Weekly Companion Animal News: August 25, 2025

Nine animal health startups selected for Topeka accelerator program

Plug and Play Topeka, an industry-specific accelerator program in Topeka, Kansas, has selected 13 animal health startups for its ninth cohort. The 18-week program will include pitch opportunities, an introduction to mentors and corporate entities, business development workshops and cohort collaboration. The startups are: Arterra Pet Science, Branvine, ChemCode, Green-On, Hoomanely, N&E Innovations Pte Ltd, Pet Portal AI, Petalife, Pointer Health, RSLNT, testblu diagnostics, Treat and Vetabolics.

Pet Desk integrates its client engagement system with Shepherd VIMS

PetDesk, a provider of client engagement software for veterinary practices, announced an integration between its PetDesk Communications platform and Shepherd Veterinary Solutions, a cloud-based veterinary practice information management system. Automated client interactions from PetDesk include reminders, two-way texting and digital forms.

Research identifies comorbidity trends in senior dogs

An analysis of more than 26,000 dogs helps reveal which diseases tend to go together, according to a study published in PLOS Computational Biology by Antoinette Fang from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, and colleagues. The analysis revealed some expected comorbidities (e.g., kidney disease and hypertension). But it also revealed new connections, such as an association between low iron in the blood and excess protein in the urine.

Zomedica and VerticalVet sign two-year agreement

Zomedica and group purchasing organization VerticalVet announced an agreement making Zomedica the preferred provider of advanced veterinary solutions for two years. Zomedica’s technologies include the PulseVet shock wave therapy system, the VETGuardian remote monitoring platform, Assisi targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy devices and Vetigel hemostatic gel.

California dogs increasingly exposed to anaplasmosis bacterium

The percentage of dogs in California that tested positive for exposure to the bacterium that causes anaplasmosis nearly tripled between 2021 and 2024, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. Anaplasmosis can make dogs feverish or lethargic, and they may turn their nose up at food and lose weight, but many show no sign of illness at all. In rare circumstances, it can lead to nose bleeds, neck pain and seizures. It is spread by the same tick that transmits Lyme disease.

Vetcelerator signs marketing agreements with MWI, Merck

Veterinary marketing firm and group purchasing organization Vetcelerator renewed its agreement with MWI Animal Health, providing Vetcelerator members discounts on pharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment. Vetcelerator also signed a new partnership agreement with Merck Animal Health, giving members access to Merck’s parasiticide and biologic product portfolio as well as special programs.

Merck survey reveals gaps in flea and tick prevention

A global survey from Merck Animal Health revealed gaps in pet owner adherence to flea and tick prevention. According to “Pet Owner & Vet Perspectives on Parasite Treatment and Prevention: A Global Survey,” 83% of pet owners consider flea and tick treatment a crucial part of their pet’s care, but 46% of dog owners and 51% of cat owners said they had forgotten to administer flea and tick treatment in the past year.

Illinois passes law to define CVT role

The governor of Illinois signed into law House Bill 3360, establishing criteria for the title Certified Veterinary Technician, ensuring it is granted only to individuals who have graduated from a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technical Education. It also codifies that these individuals have passed their Veterinary Technical National Exam, earning their CVT license.