians to emphasize the importance of securely storing the medication, especially in multipet households.
Stay safe and informed out there!
