Nationwide Releases 2025 Claims Data
According to analysis from Nationwide of more than 3.3 million pet health insurance claims filed in 2025, chronic conditions remain the top reasons for canine and feline veterinary visits. Atopic dermatitis was the No. 1 condition for dogs for the 15th consecutive year, and seizures entered the top 10 for the first time. For cats, chronic enteropathy and digestive disorders led the list.
Study Explores CKD in Cats
An Idexx study of 1,430 cats diagnosed with early stage chronic kidney disease has found that the cats treated with a veterinary renal diet delayed progression to a later CKD stage by about one year. They also had a 30% lower risk of all-cause mortality during the first three years after diagnosis. Among cats that died within three years of diagnosis, renal diet treatment was associated with a 20% increase in survival time. Read the full study at bit.ly/40uFqN7.
Petco Love Distributes 4 Millionth Free Vaccine
Petco Love is celebrating the distribution of its 4 millionth free pet vaccine as part of its Vaccinated and Loved initiative. The organization provides free vaccines to participating partner shelters to administer at free clinics, helping protect pets in underserved communities.
iVET360 Launches Staffing Tool
iVET360 has launched staffing.vet, a free platform focused on veterinary hiring, onboarding, and retention. The platform includes several templates and playbooks, plus four AI-powered tools, including a wage calculator and generators for job ads, offer letters, and training plans.
Partnership Benefits Cats
Coastline Global has announced a collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to advance non-invasive urine collection and monitoring for cats at home and in veterinary practices. The partnership integrates Kit4Cat with CheckUp urine test strips, supporting earlier detection and ongoing management of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in cats.
UC Davis Launches Podcast
The UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine has launched a new podcast called “The Vetrospective.” The science-driven podcast is hosted by Dr. Michael Kent and features conversations with experts on topics affecting dogs, cats, and their owners. The first season includes 12 episodes released between March 3 and May 5 and is available on major podcast platforms.
FDA Approves Merck’s Numelvi
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck Animal Health’s Numelvi, the first and only second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs over 6 months of age. The medication is expected to be available at veterinary clinics this spring.