Q: How quickly does Apoquel start working for allergies?

Apoquel (oclacitinib) is fast-acting. In a controlled reactive model of itch in dogs, a single oral dose significantly reduced pruritic behaviors like scratching and head-shaking within 120 to 300 minutes after administration. Many owners see a noticeable reduction in itching within the first 24 hours.

Q: Does Apoquel require blood work monitoring?

For short-term use, monitoring is usually not required. For long-term use, your veterinarian may recommend periodic blood work to monitor liver enzymes, kidney values, and white blood cell counts. This is especially important in cats, where neutropenia is a known risk, and in dogs with pre-existing health conditions.

# Apoquel Oclacitinib: Allergy Itch Relief Dose and Duration ## Key Takeaways - Oclacitinib (Apoquel) is a selective JAK1 inhibitor approved for canine allergic dermatitis and pruritus, blocking pruritogenic cytokines like IL-31. The standard protocol involves a 0.4-0.6 mg/kg oral dose twice daily for 14 days (induction), followed by once daily for maintenance. - Onset of action is rapid, with significant reduction in pruritic behaviors observed within 2 to 5 hours of a single dose in dogs, providing prompt relief. Duration of effect is tied to the dosing interval, with twice-daily dosing providing approximately 12 hours and once-daily dosing covering a 24-hour period. - While generally safe for dogs, common adverse events include gastrointestinal upset and lethargy; rare but serious risks like acute kidney injury have been reported, emphasizing correct dosing and storage. Long-term use may necessitate periodic blood work monitoring. - Oclacitinib is used off-label in cats, requiring higher doses (mean initial dose of 1.89 mg/kg/day in one study) and carrying a higher risk of adverse events, most notably neutropenia (6.3% in one study). - Beyond allergies, oclacitinib has demonstrated variable efficacy in off-label use for conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus, acting as a corticosteroid-sparing agent, and nasal alar arteriopathy. Its role in cutaneous lymphoma is limited. - Oclacitinib's mechanism differs from corticosteroids by targeting specific cytokine pathways, offering a more targeted approach with a distinct side-effect profile, and it is often compared to biologics like lokivetmab based on administration route and duration of effect. --- If your [dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog) is scratching, licking, or biting constantly, your veterinarian may prescribe Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate). This medication is the only Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for veterinary use in the European Union and is widely used in North America and Australia for the control of allergic and [atopic dermatitis in dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/canine-atopic-dermatitis-diagnosis-multimodal-management) [1]. The standard loading dose is 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg given twice daily for 14 days, followed by the same dose once daily for maintenance. Most dogs show measurable reduction in itch within 24 to 48 hours, but the duration of relief depends on the dosing schedule, the underlying cause of the itch, and the individual patient. This article explains how oclacitinib works, the evidence behind dosing and duration, what to expect in cats (where use is off-label), and when you must contact your veterinarian. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## At a Glance: Apoquel (Oclacitinib) for Allergy Itch | Feature | Dog (Approved Use) | [Cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/cat) (Off-Label Use) | |, - |, - |, - | | **Mechanism** | Selective JAK1 inhibitor; blocks IL-31 and other pruritogenic cytokines [2][1] | Same mechanism, but higher doses required [1] | | **Starting Dose** | 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg orally twice daily for 14 days [1] | Mean initial dose in one study: 1.89 mg/kg/day (often divided twice daily) [3] | | **Maintenance Dose** | Same dose once daily; may be reduced in some patients | Often once daily; median maintenance in one study was 1.05 mg/kg/day [3] | | **Onset of Action** | Reduction in pruritic behaviours observed within 120 to 300 minutes (2 to 5 hours) after a single dose in a reactive model [4] | Not well-defined; clinical response usually assessed over days to weeks | | **Typical Duration of Effect** | 24 hours with once-daily dosing; 12 hours with twice-daily dosing | Variable; some cats require twice-daily dosing for control [3] | | **Common Adverse Events** | Vomiting, diarrhea (diarrhoea), decreased appetite, lethargy; rare acute kidney injury reported [5] | Neutropenia (low white blood cell count) was the most common definite/probable adverse event in one retrospective study (6.3%) [3] | | **Monitoring** | Baseline and periodic blood work, especially with long-term use | Baseline and periodic blood work, especially with long-term use [6] | ## What is Oclacitinib and How Does It Stop Itch? Oclacitinib is a synthetic small-molecule drug that inhibits Janus kinase enzymes, primarily JAK1 [2]. In the context of allergy, the key target is the signaling pathway for Interleukin-31 (IL-31), a cytokine that is a major driver of pruritus (itch) in dogs. When a dog with atopic dermatitis encounters an allergen, immune cells release IL-31, which binds to receptors on sensory nerve fibers in the skin. This binding triggers the itch signal that travels to the brain. Oclacitinib blocks the intracellular signaling of IL-31 and other pruritogenic and pro-inflammatory cytokines, effectively turning down the "itch volume" at the source [2][1]. This mechanism is different from corticosteroids (like prednisolone or prednisone), which have a broader anti-inflammatory effect. Oclacitinib is more targeted, which is why it often has a faster onset for itch relief and a different side-effect profile [7]. Research shows that oclacitinib also modulates T-cell activation, a key component of the allergic response, by reducing the frequency of CD25+ T-cells and their expression of CD25 [7]. This helps control the inflammation that leads to the skin lesions seen in allergic dermatitis. ## Approved Use in Dogs: Dose and Duration ### The Standard Protocol According to the European label and the review by Popp and Mueller, oclacitinib is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and associated pruritus in dogs [1]. The standard dosing protocol is: - **Induction (First 14 Days):** 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg orally every 12 hours (twice daily). - **Maintenance (From Day 15):** 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg orally every 24 hours (once daily). The goal of the twice-daily induction phase is to rapidly bring the itch and inflammation under control. After this period, the once-daily maintenance dose is usually sufficient to keep the dog comfortable. Some dogs may be tapered to a lower dose or every-other-day dosing if their clinical signs allow, but this should always be done under veterinary supervision [1]. ### How Fast Does It Work? The onset of action is one of the most clinically useful features of oclacitinib. A 2025 blinded, randomized, cross-over study by Leon et al. developed a "reactive" model of pruritus in healthy dogs, where itch was induced with intradermal IL-31 injections and oclacitinib was given afterward (simulating a dog that is already itchy) [4]. The results showed that a single oral dose of oclacitinib significantly reduced total pruritic behaviours (scratching, chewing/biting, and head-shaking) compared to placebo. Significant reductions in local pruritic behaviour were observed as early as 60 to 120 minutes after administration, and total pruritic seconds were significantly reduced at 120 to 180 minutes, 180 to 240 minutes, and 240 to 300 minutes post-administration [4]. This confirms that oclacitinib is not a slow-acting medication; it provides relief within hours, not days. ### Duration of Effect The duration of effect is tied to the dosing interval. With twice-daily dosing, the drug maintains therapeutic levels for approximately 12 hours. With once-daily dosing, it covers a full 24-hour period. In practice, if a dog on once-daily maintenance starts scratching again in the late evening, your veterinarian may recommend moving back to twice-daily dosing or splitting the dose to manage the "breakthrough" itch. ### Long-Term Use and Dose Reduction Oclacitinib is often used for long-term management of chronic atopic dermatitis. The drug has been used safely and successfully for over 10 years in dogs [1]. However, the goal is always to use the lowest effective dose. In a retrospective study of long-term oclacitinib use in cats (which informs off-label practice), the authors noted that the maintenance dose could be reduced by 50% or more in half of the animals, usually after 15 days of treatment [6]. A similar principle applies to dogs: once the skin has healed and the itch is controlled, your vet may attempt to taper the dose to find the minimum that keeps your dog comfortable. ## Evidence for Use in Other Canine Conditions Beyond allergic dermatitis, oclacitinib has been investigated for several other T-cell mediated and inflammatory skin diseases. This is considered off-label use, but the published evidence can help guide veterinarians when standard therapies fail. ### Canine Cutaneous Epitheliotropic Lymphoma (CEL) and Sézary Syndrome Cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma (CEL) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer in dogs. A retrospective study of eight dogs with CEL treated with oclacitinib found limited efficacy, with only one dog (12.5%) showing symptomatic improvement [8]. The authors concluded that oral oclacitinib has limited efficacy in the treatment of CEL [8]. However, a separate case report on Sézary syndrome (an aggressive subtype of CEL) documented a more nuanced response. A 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was treated with oclacitinib at 0.7 mg/kg twice daily and showed marked clinical improvement by day 15, including the disappearance of Sézary cells from the blood [2]. Unfortunately, the lesions worsened by day 32. The dose was then increased to a high dose of 3 mg/kg twice daily, which resulted in improvement within 12 days, though a relapse occurred again on day 63 [2]. This case demonstrates that oclacitinib may offer temporary clinical benefits in Sézary syndrome, potentially via JAK1 inhibition, but the response duration is limited [2]. These contrasting results highlight that oclacitinib is not a first-line treatment for lymphoma, and its use in these cases is experimental. ### Pemphigus Foliaceus and Other Autoimmune Skin Diseases Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune blistering disease. A retrospective analysis of 21 dogs with PF, pemphigus vulgaris (PV), and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) treated with oclacitinib found that oclacitinib alone was effective in 8 of 18 PF dogs at a median dose of 0.65 mg/kg/day [9]. Five of these dogs reached clinical remission, and three reached partial remission. Oclacitinib also served as a corticosteroid-sparing agent in 7 of 18 PF dogs, allowing for a reduction in prednisone dose [9]. This is a significant finding, as it offers a way to reduce the long-term side effects of steroids. Interestingly, the drug was ineffective in 3 of 18 PF dogs [9]. This supports the use of oclacitinib as a viable option or adjunct for managing PF, though response is not universal. ### Nasal Alar Arteriopathy (NAA) Nasal alar arteriopathy (NAA) is a rare condition causing ulcerative and hemorrhagic lesions on the nasal alar fold, primarily reported in German Shepherd Dogs. A 2026 case series described two dogs with NAA (a German Shepherd and a Poodle mix) that achieved clinical remission with oclacitinib monotherapy [10]. One case relapsed after dose tapering but regained remission with dose re-escalation and the addition of cyclosporine. The other case maintained remission with oclacitinib alone [10]. This suggests oclacitinib may be an alternative to traditional immunosuppressive therapy for NAA, though severe cases may need additional treatment [10]. ## Off-Label Use in Cats: Dose, Duration, and Risks Oclacitinib is not approved for use in cats. The European label explicitly notes that its use in cats is not recommended due to insufficient data from clinical trials, and it is known that cats require a higher dosage and have less therapeutic safety than dogs [1]. Despite this, off-label use for feline dermatoses is increasing [3]. ### Dosing Evidence in Cats A large retrospective case series of 238 cats prescribed oclacitinib for skin disease provides the most robust data to date [3]. The mean initial dosage prescribed was 1.89 mg/kg/day. Monotherapy controlled clinical signs in 140 of 238 cats (59%). Of those, 59% were on twice-daily administration (mean 1.85 mg/kg/day) and 41% were on once-daily administration (mean 1.05 mg/kg/day) [3]. The median treatment duration was 271.5 days (range 1 day to 7.5 years) [3]. This data suggests that cats often need a higher total daily dose than dogs, and some cats require twice-daily dosing to maintain control. A smaller retrospective study of 14 cats with allergic pruritus treated long-term (≥7 months) found a median initial dosage of 1.1 mg/kg every 12 hours [6]. In 7 of these cats, the maintenance dose could be reduced by at least 50%, usually after 15 days. The median duration of treatment was 15.5 months [6]. This suggests that, like dogs, cats may be tapered to a lower maintenance dose once control is achieved. ### Adverse Events in Cats The 238-cat study is critical for understanding the risks of oclacitinib in cats. Thirty-three "definite" or "probable" adverse events were observed in 32 of 238 cats (13.4%) [3]. The most common was neutropenia (low neutrophil count), occurring in 6.3% of cats (n=15) [3]. Other adverse events were not detailed in the abstract but were classified using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale [3]. The long-term study of 14 cats reported that alterations in blood tests were mild and frequently transient [6]. These included hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT, a liver enzyme) and/or creatinine (a kidney marker), and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) [6]. Limited and transitory disruptions in platelets and white cell lineage numbers were also identified in some cats, but none required specific treatment or discontinuation of oclacitinib [6]. ### Practical Considerations for Feline Use If your veterinarian prescribes oclacitinib for your cat, they will likely start with a dose around 1.0 to 2.0 mg/kg/day, divided twice daily. They will also recommend baseline blood work, including a complete blood count (CBC) to check white blood cell counts, and a biochemistry panel to assess kidney and liver function. Regular monitoring, especially in the first few months, is essential to catch neutropenia or other lab abnormalities early. ## Safety, Side Effects, and Monitoring ### Known Adverse Events in Dogs Oclacitinib is generally considered safe for dogs. The most commonly reported side effects include vomiting, diarrhea (diarrhoea), decreased appetite, and lethargy. These are often mild and transient. ### Serious Adverse Events: Acute Kidney Injury A 2025 case report documented acute kidney injury (AKI) in a dog following oclacitinib toxicosis [5]. This is a rare but serious potential adverse effect. The abstract summary is not available, but the title from the *Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association* confirms the link between oclacitinib and AKI in this case [5]. This underscores the importance of using the correct dose and keeping the medication out of reach of pets to prevent accidental overdose. If your dog ingests a large amount of Apoquel, you should contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. ### Monitoring Recommendations For dogs on short-term oclacitinib (less than 14 days), monitoring is usually not required. For dogs on long-term therapy, your veterinarian may recommend periodic blood work to monitor liver enzymes, kidney values, and white blood cell counts. This is especially important in older dogs or those with pre-existing conditions. ## How Oclacitinib Compares to Other Itch Medications Oclacitinib is often compared to other antipruritic drugs like corticosteroids (prednisone) and newer biologics like lokivetmab (Cytopoint). While this article focuses on oclacitinib, it is helpful to understand the differences. - **Corticosteroids (Prednisone/Prednisolone):** These are broad immunosuppressants. They are effective but have a higher risk of side effects with long-term use, including increased thirst and urination, weight gain, and immunosuppression. Oclacitinib offers a more targeted approach with fewer systemic side effects for many dogs [7]. - **Lokivetmab (Cytopoint):** This is a monoclonal antibody that specifically neutralizes IL-31. It is given as an injection and provides relief for 4 to 8 weeks. Oclacitinib is a daily pill. The choice between them often depends on the owner's preference, the dog's tolerance for injections vs. pills, and the duration of effect needed. ## Pharmacokinetics and Blood Sampling Understanding how oclacitinib is absorbed and distributed is important for dosing. A pilot study compared blood sampling techniques (direct venepuncture vs. indwelling catheter) to measure oclacitinib concentrations in dogs given 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg [11]. The study found no significant differences in drug concentration between the two methods, confirming that both are acceptable for generating reliable pharmacokinetic data [11]. This is a technical point, but it validates the dosing studies that established the 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg range. ## Common Questions About Administration - **Can I give Apoquel with food?** Yes, oclacitinib can be given with or without food. If your dog vomits after taking it on an empty stomach, try giving it with a small meal. - **What if I miss a dose?** Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Do not give a double dose. - **Can I stop Apoquel suddenly?** Yes, oclacitinib does not require a tapering schedule like corticosteroids. You can stop it abruptly, but the itch will likely return. It is best to discuss any changes with your veterinarian. ## Unsafe Home Remedies and Misconceptions It is common for owners to seek alternative treatments for itchy pets. However, many home remedies are ineffective or harmful. - **Hydrocortisone creams:** These may provide temporary relief for small hot spots, but they are not effective for generalized allergic itch and can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. - **Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl):** While sometimes used, they are often ineffective for controlling the severe itch associated with atopic dermatitis in dogs. - **Essential oils:** Many essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats and should never be applied to the skin without veterinary guidance. - **Human medications:** Never give your pet human medications without veterinary approval. Many human drugs, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are toxic to pets. The safest and most effective approach is to work with your veterinarian to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan. ## Prevention and Long-Term Management of Allergic Itch Oclacitinib controls the symptoms of allergy, but it does not cure the underlying allergic disease. Long-term management often involves a multimodal approach: 1. **Allergen Avoidance:** If the allergen is known (e.g., fleas, specific foods), strict avoidance is the best prevention. 2. **Topical Therapy:** Regular bathing with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos can remove allergens from the skin and soothe irritation. 3. **Dietary Management:** For dogs with food allergies, a prescription hypoallergenic diet is essential. 4. **Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots):** For environmental allergies, allergen-specific immunotherapy can help desensitize the immune system over time, potentially reducing the need for medications like oclacitinib. ## Prognosis The prognosis for dogs with allergic dermatitis treated with oclacitinib is generally excellent. Most dogs achieve good to excellent control of their itch with minimal side effects. For off-label uses like pemphigus foliaceus, the response is variable, but oclacitinib offers a valuable option, especially as a steroid-sparing agent [9]. In cases of lymphoma, the prognosis remains poor, and oclacitinib's role is limited [8]. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article provides general information based on published studies, but it cannot predict how your individual pet will respond. Breed, age, underlying health conditions, and the specific cause of the itch all influence the outcome. **Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:** - **Signs of an overdose:** Vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, or collapse. Acute kidney injury is a potential risk with toxicosis [5]. - **Lack of improvement:** If your dog is still scratching significantly after 3 to 5 days of twice-daily dosing, the diagnosis may be wrong, or the dose may need adjustment. - **Worsening of skin lesions:** If the skin is becoming more red, painful, or infected. - **New systemic signs:** Vomiting, diarrhea (diarrhoea), decreased appetite, or increased thirst/urination that persists. - **In cats:** Since neutropenia is a known risk, any signs of fever, lethargy, or infection should be evaluated promptly [3]. Always inform your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your pet is receiving. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of oclacitinib without their guidance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 1. How quickly does Apoquel start working for allergies? Apoquel (oclacitinib) is fast-acting. In a controlled "reactive" model of itch in dogs, a single oral dose significantly reduced pruritic behaviors like scratching and head-shaking within 120 to 300 minutes (2 to 5 hours) after administration [4]. Many owners see a noticeable reduction in itching within the first 24 hours. ### 2. What is the standard dose of Apoquel for a dog? The approved dose for dogs is 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg given orally twice daily for the first 14 days (induction), followed by the same dose once daily for maintenance [1]. Your veterinarian will calculate the exact dose based on your dog's weight. ### 3. How long can a dog stay on Apoquel? Oclacitinib has been used safely and successfully for over 10 years in dogs [1]. Many dogs remain on a maintenance dose for life to control chronic allergic dermatitis. Your veterinarian will aim to use the lowest effective dose and may recommend periodic blood work for long-term monitoring. ### 4. Is Apoquel safe for cats? Apoquel is not approved for use in cats, and its use is considered off-label [1]. It is known that cats require a higher dosage and have less therapeutic safety than dogs [1]. However, studies have shown it can be effective for feline dermatoses, with the most common adverse event being neutropenia (low white blood cell count) [3]. It should only be used in cats under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. ### 5. Can Apoquel be used to treat conditions other than allergies? Yes, there is evidence for off-label use in several immune-mediated and inflammatory conditions. These include pemphigus foliaceus [9], nasal alar arteriopathy [10], and even some cases of cutaneous lymphoma [2]. However, response is not guaranteed, and it is not a first-line treatment for cancer [8]. ### 6. What are the most common side effects of Apoquel in dogs? The most common side effects in dogs are mild and transient and may include vomiting, diarrhea (diarrhoea), decreased appetite, and lethargy. A rare but serious side effect is acute kidney injury, which has been reported in a case of toxicosis [5]. ### 7. What should I do if I miss giving my dog a dose of Apoquel? If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Do not give a double dose to make up for the missed one. ### 8. Does Apoquel require blood work monitoring? For short-term use (less than 14 days), monitoring is usually not required. For long-term use, your veterinarian may recommend periodic blood work to monitor liver enzymes, kidney values, and white blood cell counts. This is especially important in cats, where neutropenia is a known risk [3], and in dogs with pre-existing health conditions. ## Sources [1] [[Oclacitinib in dogs - Janus kinase inhibition in veterinary dermatology].](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40513605/) [2] [Case Report: Dose-dependent response to oclacitinib in a dog with Sézary syndrome.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41473101/) [3] [A Retrospective Case Series Reporting the Clinical Efficacy and Adverse Events of Oclacitinib Administration for Skin Disease in 238 Cats.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42036967/) [4] [Evaluation of One-Time Oral Oclacitinib Administration on Pruritic Behaviours After Intradermal Interleukin-31-Induced Pruritus Injections ("Reactive" Model) in Healthy Dogs: A Blinded, Randomised, Cross-Over Study.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40726460/) [5] [Oclacitinib (Apoquel) toxicosis resulting in acute kidney injury in a dog.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40466661/) [6] [Long-term oclacitinib administration for the control of feline allergic pruritus: A retrospective study of 14 client-owned cats.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40786738/) [7] [Oclacitinib modulates IL-2 driven T-cell activation through CD25 regulation: A comparative analysis with prednisolone.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41619708/) [8] [Short-term administration of oclacitinib with concomitant medications in canine epitheliotropic lymphoma: A retrospective study of eight dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40525607/) [9] [Treatment of Canine Pemphigus Foliaceus, Pemphigus Vulgaris and Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid With Oclacitinib: A Retrospective Analysis of 21 Cases.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42036807/) [10] [Oclacitinib for the Treatment of Nasal Alar Arteriopathy in Two Dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42353524/) [11] [Comparing Blood Sampling Techniques in Canines: A Pilot Study Using Oclacitinib.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40559780/) [12] [Proliferative Necrotising Otitis Externa in a Cat Treated Successfully With Oclacitinib Maleate With Two Delayed Relapses.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41218042/) [13] [Long-Term Use of Oclacitinib Maleate for the Management of Pemphigus Foliaceus in a Miniature Donkey.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41958441/) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Drontal Plus Dewormer: Broad-Spectrum Dose Guide by Weight](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/drontal-plus-dewormer-broad-spectrum-dose-guide-by-weight) * [Panacur Fenbendazole Dewormer: Dog Fecal Parasite Treatment Schedule](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/panacur-fenbendazole-dewormer-dog-fecal-parasite-treatment-schedule) * [Prednisolone for Cats: Feline Safe Steroid Dose and Autoimmune](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/calculators-clinical-tools/prednisolone-for-cats-feline-safe-steroid-dose-and-autoimmune)