Weekly Companion Animal News: June 15, 2026

Serac Imaging Systems: Portable imaging camera detects feline hyperthyroidism

Serac Imaging Systems and the Feline Hyperthyroidism Treatment Centre in Athens, Greece, announced the former’s Seracam, a portable hybrid gamma-optical camera, has been used to image the condition via scintigraphy. It is reported to be the first use of a portable imaging camera used in human medicine to scan for feline hyperthyroidism. Seracam uses a microcolumnar CsI(Tl) crystal scintillator to convert gamma photons to optical photons that are detected by a semiconductor.

Nano-arthroscopy now in use at UC Davis for diagnosis of canine jaw joint disorders

Nano-arthroscopy for diagnosing TMJ disorders in medium- and large-sized dogs is the new protocol of care at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. While CT and/or PET scans can be valuable in visualizing bone structure and soft tissue, they do not allow clinicians to see articular surfaces and the synovial membrane surrounding the joint, nor can they be used to biopsy a tumor, said Dr. Boaz Arzi, chief of the hospital’s dentistry and oral surgery service. The TMJ is an extremely narrow joint with very little space between the two bones that form the joint. Scopes to diagnose TMJ disorders in smaller breed dogs or cats have not been created yet.

Zoetis receives approval for Lenivia in Great Britain

Zoetis UK Ltd. announced that the UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate has approved Lenivia (izenivetmab injection) for the alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. The company expects to receive marketing approval for Lenivia from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2027 and is engaged with regulatory agencies in key markets regarding both Lenivia and Portela (for osteoarthritis in cats), according to a spokesperson.

Rejuvenate Bio, developer of gene therapies, closes $6M financing round led by VCapital

Rejuvenate Bio, developer of therapies to address chronic and age-associated diseases in companion animals, announced the closing of a $6 million financing round led by VCapital, with participation from Merck Animal Health, Kendall Capital Partners, Connecticut Innovations and Digitalis. Rejuvenate Bio and Merck Animal Health also announced they have entered into an R&D collaboration focused on advancing a novel gene therapy program in animal health.

Approach to monitoring GI inflammation in dogs receiving NSAID therapy is recognized

Carus Animal Health reported that its research exploring the use of fecal calprotectin testing to identify GI inflammation in dogs receiving long-term NSAID therapy won top prize in the poster competition at the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance Conference in Leicestershire, England. Until now, monitoring has largely relied on clinical signs. The research highlights the potential role of fecal calprotectin, a biomarker of intestinal inflammation widely used in human medicine, as a practical and non-invasive monitoring tool for veterinary patients.

Vivos submits application for investigational device exemption from FDA for RadioGel

The company is seeking the investigational device exemption (IDE) for its Precision Radionuclide Therapy with RadioGel technology. RadioGel is intended to deliver precise, localized beta radiation to solid tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. An IDE allows the investigational device to be used in a clinical study in order to collect safety and effectiveness data.

ChemoTech secures loan for expansion in North America, Europe

The Swedish medical technology firm said the loan of SEK 6 million ($645,000) will strengthen its sales and marketing capacity, support expansion in animal care in North America and Europe, and allow the company to reallocate funds toward continued development of its TSE platform for veterinarians. TSE, or Tumour Specific Electroporation, is intended to boost the efficiency of low doses of anti-cancer drugs, activating the immune system with fewer destructive side effects.

Squashed-face dogs declining in popularity in UK

UK’s Royal Kennel Club reported 1,400 registrations of French bulldogs in the first three months of 2026 – a 37% drop compared with the prior year period. Bulldog registrations dropped by 34%, and pugs by 43%. Professor Dan O’Neill of the Royal Veterinary College attributed the decline to evidence showing dramatically shortened lives and high health burdens associated with breeds with extreme flat faces.