Weekly Companion Animal News: May 11, 2026

Boehringer, Eko collaborate on canine heart murmur detection

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eko Health, a developer of AI-powered cardiac and pulmonary disease detection, announced the launch of Eko Vet+^TM | CANINEBEAT^® AI, intended to enable veterinarians to identify heart murmurs that might otherwise go unnoticed. The Eko CORE Digital Attachment connects to most single-tube stethoscopes and digitizes heart sounds that can then be analyzed by AI-based algorithms.

FDA approves first drug to treat noise aversion and separation anxiety in dogs

The FDA approved Tessie (tasipimidine oral solution), a prescription product by Finnish-based Orion Corporation, for the treatment of noise aversion and separation anxiety in dogs. While the agency has approved drugs to treat noise aversion and to treat separation anxiety in dogs, Tessie is the first FDA-approved treatment for both conditions. Tessie is typically administered orally one hour before the expected start of a noise-triggering stimulus (e.g., fireworks) or one hour before the dog is left alone.

Jaguar announces results from crofelemer trial for dogs

Jaguar Health announced topline results from its effectiveness trial of crofelemer (FDA conditionally approved Canalevia-CA1) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) in dogs. The results demonstrated that dogs suffering from CID that were treated with Canalevia-CA1 twice daily at the onset of diarrhea had, at the end of three days of treatment, an average daily stool that is regarded as normal.

Hill’s publishes ‘World of the Kitten’ report

The report – a followup to the company’s “World of the Cat” guide – is intended to deliver expert insights into optimal kitten growth, nutrition, socialization and veterinary care. By designating the kitten’s full 12 months as a critical pediatric period, Hill’s encourages a shift in focus beyond initial vaccinations to ensure kittens’ physical and emotional developmental needs are met, aligning with the iCatCare, American Animal Hospital Association and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association guidelines.

Veterinary AI radiology tools scrutinized in study

The performance of six AI tools to interpret radiographs was “low to moderate,” according to a study at Murdoch University veterinary school in Australia. The study’s findings contrast with several others that have provided a more favorable assessment of the technology’s capabilities. Representatives of companies that produce AI radiology platforms rejected the idea that they’re unfit for clinical use, stressing they are intended to help veterinarians make decisions, not replace them.

FDA approves veterinary amlodipine product for feline hypertension

The FDA approved Amodip (amlodipine besylate tablets) chewable tablets for the control of systemic hypertension in cats. Sponsored by Ceva Sante Animale, Amodip is the first FDA-approved amlodipine product for veterinary use and the second FDA-approved product for the control of hypertension in cats. Amlodipine, the active ingredient in Amodip, is a calcium channel blocker.

Common feed additive can be harmful to dogs

Ractopamine, a feed additive commonly used to promote growth in cattle, swine and poultry, may pose a serious risk to dogs who have access to feed or storage areas, according to a new case report from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS). When the dogs were brought to the teaching hospital, both were experiencing significant cardiovascular effects, including abnormal heart rhythms and elevated cardiac troponin levels, a blood marker that indicates damage to the heart muscle. One of the dogs died, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment.

Gallant advances canine osteoarthritis stem cell therapy

The San Diego-based firm announced that its canine osteoarthritis mesenchymal-stromal-cell (MSC) therapy for pets was granted eligibility to use the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine’s expanded conditional approval pathway. The company also announced positive results from a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluating intravenous UMSCs in client-owned dogs with naturally occurring OA. The FDA’s regulatory designation is for Gallant’s canine and feline OA programs is expected to bring these therapies to market earlier, with potential conditional approval targeted for 2028.