Vet Intel Acquires Antelligence
The Veterinary Intelligence Company (Vet Intel) has acquired Antelligence to deliver real-time, actionable market data to the veterinary industry. By combining Vet Intel’s technological capabilities with Antelligence’s established data resources, the merger aims to fill critical information gaps in current business systems. Antelligence’s publications, including The Fountain Report and Pet Care Weekly, will continue under the Vet Intel brand.
Parvo Cases Plummet but Skew Younger
A Mars Veterinary Health study of 80,000 cases has revealed that canine parvovirus infection rates dropped by 85% between 2010 and 2022. However, the data reveal a new challenge: The median age of infected dogs dropped from 17 weeks to 13 weeks. This shifting demographic suggests veterinary professionals may need to reevaluate vaccination timing protocols to better protect young puppies.
Rabies Surge Sparks Vaccination Plea
Following a surge in rabies exposures across the U.S. — including cases linked to petting zoos, national parks, and residential areas — the United Spay Alliance is urging pet owners to act ahead of World Rabies Day on September 28. Because rabies is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms appear but preventable through vaccination, officials stress keeping pets up to date on shots and avoiding contact with wildlife.
Updated Feline Kidney Guidelines Published
International Cat Care has released updated 2026 guidelines for diagnosing and managing feline chronic kidney disease (CKD), replacing its 2016 edition. Available for free in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, the update covers new protocols for comorbidities, anesthesia, and mental well-being. To support collaborative care, iCatCare also launched a companion Nursing Guide for veterinary staff and a free Cat Carer Guide to help cat owners manage the disease at home.
Animal Health Summit Highlights Key Industry Trends
At the 2026 Animal Health Summit in Kansas City, leaders identified three major trends driving the sector: practical innovation to simplify veterinary workflows, expanded access to affordable care, and a focus on extending the animal “health span.” The event, which drew over 675 professionals, also honored ProtonDx with the Innovation Award for its on-farm diagnostic platform and recognized Merck’s Richard DeLuca Jr. with the Iron Paw Award.
Pet Anxiety Claims Increase
Trupanion data has revealed that pet anxiety claims have skyrocketed by over 98% since 2020, climbing from just over 11,600 to more than 45,200 in 2025. South Carolina and Nova Scotia saw the highest regional spikes, while Australian cattle dogs and Siamese cats led breed-specific claims. Despite the volume increase, average claim costs remained relatively stable across the U.S. and Canada.
Embrace Report Shows Unpredictable Vet Costs
Embrace Pet Insurance’s second-quarter 2026 data has revealed the unpredictable financial impact of pet health issues. According to the report, routine diagnoses like vomiting can cost anywhere from hundreds of dollars to over $11,000. Overall, the average claim amount rose nearly 7% year over year to $432.
Epilepsy Study Highlights At-Risk Breeds
A Banfield Pet Hospital study analyzing nearly 3 million dogs over four years has identified breeds frequently diagnosed with canine epilepsy, including Labrador retrievers, huskies, and Chihuahuas. Notably, male dogs represented 60% of cases. However, researchers caution that the findings may reflect overall breed popularity rather than pure genetic predisposition. Read the full study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
New Tool Decodes ‘Pet Talk’ to Uncover Health Benefits
University of Arizona researchers have developed AURAL-Pet, a novel tool to analyze how owners speak to their pets. By using audio recordings to categorize daily human-animal interactions, a study using the AURAL-Pet tool revealed that owners spend one-tenth of their talking time conversing with pets. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, was a collaboration between U of A’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Psychology. Researchers hope the data will explain the “pet effect” and why pet ownership influences mental health and well-being differently across individuals.