Weekly Companion Animal News: October 5, 2026

WSAVA publishes updated global dental guidelines

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s 2026 Guidelines build on the previous edition, published in 2019, and have been revised to reflect advances in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and dental disease. New content includes dedicated sections on dental and maxillofacial trauma, juvenile pathology, the role of veterinary nurses and technicians in dentistry, and ergonomics, together with an expanded section on radiographic interpretation. Recognizing the wide variation in available resources globally, the Guidelines provide recommendations appropriate to different levels of access to equipment and treatment.

Odacova Health to present top-line findings of nine-year study of animal longevity

Odacova Health, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based bionutrition company, said it would officially step out of stealth at the inaugural Animal Longevity Summit (ALOS) 2026. The company will present the top-line readout from its nine-year longitudinal canine efficacy and safety study, which tracks molecular, transcriptomic, metabolic, functional and immune endpoints, according to the company. Odacova Health says its approach is centered on bionutrition, i.e., biotech-grade rigor delivered through nutrition rather than a drug-development pipeline.

Vetsource launches fourth pet pharmacy

The pet pharmacy and veterinary analytics firm has launched its fourth pharmacy location in Atlanta, joining Vetsource’s other pharmacies in Portland, Oregon, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Northlake, Texas. Founded in Portland in 2006 as a home delivery pharmacy service, Vetsource offers pharmacy, technology and business services for the pet health industry, including prescription management, client engagement and data services.

Venom immunotherapy shows promise for insect sting allergies in animals

An immunotherapy treatment originally developed for humans is attracting interest as a therapy for dogs with severe insect sting allergies, according to clinicians at the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital. The Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is administered following allergy testing and an induction period and can continue for several years. The researchers are also working with a diagnostic laboratory examining the current extent of severe sting reactions in Europe and among different species.

University of Liverpool is recruiting for feline nutrition study

The study aims to determine if, and how, nutrition can improve the aging process and extend healthspan in cats. Researchers will monitor physical characteristics, behavior, the development of chronic conditions and overall markers of healthy aging. Since 2017, the university, with sponsorship by Royal Canin, has conducted the Cat Prospective Ageing and Welfare Study (CatPAWS), which follows a cohort of pet cats from their middle-age years into later life. The new study will be its first randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of nutritional intervention on aging.

Maryland vets now free to discuss and recommend cannabis products for pets

Beginning Oct. 1, practitioners in Maryland may advise clients on the safe use of OTC cannabis-derived products. Until now, veterinarians who discussed such products with clients could face disciplinary action. With the passage of HB 451 in April, Maryland became the fifth state to adopt veterinary-specific cannabis legislation, joining California, Michigan, Nevada and Utah. Maryland is the first state to pass such a law in four years, a dry spell that has left advocates of clear regulatory guidance discouraged.

Many UK independent practices are ill-prepared to meet new rules on pricing transparency

While 81% of UK respondents to an Agilio Veterinary survey described themselves as “very” or “fairly” prepared for new government orders regarding pricing transparency, 35% said they lack adequate software or digital solutions for them. Independents feel the least ready, with 27% “not very” or “not at all” prepared, compared with 8% of corporates. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority published Order 2026 on Sept. 22, which places requirements on veterinary practices to remove barriers to competition and improve transparency for pet owners.

Invicta launches handheld shock wave device for musculoskeletal conditions

Invicta Animal Health Ltd., West Sussex, England, has launched the CS-Pro Vet in the UK, a handheld, battery-powered focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) device for companion animal and equine practices. ESWT is used in the management of a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis and some bone and lumbosacral conditions, as well as acute and chronic wound healing, according to the company.