Weekly Companion Animal News: March 30, 2026
CAPC 2026 forecast: Expanding vector-borne disease risk for dogs
The Companion Animal Parasite Council released its 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast, projecting continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm risk across the U.S., including growth in areas once considered low or moderate risk. One example: Lyme disease is expected to spread beyond its traditional hotspots in the Northeast and Upper Midwest into parts of the Midwest and Southeast. Ehrlichiosis and heartworm are expected to expand northward.
Bacteriophages emerging as alternatives to antibiotics in vet medicine
Recent research highlights the growing interest in bacteriophages, or phages, as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics in veterinary settings. This shift comes amid rising concerns about antimicrobial resistance, which threatens the efficacy of many existing treatments. Each type of phage targets a specific bacterium, minimizing the risk of disrupting beneficial microbiota, a common problem with antibiotics. However, this specificity also poses challenges, as it requires precise identification of suitable phages for each bacterial strain.
Offers of minority ownership stakes in vet practices are rising
Imagine being an associate veterinarian offered an investment opportunity in the practice by their employer, either through shares or a portion of profits in the form of periodic cash dividends. Such stakes are being offered with increasing frequency to veterinarians, typically by large corporate consolidators attempting to hold on to talent. As enticing as the pitch may sound, some lawyers and others with experience in the field urge caution before accepting.
Trupanion data reveals rise in pet toxicity claims
The pet insurance provider reports that since 2020, the frequency of toxicity-related claims has increased by over 30% for dogs and 50% for cats in the U.S.; while in Canada, it has increased by over 19% and 27%, respectively. Common foods like grapes, raisins, and chocolate, as well as drugs/ medications (for both human and animal), are the primary drivers of toxicity-related veterinary visits.
NAVTA releases Scope of Practice Report
The report from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America identified “widespread inconsistencies in task delegation rules, supervision definitions, and recognition of credentialed professionals’ roles.” NAVTA recommends that “scope of practice” be defined in all jurisdictions, itemized task lists align with national model regulations, and dual-list frameworks be implemented distinguishing technician/nurse and assistant responsibilities.
UK vets face big shakeup in September
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has ordered new binding reforms for veterinary practices, including clear price lists, prescription fee caps, a price comparison website and mandatory branding by large groups. There will also be a new cap of £21 ($17) for a written prescription, and pet owners must be given a written estimate in advance of any treatment expected to cost £500 ($670) or more plus an itemized bill.
Journey Legacy Partners LLC acquires at-home infuser technology
The private investment firm announced its acquisition of the assets and intellectual property of RxActuator Inc. and Medipacs. The mini-infuser is a wearable, disposable, non-powered continuous-rate infusion system capable of enabling 48-hour continuous drug delivery for pets at home. Deployed in 90 US clinics, it supports orthopedic recovery, time-dependent antimicrobial therapy and hospice and palliative care, with planned expansion into equine medicine.
Vets raise alarm over anti-itch drug sold online without Rx
An online platform called WagLabs has been selling “clinically proven allergy relief for dogs” in the form of chewable tablets purported to contain cyclosporine, the same active ingredient as in Atopica, a veterinary drug made for dogs and cats, reports VIN News Service. While both Atopica and generic cyclosporine require a prescription for sale, the product description on the WagLabs website states, “No prescription required.” Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients, as well as to treat certain severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis in humans. Veterinary-specific forms of oral cyclosporine are approved for the treatment of dermatitis in dogs and cats.
