Weekly Companion Animal News: April 27, 2026

Gallant feline OA therapy shows positive results in study

Animal biotech firm Gallant announced positive results from a pilot clinical study evaluating its intravenous uterine-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (UMSC) therapy in cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Additionally, the FDA granted eligibility for the expanded conditional approval pathway for the OA therapy while full effectiveness is being confirmed.

Recognizing dementia in dogs and cats

Researchers are working to improve the veterinary community’s awareness of cognitive dysfunction syndrome and uncover similarities and potential treatments for dementia in dogs, cats and humans. As in humans with Alzheimer’s disease, proteins gradually build up in the dogs’ and cats’ brain tissue, causing atrophy and damaging cognition. Veterinarians diagnose pets with CDS by having caretakers closely monitor the dog or cat using behavior questionnaires. The disease is incurable, but treatment can help improve pets’ quality of life and slow their disease progression.

AKC launches initiative to improve aging dogs’ lives

The AKC Canine Health Foundation announced the launch of a research program focused on aging, to begin with research on Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 in canine cognitive dysfunction. This study is part of the Dog Aging Project and, in the wake of federal funding changes, the AKC Canine Health Foundation is committed to advancing this work. The focus on aging is highlighted by the release of guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), a similar condition to dementia in humans.

Wildlife may serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance

Wildlife surveillance could serve as an “early warning system” for signs of spreading antimicrobial resistance (AMR), according to a study from the University of Parma in Italy. Researchers found that resistance levels in samples from red foxes and several bird species in northern Italy were several times higher than those seen in human patients. “Our data justify routine wildlife AMR monitoring as a public health early warning system, guiding environmental interventions before resistance reaches clinical settings,” said co-author Mauro Conter.

Preventive care for breeding female dogs: Pet Food Institute recommendations

Preventive health care is essential for breeding female dogs, says the Pet Food Institute in its comments on the subject to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Vaccinations should be administered prior to breeding or between pregnancies to optimize maternal immunity and passive transfer of antibodies to neonates. Year-round heartworm prevention is recommended. Strategic anthelmintic therapy during late gestation and early lactation is indicated to reduce transplacental and transmammary transmission of parasites. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the dam should undergo regular veterinary evaluation at established intervals to monitor maternal condition, fetal development, and early detection of potential complications.

U.S. animal shelter deaths in 2025 lowest since 2020

34,000 fewer dogs and cats were unnecessarily killed in U.S. shelters in 2025 compared to 2024, according to Best Friends Animal Society. From 2024 to 2025, the number of dogs killed in shelters decreased by 8.5%. Meanwhile, 83% of cats that entered shelters were saved in 2025, meaning the number of cats killed in shelters is at its lowest point in history. Best Friends attributed the progress among cats to kitten fostering, community cat programs and increased adoption by Gen Z.

Vetirus and Immune Propulsion to develop treatment for large mass tumors

Veterinary biopharmaceuticals firm Vetirus Pharmaceuticals announced a partnership with Immune Propulsion LLC to develop and commercialize IPVM-173, a proprietary IgG-degrading protease being developed by its subsidiary ImmuneProVM, designed to treat large mass tumors in companion animals. IPVM-173 offers pets with tumors a targeted treatment that works with the body’s natural defenses, said Vetirus CEO Robert Jordan.

UK ministers consider banning OTC flea treatments

Due to environmental contamination, UK ministers are considering restricting access to spot-on treatments and collars to prescriptions provided by vets and medical professionals, and only if there is an infestation of a pet’s fur. The move comes amid evidence the poisons are killing songbirds, which like to feather their nests with dog and cat hair, as well as contaminating rivers and killing aquatic life.