New From Dechra: Solovecin Antibiotic
U.S. veterinarians may now prescribe Dechra’s Solovecin (cefovecin sodium), a long-acting injectable antibiotic for the treatment of skin infections in dogs and cats. The semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibacterial agent arises from the cephalosporin class. In other news, Dechra has been named the newest Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, a sign of its commitment to supporting human-animal bond education for veterinary professionals, training its workforce on the science of the bond, and supporting the research efforts of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute.
Zoetis Releases Vanguard Recombishield to Fight Bordetella
Zoetis has introduced a new product to the U.S. market: Vanguard Recombishield (Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine), an injectable vaccine to protect against kennel cough. The nonadjuvanted, recombinant injectable vaccine is for use in dogs 8 weeks of age or older. According to Zoetis, Vanguard Recombishield is the first and only vaccine for dogs with pertactin protein, “which helps the immune system effectively target Bordetella.”
iVET360 Uses Client Reviews to Rank Practices
The Portland, Oregon, company iVET360 has launched Reviews.vet, a ranking platform that uses verifiable client review data to identify the nation’s top-rated animal hospitals. “The rankings update weekly to reflect the most current and accurate representation of veterinary hospital performance and client satisfaction,” iVET360 stated. On a scale of 0 to 5 stars, according to iVET360, U.S. independent practices average 4.6, while corporately owned locations average 4.5.
Cornell Veterinary College Dean to Step Down in 2026
Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is searching for a replacement for Dr. Lorin D. Warnick, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Warnick will complete his second five-year term on June 30, 2026. “He played a vital role in helping us successfully navigate the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in maintaining the college’s reputation as one of the premier veterinary programs in the world,” Provost Kavita Bala said.
Digitail Secures $23 Million in Funding
Digitail, a provider of practice management software for veterinary clinics, has raised $23 million in Series B funding, led by Five Elms Capital. According to the company, “The financing will accelerate product innovation, including Digitail’s AI capabilities, to help veterinary teams automate routine tasks, see more patients and improve patient experiences.” Digitail’s cloud-based platform unifies scheduling, medical records, invoicing, client communications, inventory management, wellness plans and a client app.
AAVMC’s New CEO Is From Ohio State
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges has appointed Dr. Emma Read as its new CEO, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Since 2018, she has served as associate dean for professional programs at Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Read succeeds Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe, who served as CEO for 12 years.
Tuskegee Teaching Hospital Earns AAHA Accreditation Again
The American Animal Hospital Association has reaccredited Tuskegee University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “We are honored to be among the approximately 15% of veterinary hospitals nationwide that have earned accreditation from the AAHA, a distinction that reflects our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of veterinary excellence,” said hospital director Dr. Nelson Diaz, an associate professor of small animal community practice.
Thrive Opens Florida Dermatology Hospital
Thrive Pet Healthcare and its business partner, Dermatology for Animals, have opened a location in Valrico, Florida, called Dermatology for Animals Valrico. Leading the Tampa Bay-area team is Dr. Susan Baiz, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, who spent the past two years at Dermatology for Animals in Tucson, Arizona.
Lyon College Awaits 2026 Accreditation Visit
The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot, Arkansas, is preparing for a comprehensive accreditation visit in summer 2026 by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. “This milestone,” the school reported, “marks a significant step forward in Lyon College’s efforts to establish the first private veterinary school in Arkansas.” The school, expected to open as early as 2027, has opted for a four-year DVM curriculum instead of three years.
University of Arizona Is a Popular Choice
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine has received 2,541 student applications for the Class of 2029, which UA called “one of the nation’s largest applicant pools” after Colorado State and Ohio State universities. According to UA: “Applicants to the college ranged in age from 18 to 54 years old. Among them were 667 first-generation students and 225 Arizona residents, and more than 530 reapplications. With a cohort size limited to 110 students, just over 4% of applicants will be selected.”
Bionet Debuts O’Pet Curv Wireless Monitor
Bionet America Inc. has introduced O’Pet Curv, a compact, cloud-connected wireless monitoring system that enables veterinarians to track multiple patient vitals in real time with any internet-connected device. Designed for pre-op, post-op and ICU settings, the device attaches to patients to collect vitals such as ECG, heart rate, respiration rate and skin temperature.
Chewy to Obtain SmartEquine From Covetrus
Covetrus has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its SmartEquine horse supplements business to Chewy Inc. According to Covetrus, “This transaction enables Covetrus to sharpen its focus on its core business of delivering technology-enabled solutions that help veterinarians improve practice performance and patient care.” The terms were not disclosed.