Survey Examines Parental Leave in Independent Veterinary Practices
A team of veterinarian-researchers led by the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is surveying privately owned and nonprofit veterinary practices about parental leave policies. The survey, which has been approved by an Institutional Review Board, aims to document how commonly such benefits are offered, what they look like, and what barriers practices face. Practice owners and managers can complete the anonymous survey here. Respondents may enter to win a $250 Grubhub gift card.
Rejuvenate Bio Partners With Merck on Gene Therapy
Rejuvenate Bio has closed a $6 million financing round led by VCapital, with participation from Merck Animal Health, Kendall Capital Partners, Connecticut Innovations, and Digitalis. Alongside the funding, the biotech firm announced a strategic R&D collaboration with Merck Animal Health to advance a novel gene therapy program targeting chronic and age-related diseases in companion animals. The company’s platform combines gene delivery, translational biology, and longevity science.
Idexx Adds Taeniid Tapeworm Detection to Fecal Dx Antigen Testing Platform
Idexx Laboratories has expanded its Fecal Dx antigen testing platform to include taeniid tapeworm detection, covering both Taenia and Echinococcus species. The addition brings the platform to seven intestinal parasite groups, including hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and Giardia. U.S. and Canadian reference laboratory customers will receive the expanded detection automatically at no additional cost beginning in late June.
Cronus Launches First FDA-Approved Generic Pimobendan for Dogs
Cronus Pharma has released the first FDA-approved generic equivalent of Vetmedin, a pimobendan chewable tablet indicated for managing mild, moderate, or severe congestive heart failure in dogs due to myxomatous mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. Available in four strengths, the product is available through national and regional distributors as of June 9.
FDB Vela and Optum Partner to Bring Electronic Prescribing to Veterinary Medicine
First Databank (FDB) and Optum have announced an integration aimed at extending electronic prescribing to veterinary medicine — described by FDB as the first fully connected e-prescribing workflow for animal health in the U.S. By connecting Optum’s e-prescribing technologies with the FDB Vela network, the partnership creates redundant infrastructure designed to keep prescriptions moving between veterinary practices and pharmacies with fewer delays and disruptions.
Hill’s Names New Global Chief Veterinary Officer
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has appointed Dr. Karen Shenoy as global chief veterinary officer. Dr. Shenoy, who most recently served as vice president and chief veterinarian for Hill’s EMEA, joined Hill’s in 2008 and previously served as chief veterinary officer for Hill’s U.S. from 2022 to 2025.
USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed a New World screwworm detection in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas — the first confirmed U.S. case. Federal and state officials have established a 20-kilometer quarantine zone around the detection site and are deploying ground-release sterile fly chambers alongside existing aerial releases of approximately 4 million sterile flies per week. No additional cases have been confirmed. Veterinarians in the area should advise clients to monitor livestock and pets for draining or enlarging wounds.
Elanco Offers Treatment Portfolio as New World Screwworm Reaches U.S.
Following the first confirmed New World screwworm case in U.S. livestock, Elanco Animal Health has outlined available treatment options spanning companion animals and livestock. Products include Credelio Quattro and Credelio for dogs, Credelio Cat for cats, and Negasunt Powder and Tanidil for livestock — the latter two available only through USDA APHIS and its National Veterinary Stockpile. Elanco notes it has more than 70 years of experience addressing the parasite in other parts of the world.
ASPCA Announces $14 Million in Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has opened applications for $14 million in grant funding aimed at U.S. animal shelters and spay/neuter providers facing capacity and staffing challenges. Grants range from $10,000 to $500,000 across five categories, including shelter infrastructure, spay/neuter surgery expansion, and major capital projects. Applications are open through June 26.
Pet Health Spending Remains Protected Budget Item
A new Elanco Animal Health survey of 1,409 U.S. pet owners found that 95% consider pet health and wellness a priority they won’t cut due to economic pressure, ranking it last among categories they’d reduce if forced to trim expenses. The survey, conducted May 29-31, also found that 90% of respondents expect their pet spending to hold steady or increase over the coming year.
BriteCap Launches Healthcare-Specific Financing Program
BriteCap Financial has introduced BriteCap Rx, a financing program tailored to medical, dental, veterinary, and other licensed healthcare practices. The program uses industry-aware underwriting designed to account for the distinct economics of healthcare businesses, with the goal of faster approvals and greater flexibility. BriteCap Rx is available now through the company’s direct and partner channels.