Weekly Companion Animal News: January 20, 2025

Mixlab expands Rx operations with two Midwest acquisitions

Mixlab, supplier of custom compounded and commercial medications, has acquired The Pet Apothecary, a Wisconsin-based pet pharmacy, and the veterinary business of SBH Medical, an Ohio-based compounding pharmacy, with continued financial backing from Vanterra Ventures joined by PLUS Capital. The acquisitions triple its network of veterinary providers in the Midwest.

SoundByte: BioSeb Shampoo and Mousse

BioSeb Shampoo and Mousse from VetBiotek, a nextmune company, is a proprietary formulation of Salicylic Acid, Ethyl Lactate and MicroSilver BGTM for enhanced antiseptic and keratoplastic activity. Ceramide III helps support healthy skin.

Parnell launches generic propofol injectable emulsion for dog

Overland Park, Kansas-based Parnell announced the launch of anesthetic injection PropofolVet Multidose. The product is said to support both induction of anesthesia and maintenance of general anesthesia through intermittent bolus injections for short procedures. It can also be used for induction when maintenance is provided by inhalant anesthetics.

Serenity Vet launches new relief platform

Serenity Vet, a platform connecting relief veterinarians and hospitals, announced a new platform combining a marketplace connecting veterinarians with employers and a business suite with financial planning tools for both. Veterinarians can manage their careers through goal-setting and income forecasting, while practices can create a relief budget with competitive, sustainable rates.

Zoetis parasiticides receive new label indication from FDA

Zoetis announced that the FDA has approved a new label indication for Simparica Trio and Simparica Chewables for the treatment and control of infestations with Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick) in dogs eight weeks of age and older weighing 2.8 pounds and greater. The FDA also approved a new label indication for Revolution Plus for the prevention of Dipylidium caninum (tapeworm) infections at the source in cats.

FDA solicits comments on use of CBD products in veterinary medicine

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine is soliciting comments from the public, particularly veterinarians, related to the use of cannabis-derived products (CDP) in animals. The focus is on cannabidiol (CBD) products and other products derived from hemp. The FDA is interested in usage trends (e.g., product selection, indications, etc.), quality standards, benefits of use, potential drug interactions, adverse events and safety problems, and toxicological concerns. The comment period ends April 16, 2025.

Feline susceptibility to H5N1 a cause for vigilance

Since the U.S. outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), more specifically avian influenza type A (H5N1) in dairy cattle began in March 2024, dozens of cats are known to have contracted the virus. This includes barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and big cats in zoos and in the wild. Now a new source of exposure is affecting cats: raw diets containing poultry such as duck, turkey, or chicken that were contaminated with the virus.

AAHA board member looks at the future of veterinary medicine

Preventive care has become central to modern veterinary medicine, writes Mark Thompson, DVM, CCRP, immediate past-president of AAHA and owner of Country Hills Pet Hospital in Eden, Wisconsin, in AAHA’s Trends. “Tools like genetic testing, wearable technology and advanced diagnostics have enabled me to craft tailored care plans that address the unique needs of each pet. Introducing affordable wellness plans has further expanded access to routine care.”

Feline VMA and EveryCat offer student scholarships

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association and the EveryCat Health Foundation announced the availability of two scholarships for veterinary students enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. Eligible candidates are third- or fourth-year veterinarian students (Classes of 2025 and 2026). The $5,000 scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership skills and excellence in feline medicine.