Weekly Companion Animal News: June 9, 2025

Can clinics capitalize on the rising need for feline care?

Cat veterinary visits are increasing while overall veterinary visits decline. However, only about half of cats receive regular veterinary care due to stress-related barriers, accessibility challenges and lack of feline-focused services. But feline care represents a massive yet underdeveloped opportunity, with one 2024 study by Hill’s Pet Nutrition estimating nearly 70 million cats in the U.S. and a 14% increase in cat adoptions.

New SoundByte: 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte

4CYTE™ is formulated exclusively with powerful Epiitalis® and is scientifically proven to enhance joint health and function in horses and dogs. Offering great flavor and palatability, 4CYTE can be used preventatively or for maintenance for joint care.

Zoetis launches new cytologic capability for Vetscan Imagyst

Zoetis has launched AI Masses, the newest addition to the Vetscan Imagyst® analyzer, intended to enable fast, accurate AI analysis of lymph node and skin/subcutaneous masses. In North America, the new capability will become available on all Vetscan Imagyst analyzers on June 2, 2025.

Midwest Veterinary Supply names Jeff Burkhamer CEO

Jeff Burkhamer has accepted the role of chief executive officer of Midwest Veterinary Supply, Lakeville, Minnesota. Midwest said it will begin a search for a new president. “Jeff and our leadership team will help with this transition, keeping things running smoothly and allowing Midwest time to focus on long-term strategies,” the company said.

Conduit and Manoira to evaluate glucokinase activators in animal health indications

Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that it has entered into a joint development agreement with Manoira Corp. in which Manoira will evaluate Conduit’s AZD1656 and AZD5658, both clinical-stage glucokinase activators, in animal health indications. Manoira will focus its initial evaluation of AZD1656 in animal osteoarthritis.

Lamassu Biotech receives NIH grant for canine pancreatitis treatment

Biopharmaceutical company Lamassu Biotech received a $2.7 million “One Health” grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance the development of RABI-767, a therapeutic for dogs suffering acute pancreatitis, as well as potential human treatment. Lamassu’s veterinary division, Lamassu Pets, in collaboration with The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has commenced clinical trials to evaluate how RABI-767 can directly target the pancreas to reduce complications and improve recovery.

AcutePet Urgent Care notes Year 1 milestone

Cincinnati, Ohio-based AcutePet Urgent Care reports that it has grown from an idea into a five-location veterinary urgent care network in its first year. Clinics are located in Ohio, South Carolina and Kentucky. Founded by veterinarians Drs. David Sachs and Doug Hoffman, the network aims to provide “affordable, accessible, emergency-level care without the ER chaos.”

Small Door Veterinary opens in Virginia

Veterinary care provider Small Door Inc. announced its expansion into Virginia with the opening of a veterinary practice in McLean. The practice marks Small Door’s first Virginia location, joining its four existing Washington, D.C.-area locations, including Bethesda, Maryland. The company also operates five New York City locations — with a sixth opening soon — and two in the Boston area.

Earlier kitten neutering may not affect bodyweight in later life

Cats that are neutered at four months old compared to the traditional six months old are not at any greater risk of weight problems as they age, according to researchers from the University of Bristol in the UK. The research follows calls for more long-term studies investigating health outcomes for cats neutered pre-pubertally by some in the veterinary profession.