Weekly Companion Animal News: November 3, 2025

Researchers identify protein that kills Toxoplasma parasite

Researchers at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a protein that kills Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite spread primarily through cats. The parasite completes its sexual life cycle in cats and is shed in their feces as oocysts, which then contaminate food, water and soil. It is carried by one-third of all humans and can be fatal.

Invion collaborates with Protect Animal Health on photodynamic cancer treatment

Australian life sciences firm Invion Limited entered a funded collaboration with Protect Animal Health Inc. to explore Invion’s Photosoft photodynamic therapy for treating cancer in companion animals. Protect will fund and conduct in vitro, in vivo, and pet studies, while Invion will provide Photosoft compounds and retain intellectual property rights. The partnership could progress into a co-development and commercialization agreement.

Elanco announces label expansion for meds offering protection against Lyme disease

The FDA approved expanded Credelio Quattro and Credelio labels to include prevention of Lyme disease as a result of killing black-legged ticks (lxodes scapularis) and protection against the longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), which has now reached 22 states. Both Credelio Quattro and Credelio had already been approved to protect dogs from the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Anti-vax sentiment seeping into veterinary medicine

Anti-vaccine sentiment appears to be spilling over into veterinary medicine. Denver’s ABC TV affiliate interviewed Dr. Alex Robb, medical director of Goodheart Animal Health Center in Denver. When asked if pets should get vaccinated, he said, “The short and unequivocal answer is yes,” adding that disagreements can be resolved if pet owners and veterinary teams come to the table with the mutual goal of achieving ideal health outcomes for pets.

Seniors love their pets but need support caring for them

Only 18% of aged care facilities in Australia allow residents to keep their pets, despite 86% of Australians believing they should be able to, according to research from Companion Animal Network Australia. The survey also found that older adults living at home face major barriers to caring for their pets. The most requested support included emergency fostering (91%), dog walking (64%) and help taking pets to the vet (59%).

‘Anthropomorphizing’ not always a good thing, vet authors write

A team of veterinarian authors express their concern about anthropomorphizing pets in a new book, “Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas.” In addition to issues such as overdiagnosis and overtreatment, they argue that the shift to considering pets as family members has led to more intensive surgical and medical interventions, many of which are not always in animals’ best interest.

PA animal sanctuary offers services to government workers during shutdown

Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton, Pennsylvania, announced it is expanding services at its Rescue Veterinary Clinic to government employees affected by the federal shutdown. “We’re sensitive to folks who might find themselves in a position of choosing whether to feed their family or take care of their beloved animals,” said Robin Olson, the sanctuary’s director of development. The clinic opened in summer 2023.

Akston, Purdue pursue immuno-enhancing therapy for dogs with solid tumors

Biotech firm Akston, in partnership with the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, announced it has initiated a clinical study to evaluate its Ambifect immuno-enhancing therapy targeting PD-L1 in dogs with solid tumors. Built on Akston’s Fc–fusion protein platform, the intramuscular injection is intended to reduce treatment frequency, lower overall cost and improve compliance.