Merck Offers Yearlong Preventive for Dogs
Merck Animal Health has earned U.S. regulatory approval of Bravecto Quantum, an injectable drug administered once a year to treat and protect dogs from fleas and ticks. The company expects to release the preventive nationwide by August. Bravecto Quantum (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) is approved for use in more than 50 countries worldwide.
New From Elanco: TruCan Ultra CIV
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Elanco Animal Health’s TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8, a canine influenza vaccine. “This vaccine not only offers broad protection against canine influenza but also integrates seamlessly into our Tru Portfolio,” said Elanco executive vice president Bobby Modi. The product is available for pre-order and will ship within 30 business days.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Names New President
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has promoted Yvonne Hsu to president, replacing John Hazlin, who is now the chief growth officer for parent company Colgate-Palmolive. Hsu most recently was president and general manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition U.S. In other news, Hill’s reported its donation of 20,000 pounds of pet food to shelter partners and veterinary clinics in flood-stricken Texas.
Cubex Unveils Inventory Management Tool
Cubex has released Buddy, a wireless, cloud-connected inventory management device. “Buddy is plug-and-play and installs in seconds,” the company stated. “Once paired with the cloud-connected Smart Hub, it automatically tracks usage, updates stock levels and alerts staff when it’s time to restock — no scanning, no spreadsheets and no guesswork.”
CoVet Partners With Colorado State
CoVet, an AI-powered clinical documentation assistant, is collaborating with Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Over the next year, CoVet will provide comprehensive onboarding and support to ensure seamless integration with CSU Veterinary Health System’s hospital electronic medical record systems,” according to the company. “In turn, CSU will designate clinical champions and technical leads to evaluate platform performance, facilitate training logistics and assess the potential for long-term adoption.”
ScribbleVet Teams Up With Hound
ScribbleVet, which makes an AI-powered veterinary scribe, has launched a strategic partnership with Hound, the developer of veterinary staff recruitment and retention software. “ScribbleVet’s AI scribe technology will be added to Hound’s suite of talent and engagement solutions, making it easier and more cost-effective for veterinarians to use ScribbleVet in whichever veterinary practice they are working,” the companies announced in a joint statement.
UT’s Blackwell to Get Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Michael J. Blackwell, who directs the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee, will receive the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2025 Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a former chief of staff in the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office. Other winners being honored at the AVMA’s annual convention include Dr. Carlo Siracusa (Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year), Dr. Temple Grandin (Humane Award) and Dr. Sarah Babcock (Public Service Award). The complete list is at bit.ly/4kC2T6w.
Gallant Raises $18 Million for Stem Cell Work
Gallant, a developer of stem cell therapies for cats and dogs, has successfully closed a $18 million Series B financing round. Participants included Digitalis Ventures, BOLD Capital, Hill Creek Partners and NovaQuest Capital Management. Gallant’s first product for refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis could receive conditional approval in early 2026, becoming what the company called “the first FDA-labeled, allogeneic stem cell therapy in veterinary medicine.”
Ohio State Dean Writes About Human-Animal Bond
Ohio State University veterinary college dean Dr. Rustin M. Moore has published a book, “Unleashing the Bond: Harnessing the Power of Human-Animal Interactions.” Available from major booksellers, “Unleashing the Bond” explores the transformative relationships between humans and animals, “providing readers with a blend of personal narratives, scientific research and historical context,” according to the publisher.