Weekly Companion Animal News: January 13, 2025

Clipper Distributing announces leadership changes

St. Joseph, Missouri-based Clipper Distributing announced that Kevin Speltz will step back from his current role as president and CEO and assume an advisory position as chairman. Corey Shigematsu will succeed him as president and CEO. Additionally, Jim Miller announced his retirement from his role as vice president and COO. John Ebling, who has served the last three years as CFO, will now also assume the responsibilities of VP and COO.

Three pet care areas primed for disruption

Entrepreneurs looking to make an impact on the pet care industry should focus on three key areas, according to Rachel Sheppard, director of ventures at Mars Petcare: 1) Preventing relinquishment and improving shelter efficiency; 2) improving the experience of companion animal care within veterinary clinics for staff and pet parents; and 3) simplifying pet care management and helping pet parents better understand and engage with their pets.

GoodRx introduces pharmacy program for pets

Santa Monica, California-based GoodRx, an online supplier of pharmaceuticals at more than 70,000 retail pharmacies nationwide, has introduced GoodRx for Pets. GoodRx coupons are designed to allow pet owners to save on common medications for dogs, cats, and other pets.

Early cancer detection device for animals receives award

The developers of an early cancer detection device for animals received the CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Digital Health category. The system, developed at South Korea’s Jeonbuck National University, operates by injecting fluorescent substances into the body to selectively label cancer cells and image them for early detection. It will be exhibited at CES 2025 from Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.

FDA warns six sellers of unapproved seizure drugs

The FDA posted warning letters sent to six firms selling unapproved drugs that claim to treat and control seizures in dogs and cats: Nutrition Strength Ltd. EOOD; Evolution Pets; Doc Ackerman’s Pet Products; Energetic Essences LLL dba Pet Essences; HD Frenchies LLC/Bully Baum; and Vet Select Formula Inc. The FDA has not verified their safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing methods as part of the animal drug review process.

Zomedica to market and sell Cresilon’s Vetigel hemostatic gel

Zomedica Corp. announced it will market and sell Cresilon Inc.’s Vetigel hemostatic gel product line on an exclusive basis in the United States and on a non-exclusive basis outside the US. Vetigel is designed to halt bleeding in seconds without becoming incorporated into the clot.

Longshoremen and US Maritime Alliance agree on contract terms

The International Longshoremen’s Association and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative agreement Jan. 8 on all items for a new six-year Master Contract. The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract.

Top Ten Poisons of 2024

Minneapolis-based Pet Poison Helpline has posted its Top Ten Poisons of 2024 list. For dogs they are: chocolate, grapes/raisins, bromethalin, xylitol, ibuprofen, marijuana, anticoagulant rodenticides, vitamin D3, carprofen, and onions/chives/leeks/shallots. For cats they are: lilies (Lilium species), chocolate, onions/chives/leeks/shallots, garlic, ibuprofen, alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily), vitamin D3, amphetamine combos, carprofen and tulips.