Weekly Companion Animal News: February 9, 2026

Antiviral therapy found effective in treating cats with FIP

Colorado State University veterinarians tested an antiviral therapy – molnupiravir – that has proved to be 77% effective in treating feline infectious peritonitis. The oral treatment is the second primary therapeutic shown to be effective at treating FIP. Previous studies have shown another antiviral therapy, GS-441524, is about 80% effective at treating FIP.

Covetrus said to be in talks to purchase Cencora’s veterinary business

Covetrus’ owners – Clayton Dubilier & Rice and TPG Inc. – are reported to be in talks with private credit firms including Blue Owl Capital to line up new debt for Cencora, formerly AmerisourceBergen. CD&R and TPG took Covetrus private in 2022 in a deal that valued the company at about $4 billion.

AKC Canine Health Foundation issues guidelines for canine cognitive dysfunction

Published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the guidelines provide veterinarians with a standard definition of the condition, practical diagnostic criteria and guidance on monitoring progression. CHF is partnering with North Carolina State University’s Dr. Natasha Olby to launch a centralized online resource hub on CCDS.

NC State offers certificate in geriatric medicine to DVM students

The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is offering students an opportunity to earn a Certificate of Geriatric Medicine. A new elective class addressing key concepts of geroscience is already in place this semester. The certificate program follows NC State’s creation of the Center for Healthy Aging, whose mission is to promote education, clinical excellence and research into the aging of companion animals.

Assut Europe launches veterinary suture line in US

The Italian company will launch its veterinary suture line under the brand name of GexFix Veterinary Medical Devices in the United States. The suture portfolio includes range of absorbable suture with mid to long range and non-absorbable options designed to meet the demands of routine procedures as well as complex surgeries.

U Pennsylvania veterinary school plans to build $94 million lab

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine plans to add a $94 million laboratory to its New Bolton Center, pending regulatory approval. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will consolidate the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory and the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System.

Gen Z tops in pet spending, but many struggle with cost

Gen Z is spending more on pets than any other generation, with an average annual expenditure of $1,885, per LendingTree. Millennials come in second at $1,195. Thirty-two percent of Millennials and 28% of Gen Z admit they struggle to pay for their pets, and 45% of all pet owners say they would go into debt to cover an unexpected vet bill of $1,000 or more.

Lick Sleeve introduces rear bilateral recovery suit for dogs

The suit is designed for dogs recovering from bilateral TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgeries and other procedures requiring simultaneous protection of both hind legs. It addresses the increased risk of infection when dogs attempt to lick or chew at surgical sites, and the difficulty of maintaining proper protection throughout extended healing timelines.