Weekly Companion Animal News: November 17, 2025

Zoetis launches Vanguard Recombishield injectable vaccine for kennel cough

Zoetis announced the U.S. launch of Vanguard Recombishield (Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine), an injectable vaccine to protect dogs 8 weeks and older against Bordetella bronchiseptica, also known as kennel cough. Vanguard Recombishield is intended to replace the previous Vanguard injectable product, Vanguard B Injectable, although veterinarians may continue to use their remaining inventory.

NC veterinarian successfully uses laser therapy to treat gliomas in pet dogs

North Carolina State University reported that Dr. Christopher Mariani and his team successfully employed laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) to treat naturally occurring gliomas in pet dogs. The minimally invasive surgical technique, which the FDA approved for use in humans in 2009, uses thermal ablation to treat tumors and other brain abnormalities.

Felixvet receives FDA approval for Cefpodoxime Proxetil tablets

Generic manufacturer Felixvet introduced Cefpodoxime Proxetil tablets, a broad-spectrum antibiotic indicated for treatment of skin infections in dogs, such as those caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. It is available in 100 mg and 200 mg tablets and is intended for oral use only.

Iowa vet’s license suspended 9 months for unlawfully dispensing xylazine

Iowa state regulators have opted not to revoke the license of a southern Iowa veterinarian accused of unlawfully dispensing significant quantities of xylazine and then blocking an investigation into his conduct. Instead, the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine chose to suspend for nine months the license of 80-year-old veterinarian Jerry Couchman, after which it will be placed on probationary status for three years.

Noninvasive cancer drug delivery system in veterinary trials

LifePulse Bioscience, a biotech startup spun out of the University of South Florida, is conducting veterinary cancer trials using electricity and gentle heat instead of invasive procedures or high-dose chemotherapy to deliver cancer drugs. “By using electric fields, we can open temporary pathways in cell membranes so that drugs or genes can get inside and do their job,” said USF biomedical researcher Richard Heller.

Minimally invasive procedure effective for intervertebral disc disease

The University of Cambridge’s Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital is currently the only place in the United Kingdom to perform a new minimally invasive treatment for dogs with severe intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Percutaneous intra-discal chondroitinase injection works by delivering an enzyme directly into the damaged intervertebral discs, which then dissolves the central part of the spinal disc and relieves pressure.

Iowa State U to break ground on pet cancer clinic

Iowa State University announced it will break ground in January for a $7.5 million pet cancer center in its Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. The ISU Pet Cancer Clinic will serve as a specialized facility dedicated to enhancing cancer treatment, research and education for companion animals throughout the Midwest.

Boehringer Ingelheim, Shelters United partner on canine and feline vaccines

Boehringer Ingelheim entered into an agreement with Shelters United, a group purchasing organization for animal welfare groups, which will provide its member organizations access to vaccines by Boehringer Ingelheim, including the PUREVAX range for cats, RECOMBITEK range for dogs, and the company’s IMRAB rabies vaccines. Prompt immunization against the most common infectious diseases is a priority for shelters, according to Boehringer Ingelheim.