Weekly Companion Animal News: September 7, 2026
New SoundByte: Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident
In just 30 minutes, Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident (formerly Composure™ Pro) from VetriScience results in a pet that is calm but alert. May help with behavior issues caused by stress, including separation-related distress, inappropriate elimination, destruction of objects, nervousness, aggressive behavior, or excessive barking, panting, or salivation. Use daily or as needed. Find out more in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.
NAVC launches Best Places to Practice award
Today’s Veterinary Business Best Places to Practice recognizes clinics and practices redefining the workplace. Veterinary practices and clinics are invited to register for the free employee-survey program starting Sept. 1. Meanwhile, early bird submissions are being accepted for the VETTY Awards, which recognize innovation and excellence in communicating about animal healthcare products, services and programs. Eligible work must have been produced between Nov. 1, 2025, and Oct. 31, 2026.
AAHA releases 2026 Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs
The American Animal Hospital Association says its new guidelines reflect significant advances in care, including the growing use of affordable continuous glucose monitors and long-acting, peakless insulin formulations such as insulin degludec and glargine U-300, which may allow for once-daily dosing. Included are charts and algorithms covering insulin types and starting dosages, monitoring and adjusting treatment, troubleshooting hypoglycemia, and managing dogs on high insulin doses who become unregulated. The guidelines were supported by Adapet Medical, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dechra and Merck Animal Health.
Elanco expands monoclonal antibody production capability
Elanco Animal Health says the $120 million expansion of its Elwood, Kansas, manufacturing site will strengthen its leadership in biologics. “With customer demand for Befrena two times above expectations, this expansion was key in ramping capacity to meet demand,” said President and CEO Jeff Simmons. Elanco recently announced the phased launch of Befrena (tirnovetmab), a new anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody injection for treatment of canine allergic and atopic dermatitis.
Cronus Pharma announces FDA approval of Robenacoxib Injection, an ONSIOR bioequivalent
Robenacoxib Injection is indicated for the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with soft tissue surgery in dogs ≥ 4 months of age, and with orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy and castration in cats ≥ 4 months of age. It is available through national and regional veterinary distributors in the United States.
CVS (UK) reports success in infection prevention project
A project involving 60 CVS small animal practices has demonstrated how structured auditing, team reflection and nurse-led leadership can strengthen infection prevention culture and improve infection control standards, according to CVS. Recognizing that infection control is influenced as much by behaviors, attitudes and workplace culture as by protocols and policies, the project set out to explore interventions that could drive sustainable change across a diverse network of practices.
Dogs’ gut bacteria may reveal its biological age
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an artificial intelligence model capable of estimating a dog’s age based on the composition of its gut microbiome. The model comes out of their work mapping the gut microbiomes of 922 pet dogs and discovering that bacterial populations change significantly with age, diet and behavior.
Australia releases first clinical OA guidelines
The Australian Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Management and Monitoring of Osteoarthritis Pain in Dogs and Cats, created through a partnership between the Veterinary Pain Advisory Committee and Zoetis Australia, are intended to help veterinary professionals recognize osteoarthritis earlier and deliver more effective multimodal care. An education series will support veterinarians in applying the guidelines.
