Weekly Companion Animal News: September 15, 2025

Dogs exposed to COVID-positive people show elevated prevalence of antibodies

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Zoetis found an almost 70% elevated prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the blood of pet dogs exposed to the virus in their homes. The animals showed no signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance in companion animals, especially as new viral variants continue to emerge, the researchers wrote.

Gallant launches CE platform on regenerative medicine

Animal health biotechnology company Gallant has launched GallantU, an online CE platform intended to help veterinary professionals in the regenerative medicine era. Courses cover the science, clinical use and future potential of allogeneic, ready-to-use stem cell therapy.

Immune system markers could unleash personalized care for dogs

Researchers at Waltham Research Institute reported identifying patterns in markers of the immune system that are specific to individual dogs and breeds. Together these patterns could lead to simple blood tests to inform treatment and diagnostic decisions. Identifying changes in a dog’s immune system before symptoms appear could lead to early detection of disease, improve outcomes and reduce costly interventions later, said lead researcher Dr. Ravi Sachidanandam.

National surrender, adoption program for reptiles and amphibians launched

A national adoption initiative for reptiles and amphibians has been launched by The Healthy Trade Initiative and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Pet owners seeking to surrender their reptile or amphibian to the Herp Adoption Program may do so at no charge, other than the cost to ship their animal. Each animal receives a veterinary health assessment and is tested for pathogens that include chytrid, ranavirus, adenovirus and Cryptosporidium.

Researchers urge for US recognition of Chagas disease as endemic

Chagas disease should be recognized as endemic in the U.S., according to researchers. Blood-sucking triatomines, commonly known as kissing bugs, are confirmed in 32 states. Many carry the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, or T. cruzi, which causes Chagas. Texas leads the nation in the number of locally acquired Chagas disease cases. The research team is asking CDC to reclassify Chagas disease as “endemic” to improve awareness, diagnosis and surveillance.

Krka UK launches otitis externa management flowchart

Generic pharmaceutical company Krka UK has launched an otitis externa management flowchart in collaboration with Dr. Tim Nuttall, head of veterinary dermatology at Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland. The flowchart is intended to help veterinary teams make clearer, more confident clinical decisions using a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing ear disease in dogs and cats.

Study shows that radiomics can improve treatment of canine thyroid cancer

A study from the University of Missouri may lead to better treatment of thyroid cancer in dogs. Before receiving treatment, each dog in the study underwent specialized nuclear imaging – radiomics – to examine its thyroid tumors. Large amounts of data are extracted from images such as CT or PET scans to help identify patterns that predict how well an individual dog could respond to therapy. Unlike traditional medical imaging, radiomics uncovers tiny details —texture, shape or variation — that aren’t visible to the human eye.

Bill would allow NY to block mergers, acquisitions deemed ‘against the public interest’

New York State Assembly Bill 9042 would empower the state’s Attorney General to block veterinary clinic sales, transfers or mergers deemed “against the public interest,” including those that would lead to reduced competition, increased costs, unfair competitive practices, diminished quality or access to veterinary care. The AG would be able to allow a transaction if it were to prevent clinic closures or severe service reductions.