Neutrophil count after 2 years on Apoquel and 2 months on Zenrelia
We’ve had our dog on Apoquel since May 2024, and we recently switched to Zenrelia in February 2026.
Her annual blood test in November 2023 (at 1 year old) showed a neutrophil count of 8,000. About two weeks before that test, she had been on prednisone for infected skin, so I’m unsure if that elevated the result.
After starting Apoquel, we saw a significant drop in her neutrophil count:
- October 2024: 2,780
- July 2025: 2,470
- January 2026 (right before starting Zenrelia): 2,400
Now, two months after switching to Zenrelia (April 2026), her neutrophil count is 1,800.
I’m wondering if anyone else has seen a downward trend in neutrophil counts while their dog is on Apoquel or Zenrelia. It’s also possible that her “true” baseline is just naturally on the lower side, and the 8,000 result in 2023 was elevated due to prednisone.
For additional context, she’s very prone to skin infections. That’s why we went to a dermatologist in May 2024—our primary vet couldn’t determine the cause of recurring papules. She’s never been particularly itchy, but she frequently develops bumps that progress into pustules and become infected.
We did IDAT testing, which showed mild-to-moderate (2–3 level) environmental allergies. Apoquel didn’t fully resolve her symptoms, but it seemed to reduce them somewhat. Started Immunotherapy but couldn't tell you how we fall on the spectrum of success.
She still consistently has hive-like bumps between her toes, along with scabbing and flaking. These also appear on her thighs and rear—typically on the side she lies on—and have never fully resolved with any treatment so far.
Even on Zenrelia, these symptoms never fully went away. The main improvement we’ve noticed is reduced inflammation around her eyes. Throughout all of this, she rarely scratches—maybe once or twice a month, she’s around me most of the day, so I can monitor that closely.
The dermatologist mentioned that 2.5% of dogs just have naturally low neutrophil counts but 1800 is worrisome to me and her vet team. The plan right now is to stop both JAK inhibitors and just up baths & keep immunotherapy going. If things don't improve we probably need to add an IM to our team of specialist (damn dog has seen more specialist than I have). I just wanted to ask on the forum to see if anyone else has seen a trend in their dog.