If Rory, a three-year-old Golden Retriever could talk, he would blame the cat.
Rory was obviously minding his own business when his housemate (otherwise known as the cat) allegedly knocked a bottle of prescription medication off the counter.
What else was a dog to do but check it out?
That’s when Rory ingested an overdose of Apoquel, an allergic itch medication for dogs. The latest form of Apoquel is an easy-to-give and highly tasty chewable that is irresistible to dogs like Rory.
But an overdose can result in vomiting, diarrhea, fast abnormal heart rhythm, changes to the eyes and potential liver or kidney damage.
Rory was hospitalized in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital’s Emergency and Critical Care Service earlier this week. Prior to his arrival, Rory was treated by his primary veterinarian with steroids and activated charcoal. After being presented at Iowa State, the Golden Retriever was hospitalized with 24-hour monitoring and IV fluids.
After a short stay in Iowa State’s ICU, Rory is back home where he is expected to make a full recovery – no thanks to the cat.
November 2025