Weekly Companion Animal News: October 20, 2025

Nutramax introduces anal gland supplement for dogs

Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences Inc. announced the introduction of Filaquin, an anal gland supplement for dogs. Filaquin contains NMXFBR4, a proprietary blend that includes both soluble and insoluble fiber to support normal stool consistency, as well as prebiotics and postbiotics to support anal gland health. It also contains beta-glucan, which helps support immune health, according to the company.

Phibro enters licensing agreement with Lighthouse for canine periodontal compound

Phibro Animal Health Corporation announced it entered into a licensing agreement with Lighthouse Pharmaceuticals Inc. for a therapeutic asset targeting periodontal health in companion animals. The agreement grants Phibro exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Lighthouse Pharma’s proprietary compound, and it will lead regulatory, commercial and distribution efforts globally.

UK cat owners urged to take action against Feline Parvovirus

The UK is seeing a rise in cases of Feline Parvovirus (FPV), making vaccination more important than ever, warns the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Young kittens are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing, according to RSPCA. They can become severely ill within hours of showing symptoms. “Even with treatment, FPV can be fatal which is why prevention is the best protection.”

Global Innovative Platforms completes first phase of breath test for early heartworm detection

Global Innovative Platforms Inc. announced completion of the first phase of its research into breath-based diagnostics for detecting heartworm disease in dogs. The initial study focused on validating data to support development of a point-of-care, non-invasive test designed to detect infection earlier than the current industry standard of six months.

Sixty-two percent of canine growths are untested

Sixty-two percent of canine dermal and subcutaneous growths in the U.S. go untested, according to a survey of 240 veterinary professionals by HT Vista, developer of a non-invasive medical device to rule out cancer of masses. On average, general practitioners reported seeing 13.5 dermal and subcutaneous masses per veterinarian per week, yet fewer than six of those cases lead to a diagnosis.

AKC Canine Health Foundation names semifinalists for 2025 discovery award

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) announced the discoveries and researchers selected as semifinalists for the 2025 Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award. They include research in dog gallbladder disease, spinal disease in dachshunds, canine oral cancer, diet and heart disease, genetic risk for obesity and training dogs to cool down when overheated.