Weekly Companion Animal News: February 10, 2025
Zoetis announces US label update for Librela
Zoetis Inc. announced that it has updated the U.S. label for Librela (bedinvetmab injection), following its submission of a supplement to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The supplement includes updated labeling based on post-approval experience with Librela in the U.S. Librela, a once-monthly injectable monoclonal antibody for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs, was approved for use by the FDA in May 2023 and launched in October 2023.
Avian flu comes home to cats and their vets
Avian flu, a disease primarily of wild birds and domestic fowl raised for food, has effectively moved into the purview of companion animal practitioners. In 2023, the USDA reported 12 detections in cats of a highly pathogenic subtype of avian flu, known as H5N1. In 2024, the number rose to 49. While some cases involved barn cats — animals exposed through close contact with infected livestock — many were urban or suburban house cats that had not set foot on a farm or even outside.
DoveLewis expands Portland specialty care facility
The DoveLewis veterinary hospital opened a new facility across the street from its existing building in Northwest Portland. The new building adds 12 exam rooms, eight emergency treatment rooms and three surgical suites, and it allows DoveLewis to house advanced X-ray and diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging technologies. The practice, which takes in emergency patients around the clock, is the only Level 1 veterinary trauma facility in Oregon.
Mount Laurel Animal Hospital achieves AAHA, Fear Free, VECCS recognition
Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, announced its recent accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association as well as its recent Fear Free certification and VECCS (Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society) certification. The hospital offers emergency care, preventive medicine and specialized behavioral medicine.
Banfield ups investment in student debt relief, continuing education
Banfield Pet Hospital announced an investment of up to $8M per year to provide student debt relief, building on the more than $31M Banfield has already contributed to help veterinarians pay down student loans since 2018. Additionally, Banfield said it will give veterinarians up to $4K annually towards continuing education, including industry conferences, clinical skill development and membership dues.
PetDesk to launch AI note-taking solution
Veterinary client communication and engagement firm PetDesk announced the upcoming launch of PetDesk Scribe. The system allows veterinarians to record audio directly through a standalone mobile app. The audio is transcribed into notes, which are accessible through an intuitive web app. Providers can edit and finalize notes at their convenience, and client summary notes are available to be sent to pet parents.
VCA shrinks its urgent care footprint
VCA Animal Hospitals was reported on Jan. 31 to be preparing to close at least 17 urgent care practices in five states. “We launched our Urgent Care offering to pet owners in 2022 and have made adjustments based on market conditions and client demand,” according to a company statement. “After a thorough evaluation, we recently made the decision to close some of our Urgent Care hospitals and maintain ones in select communities.”
Pet Sustainability Coalition receives WPA Good Works grant
The Pet Sustainability Coalition has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the WPA Good Works program to support new environmental initiatives in the pet industry. The funding will help PSC develop the 2025 “Sustainability in the Pet Industry Report,” organize webinars and training sessions on sustainable practices, and expand its free toolkit that includes anti-greenwashing guidelines and a packaging legislation tracker.
