Weekly Companion Animal News: October 12, 2026

Cat adoptions show steady progress: Shelters Animal Count

Nationally, dog and cat total intakes have been declining since 2016, according to Shelter Animals Count 2026 Mid-Year Data Summary. However, at the mid-year mark this year total intakes reached 3.68M, +72K (2.0%) higher than they were in 2025. Dog intakes were close to flat, so nearly all of the national increase was from cats, up +59K (+3.5%) versus last year. Regarding adoptions at the midyear point, cat adoptions reached 1.00M, +117K (13.2%) more than 2016 and +20K (2.1%) more than 2025. Dog adoptions totaled 1.06M, still -72K (6.3% fewer) than 2016 and up only +7K (0.7%) versus 2025. Dogs waiting are mostly adults, accounting for 236K or 66% of all dogs in care. This does not seem to be an issue of adoption challenges with puppies.

Cadmus completes NZ$8 million financing for canine periodontal disease program

New Zealand-based Cadmus Animal Health announced the completion of its NZ$8 million (USD $4.48 million) financing round, strengthening its ability to advance its immunotherapeutic program for periodontal disease in companion animals. The financing brings together continued support from existing investors Brandon Capital and KiwiSaver provider, Booster NZ, and three new investors – Digitalis Ventures, Arrow Ventures and Movac. The proceeds will support the next stage of Cadmus’ U.S. canine development program, including its clinical study and manufacturing process development.

Cronus Pharma launches Florfinasone Otic for otitis externa in dogs

Florfinasone Otic is an FDA-approved product indicated for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius). It provides antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity in a single-use formulation. The product is currently available in cartons of ten single-use dropperettes, with each dropperette containing 1mL dose. Florfinasone Otic is not for use in cats.

Colorado State enrolls first students for state’s VPA role

The university has launched its Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Care degree program, enrolling 14 students in the state’s first program for the Veterinary Professional Associate role. The role was created after Colorado voters approved Proposition 129 in November 2024. CSU is informing potential students that VPAs will deliver routine care under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, focus on front-line assessments and identify abnormal findings on physical examinations and diagnostic tests. The first cohort would graduate from the five-semester program in spring 2028.

Needle test for feline, canine cancer detection underused

A simple needle test that can catch cancer early in dogs and cats is being skipped far more often than veterinary guidelines recommend, according to a survey of small-animal practices in the United States. The study, published in the journal Veterinary Oncology, found that only 29% of responding veterinary professionals reported performing fine needle aspiration on more than half of the skin and subcutaneous masses they examined. The average proportion of masses that received the test was just 39%, leaving the majority of lumps evaluated without the rapid diagnostic workup that oncology guidelines say should be standard practice.

Matching relapsed canine lymphoma treatment to drug-response predictions yields results

For dogs whose B-cell lymphoma has returned after chemotherapy, treatment that matched a personalized drug-response prediction was associated with more time before the cancer worsened. Estimated treatment cost per day was lower as well. The findings come from a cost analysis by precision medicine company ImpriMed. ImpriMed’s Personalized Prediction Profile (PPP) exposes a dog’s live cancer cells to cancer-targeting drugs in the laboratory. Artificial intelligence combines those results with other tumor-profile information and treatment outcomes from previous patients to predict which drugs are likely to be most effective.

UK takes a hard look at fireworks

The UK has closed its comment period regarding fireworks and pyrotechnics. Proposals include reducing the maximum noise level of fireworks available to the public, with louder products reserved for professional users. “This consultation gives people a chance to explain the consequences beyond the few seconds of a firework going off,” said Rachel Bean, a veterinary nurse and recognized canine first-aider. “If you have spent an evening comforting a shaking dog, your experience deserves to be heard.”

Some hydrogel products found to be toxic in dogs: Study

Consumer polyacrylamide-based hydrogel products contain variable levels of residual neurotoxic acrylamide monomer and represent a potentially life-threatening source of toxicosis, according to research reported in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. These products are found in everyday cooling, cosmetic and agricultural applications, including pet cooling beds, mats and wraps.