Weekly Companion Animal News: May 25, 2026

New SoundByte: Composure Pro

Clinically shown to work within 30 minutes and to be effective for up to four hours, Composure Pro TM formula from VetriScience results in a pet that is calm but still alert. May help with behavior issues caused by stress, including separation-related distress, inappropriate elimination, destruction of objects, nervous, aggressive behavior or excessive barking, panting or salivation. Find more in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.

Dechra receives FDA approval for cosyntropin for canine patients

Dechra said the FDA’s approval of CosACTHen (cosyntropin injection), indicated for the evaluation of adrenal function in dogs, represents “a significant advancement in the diagnosis, confirmation, and monitoring of Cushing’s Disease and Addison’s Disease.” CosACTHen is administered via intravenous or intramuscular injection, with baseline and post-stimulation cortisol levels measured to assess adrenal function. Dechra

IDEXX announces renal biomarker now integrated into catalyst chemical profiles

IDEXX Laboratories announced that beginning in June, SDMA, a renal biomarker, will be built into Catalyst CLIPs, making complete kidney function evaluation part of the most common point-of-care chemistry profiles. The integration is intended to expand access to advanced kidney assessment at scale, enabling veterinarians to identify kidney function loss earlier and act sooner, without disrupting familiar workflows.

Elanco launches Befrena for canine allergic, atopic dermatitis

A phased launch of Elanco’s second monoclonal antibody, Befrena, began May 18. Befrena (tirnovetmab) is an in-clinic injection designed for the treatment of dogs against allergic dermatitis and canine atopic dermatitis with no age or weight restrictions. It works by neutralizing IL-31, a cytokine involved in sending itch signals to the brain. The product starts controlling itch within 24 hours and is said to last six to eight weeks. As a part of the Befrena Early Experience Program, select veterinarians and veterinary dermatologists have already started using Befrena in their clinics.

CDC confirms cat-to-human transmission of avian influenza

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published results of a public health investigation confirming transmission of H5N1 from a domestic cat to a veterinary professional in Los Angeles County in December 2024. The investigators noted that the veterinary professional did not use personal protective equipment over their mouth or eyes during the exposure, did not report flu-like illness after the exposure, and reported no other known risk factors for infection. In addition, the cat had received care at four veterinary practices the week before the positive result from the RT-PCR feline respiratory panel.

Many dogs show signs of fear and anxiety, but lack of professional support

Using data from the Dog Aging Project, Texas A&M University researchers found that fear- and anxiety-related behaviors among dogs are common. More than 84% of dogs were reported to have shown at least mild signs of fear or anxiety in everyday situations, most frequently around unfamiliar people and dogs. But despite how common these behaviors are, they are not always addressed as part of a dog’s routine veterinary care.

Phosphorus limit for cat food seems imminent

Due to studies linking phosphorus in pet food to feline kidney disease, members of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) in August are expected to approve a recommendation to set a maximum for phosphorus in cat food. One of the first studies to look at the connection between phosphorus and cats’ kidney health was in 1995. Evidence linking the two is more robust today, but researchers are still unsure why phosphorus has that effect on kidney health. The nutrient profile changes that AAFCO’s members will consider include a phosphorus maximum (5 g per 1,000 kcal), a limitation of how much phosphorus in the diet is highly soluble (1 g per 1,000 kcal) and a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1-to-1.

Focused Ultrasound Foundation step up fundraising campaign

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation announced a new fundraising campaign in veterinary medicine, anchored by a $1.5 million gift from Claudine and Fritz Kundrun. To date, the program has funded nearly 30 clinical trials for 13 different conditions, including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, heart disease, diabetes and tumors in the liver, bladder, brain, and mouth. Focused ultrasound is a technology that uses ultrasonic energy to target tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation.