Weekly Companion Animal News: December 1, 2025

Elanco gets FDA green light for emergency screwworm treatment in cats

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Credelio CAT (lotilaner) to treat New World screwworm infestations in cats. “Year-round flea and tick protection, like Credelio CAT, helps minimize self-inflicted scratching that could create vulnerable sites,” said Dr. Casey Locklear, veterinarian and parasiticide lead at Elanco.

Journal highlights Auburn’s parasitology research

The American Journal of Veterinary Research highlights the parasitology research of Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members Jeba R. J. Jesudoss Chelladurai and Kathryn E. Reif. Chelladurai’s work explores genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive antiparasitic drug resistance in parasitic worms. Reif’s lab focuses on the integration of vector biology, veterinary parasitology and applied disease control to address threats posed by ticks and vector-borne pathogens.

Ontario Veterinary College exploring device to evaluate airway surgery

Does airway surgery really help flat-faced dogs with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome breathe and sleep better? Dr. Makayla Farrell is co-leading a study at Ontario Veterinary College to determine if a device under development can answer that question. The FitBark attaches to the collar and tracks dogs’ movement and rest during the day and night (as dogs with BOAS can experience restlessness or choking episodes at night).

OS Therapies announces plan to spin off OS Animal Health

OS Therapies Inc., a developer of listeria-based cancer immunotherapies, announced its intent to spin off OS Animal Health Inc. into a standalone public company. OSAH is the company’s wholly owned subsidiary developing OST-HER2 for canine osteosarcoma. Edward Robb, DVM, animal health strategic advisor for OS Therapies, said he will take on a key senior management role with the spinoff company.

Vivesto AB reports positive interim results for canine cancer candidates

Swedish development company Vivesto AB reported positive interim results from a clinical pilot study of Paccal Vet in dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma, showing longer survival rates, and promising preclinical results for Cantrixil in treating acute myeloid leukemia.

Cats now represent 23% of all clinical visits: CATalyst Council

CATalyst Council reports that cats now represent 23% of all clinical visits – the highest third-quarter proportion ever recorded, In its Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume IV. CATalyst Council projects the U.S. feline veterinary market has the potential to grow 2.5 times to $32 billion if feline medicalization matched that of dogs.

Marijuana toxicity from edibles growing problem among pets

Cases of marijuana toxicity among pets – mostly dogs – have skyrocketed in recent years, as 24 states have legalized recreational cannabis, according to a study from Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The Pet Poison Hotline has reported that calls about marijuana poisoning increased 448% between 2017 and 2023. In addition to the cannabis itself, an artificial sweetener used in some cannabis edibles — xylitol — is toxic to dogs.

Massachusetts commission investigating increase of Xylazine in illicit drug supply

The Massachusetts Special Commission on Xylazine held preliminary meetings this month as its members begin to study the increasing presence of the animal sedative in the illicit drug supply. The mixing of the drug and fentanyl was declared an emerging threat by the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2023 and presents serious risks, including increased overdose potential and severe skin infections and ulcers.