Bank of America Report Supports Affordability Concerns
A new Bank of America Institute report has reinforced industry concerns that rising veterinary costs are prompting pet owners to skip the clinic. According to Bank of America card data, veterinary spending increased more than four times that of pet food and treats, as prices for veterinary services rose nearly 6% year over year in April. The report also highlights that pet store purchases are down most among younger, lower-income households. New pet adoption — especially of dogs — has also slowed, according to the report, as affordability concerns weigh on household budgets.
Lyme Disease Claims Increase
An analysis of more than 7.5 million Trupanion pet insurance claims found that Lyme disease-related claims for dogs in Canada jumped 231% since 2020, with Quebec and New Brunswick seeing the steepest increases. U.S. claims rose 8% nationally, with the highest rates in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Severe complications, including Lyme nephritis, accounted for 3%–4% of claims, with some cases exceeding $20,000 in veterinary costs.
Idexx Adds SDMA to Standard Catalyst Chemistry Profiles
Idexx Laboratories has announced that SDMA, a renal biomarker capable of detecting kidney function loss earlier than creatinine, will be built into Catalyst CLIPs beginning in June for customers in the U.S. and Canada. SDMA can identify kidney changes at 25% functional loss, whereas creatinine requires up to 75% loss to flag abnormalities. Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated one in three cats and one in 10 dogs over their lifetime.
FDA Approves First Canine-Specific Cosyntropin
Dechra’s CosACTHen (cosyntropin injection) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first cosyntropin specifically indicated for canine patients. The injectable is used in ACTH stimulation testing to diagnose and monitor Cushing’s disease and Addison’s disease in dogs, and to monitor patients on Vetoryl (trilostane). Available in single-use 0.25 mg/ml vials, CosACTHen is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
Virbac’s C.E.T. Aquadent Fr3sh Earns VOHC Seal
Virbac has announced that its C.E.T. Aquadent Fr3sh Dental Solution has received the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance for controlling plaque and tartar in dogs. The water-additive product uses a combination of erythritol, inulin, and pomegranate extract.
Serenity Vet Adds Enterprise Tools
Serenity Vet has launched enterprise-grade features allowing multilocation veterinary groups to manage relief staffing across all hospitals from a single account. New capabilities include clinic-specific profitability targets, labor expense caps, and centralized analytics. The platform’s Profitability Calculator suggests optimal pay ranges for relief shifts based on each hospital’s financials.
Horiba Launches Yumivet Brand With Multispecies Hematology Analyzer
Horiba has introduced Yumivet, a new veterinary diagnostics brand, alongside its first product, the VH2500 hematology analyzer. The system supports multiple species — including dogs, cats, and horses — delivering CBC analysis with a nine-part differential across 57 parameters, with results in approximately 30 seconds. The company described the Yumivet launch as the first step in a broader veterinary diagnostics portfolio.
Regulator Refers Merck to FTC, FDA Over Bravecto Quantum Claims
The National Advertising Review Board has referred Merck Animal Health to the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration after the company declined to modify once-a-year dosing claims for Bravecto Quantum injectable flea and tick treatment. The NARB found the claims misleading because the FDA-approved dosing interval for lone star tick protection is eight months, not 12. Merck agreed to add a disclosure but refused to modify the main claim, prompting the referral. The case was originally brought by Elanco Animal Health.
Payment Processor Targets Dropped Veterinary Telemedicine Practices
Organic Payment Gateways has launched a credit card processing service designed for veterinary telemedicine practices, which mainstream processors often classify as high-risk due to card-not-present transactions, recurring billing, and complex state-level prescribing rules. The company offers individually underwritten merchant accounts and integrations with some veterinary practice management software, including Cornerstone, Avimark, and Vetspire.