Weekly Companion Animal News: July 7, 2025

Early administration of pimobendan could delay onset of CHF in dogs

The risk of developing congestive heart failure among dogs who were prescribed pimobendan within six months of a grade IV heart murmur diagnosis were reduced to 35% at five years, compared to 56% of dogs who were not, according to study from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. Dogs that received the drug were also found to live longer.

Misuse by humans leads to stricter controls of gabapentin

The anti-anxiety medication gabapentin is prescribed regularly in both human and veterinary medicine. But the drug has become increasingly linked to cases of misuse by people and can be dangerous when used with opioids, prompting states to step up oversight. The result is a patchwork quilt of gabapentin regulations across the U.S.

Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody USDA-approved for passive immunity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the use of Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) for passive immunity (i.e., prophylactic treatment) to prevent parvo infection in puppies exposed to the virus. In a clinical study when given at a prophylactic dose, CPMA was 100% effective in the passive immunity of healthy dogs 8 weeks of age or older against parvo.

FDA grants clearance for Siemens Magnetom Flow.Ace MRI

The Food and Drug Administration granted 510(k) clearance for the Magnetom Flow.Ace MRI scanner, a system that reportedly requires significantly less helium for magnet cooling than conventional MRI devices. The 60-cm bore system is also available for veterinarians.

Responsible antibiotic use for UTIs improves care, study shows

Adopting international treatment guidelines for infectious disease, university hospital researchers in Italy reduced multidrug resistance and improved care for dogs and cats with urinary tract infections. The approach mirrors strategies used in human medicine, especially for infections like UTIs, which frequently lead to antibiotic prescriptions, they reported.

Maddie’s Fund awards grant for study on alternative protocol for heartworm

The Inner Pup, a New Orleans-based nonprofit, will serve as the clinical arm of the One Touch Study, a 2.5-year research study of an alternative protocol for treating heartworm disease in dogs. Researchers have been awarded a $567,000 grant from family foundation Maddie’s Fund for the study, which is led by Dr. Linda Jacobson of the Toronto Humane Society and Dr. Julie Levy of the University of Florida.

Arista announces plans for Dallas specialty and emergency hospital

Arista Advanced Pet Care, a multispecialty referral and 24/7 emergency hospital group, will open its newest location by November 2025 in Dallas. Following its opening in Atlanta in Spring 2025, the Dallas launch represents the next chapter in Arista’s national expansion, with additional markets to follow, according to Arista.

Renewed interest in the impact of chewing on canine health

Today’s pet owners can cater to a seemingly endless assortment of their canine companions’ nutritional needs and wants. One crucial ingredient, however, appears to have gotten lost along the way, i.e., the element of challenge for the dog. That’s prompting some veterinarians to focus on the importance of chewing — and, by extension, chews — to dog health and well-being.