Weekly Companion Animal News: August 4, 2025

Anti-cancer DNA therapy eases osteoarthritis in dogs

Elenagen, a DNA therapeutic previously shown to be safe and effective against lethal ovarian cancer, reduced chronic osteoarthritis pain with a 90% success rate in a peer-reviewed canine study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “These dog data suggest we can help the body manufacture its own multi‑modal anti‑inflammatory—without opioids or steroids,” said Dr. Alexander Shneider, founder and CEO of CureLab Oncology.

Astra Therapeutics raises $9.7MM in seed financing for precision parasiticides

Astra Therapeutics, a Swiss biotech firm developing precision drugs against parasitic disease, announced the closing of a CHF 7.75 million (USD 9.7 million) seed financing round led by MIG Capital AG, a German venture capital firm, with an investment through MIG Fonds 17 and 18. U.S.-based Digitalis Ventures co-led the round with support from Borealis Ventures, Kickfund and Venture Kick.

Small Door Veterinary raises $55MM in new capital

Veterinary care provider Small Door Veterinary raised $55 million in new capital, including a $35 million equity financing led by Valspring Capital with participation from existing investors Primary Venture Partners, C&S Family Capital, Lerer Hippeau and Toba Capital, as well as a new $20 million debt facility from Bridge Bank. Founded in New York City, Small Door operates in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

NAVTA releases first DEIB survey report

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America released its first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Landscape Survey Report, which offers a look at how credentialed veterinary technicians view DEIB in their workplaces and within the veterinary community. Among the findings: Younger and LGBTQIA+ respondents were more likely to view DEIB as highly important. NAVTA says the data will serve as a benchmark for future studies.

Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team completes mission in Central Texas

The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) returned home following a 23-day deployment providing care for nearly 100 search and rescue dogs working along the Guadalupe River following the flooding there. Twelve VET members were joined by three Texas A&M AgriLife Disaster Assessment & Recovery agents and 10 Texas A&M DVM students.

HT Vet reports its cancer detection tool leads to more mass removal surgeries

HT Vet, developer of HT Vista, a noninvasive, first-line cancer detection tool for dogs, reported that 10 veterinary practices in the U.S., UK and Israel experienced a 40% increase in mass removal surgeries following its implementation. The company tracked the number of lumpectomies performed three to six months before and after the introduction of HT Vista. Despite consistent caseloads, all clinics reported an increase in mass removals and biopsies.

Odie Pet Insurance and Purina partner to encourage wellness care

Odie Pet Insurance announced a partnership with Nestlé Purina PetCare intended to change how pet insurance evaluates risk and supports preventative care. The initiative leverages Petivity powered by Purina, a system that combines technology and pet health data to encourage pet parents to proactively manage their pets’ health through smart devices, health kits and an AI-powered assistant.

VetriScience, Senior Dog Veterinary Society to collaborate on educational initiative

Nutritional supplement company VetriScience announced a partnership with the Senior Dog Veterinary Society (SDVS), in which the two will collaborate to educate veterinarians and pet owners on the benefits of nutritional supplements for their dogs.