Weekly Companion Animal News: February 17, 2025
New SoundByte: Catney® One
Catney® One from Dechra Pharmaceuticals is a unique phosphate binder for cats. It contains Lathanum Carbonate and has been shown to have excellent in-vitro phosphate binding capacity. Phosphate binders are recommended when phosphate concentrations remain elevated even after initiation of a phosphate-restricted diet. Learn more in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.
Bond Vet names Dr. Zander Bennett SVP of operations
Bond Vet named Zander Bennett, DVM, senior vice president of clinic operations. Prior to Bond Vet he played a key role in launching new hospital locations and co-founded an urgent care brand with 25 locations. Dr. Bennett earned his DVM degree from Colorado State University and was recently admitted to Wharton to begin an MBA program. Bond Vet has 55+ locations in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Connecticut, Chicago, Atlanta and Greater Washington, D.C.
Crain & Company acquires Kristin Wuhrman consulting practice
Consulting firm Crain & Company announced the acquisition of Kristin Wuhrman’s independent consulting practice. “Her insights in feline care, general expertise, and dedication to client success align with our mission at Crain & Company,” said founder Scott Maloney. Crain & Company provides consulting services across a number of industries, including animal health, biotech/pharma, technology and professional services.
Nestlé reports that PetCare, coffee and confectionary drove 2024 growth
Nestlé reported organic growth in 2024 of 2.2% with real internal growth 0.8%. Both measures strengthened in the second half, according to CEO Laurent Freixe. PetCare sales for the year were 18,118 million CHF (Swiss Francs), compared to 18,860 CHF in 2023. Companywide, net profit was down 2.9% and basic earnings per share was down 1.0%, with declines due to adverse foreign exchange movements, according to the company.
Otto launches AI Suite to enhance practice efficiency
Otto, a communication platform for veterinary clinics, launched its AI Suite, designed to automatically record and summarize appointment notes; capture, transcribe and summarize phone calls made through Otto; and offer suggested follow-up responses for client communications. The suite is seamlessly integrated into the Otto Flow client engagement platform and is available at no additional cost to users in the U.S. and Canada.
Zoetis reports Q4 net income of $581 million
Zoetis reported Q4 revenue of $2.3 billion, growing 5%, and net income of $581 million, increasing 11%. Revenue in the U.S. segment in Q4 was $1.3 billion, an increase of 4% compared with the fourth quarter of 2023. Sales of companion animal products increased 7%, while sales of livestock products declined 8% in the quarter, a result of the divestiture of the medicated feed additive portfolio, certain water soluble products and related assets.
Veterinary Surgical Specialists of Orange County opens surgery center
Veterinary Surgical Specialists of Orange County announced the opening of a new surgery center in Tustin, California, close to its flagship hospital.The 10,000-square-foot center has five surgical suites, inpatient and outpatient radiology suites, a 128-slice CT scanner, onsite laboratory and pharmacy, and isolated feline ward. VSSOC is part of Veritas Veterinary Partners, a group of emergency and specialty practices.
CATalyst Council announces new Board members
CATalyst Council, the national coalition accelerating innovation in feline care to enhance quality of life for cats and their people, announced the following people are joining the Board for 2025: Jon Ayers; Angela DeRusha; Kira Ramdas, DVM; Elizabeth Schooley, DVM, DACVIM; Claire Walther, DVM; and Ernie Ward, DVM.
