Apoquel

We dont have a bull terrier but our beloved Daisy a Bichon Frise died last July 7 weeks after reacting to apoquel. She was on it for 3 weeks, our vet took no notice when told she was not her usual self. After 7 weeks patches if blood appeared under her skin. The vet then acted and did blood tests, she had NO white blood cells, she was rushed to a vet hospital unfortunately to late she died 48 hours later. RCVS have said no negligence or malpractise. Vets seem to get away with murder.
Would apreciate if anybody has had an similar experiences to let us know.

So sorry to read this, I have no experience here but hope you find some answers.

I'm so sorry! 

What were your Daisy's symptoms before she was prescribed apoquel?

Daisy suffered with sore feet iching contiually, her feet turned redish brown,it looked like she had wellington boots on.
Yes, Apoquel stopped the iching, but it also stopped her immune system working.
The veterinay practice took no notice, they told us to carry on,they did not even call her infor a check up.
Both the Veterinary Practice and the drug are responsible for us loosing our Daisy.
Be aware and check all drugs given to your pet, also get a second opinion if your not satified with how things are proceding.

I found this online...

"Also, because it works by interrupting a dog’s JAKs to keep them from working, and JAKs are necessary for healthy cell communication, it can weaken your dog’s immune system."

Did your vet not advise you of the side effects? If not, then you may be able to take it further.

No information given with tablets on side effects either written or verbally.
No checkups or blood tests given during 7 weeks even though our concerns were raised during phone calls or appointments, until 48 hours before she died, which by then was to late. We have been for the last 9 months trying to get the Practice to give us answers, also through the VDS. We have tried a negligence case with the RCVS but have now also lost our appeal. Every vet is a member of both institutes.
Pet owners have nowhere to go and no one to support them,

That's awful! I don't really know what to say - is there a body that overlooks the veterinary practices, like the government ombudsmen?

I don't know if you've seen this - it's from the Which? website...

"How to complain if a vet has been negligent
If your pet has suffered because of a vet’s negligence, you can make a complaint to the voluntary, independent and free mediation service Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS).

Your complaint to the VCMS must clearly outline the remedy you expect for the harm caused. For example, you can ask for:

a formal apology
a refund
free corrective treatment
compensation.
The VCMS scheme is voluntary, so this means that the veterinary surgeon must agree to VCMS’ involvement.

You can contact the VCMS directly using 0345 040 5834 or enquiries@vetmediation.co.uk.

In addition to negligence, the VCMS also hears complaints about fees, and the service you’ve received from a veterinary practice.

If your pet has suffered pain, injury, inconvenience or death as a result of professional negligence, these are the steps you can take to claim compensation:

See if you can negotiate amicably with your vet first
If this doesn’t work, seek legal advice. A lawyer may be able to help you prove negligence, which can be difficult to do
Legal action for negligence must be started within six years of it taking place or, in a case where there is latent damage, from the point you become aware of it for the first time."

Hi, Thank you for your interest. The ombusman is the RCVS. We have appealed but have got nowhere. We tried mediation VCMS but the practice refused to co operate. Seemingly they are allowed to, again they all stick together.
We gave got the local paper interested, and have put a couple of items in but we cant name the vet because of being sued. We have approached the practice in question for a meeting to try and get answers, to enable us to move on but again they have refused.

Wow. I feel so sorry for you.