Toni L. Trego, DVM, shares her experience with the using the Vetlen pouch in this interview with dvm360

Video interview with Toni L. Trego, DVM 

On March 3, 2025, a 5-year-old male neutered shih tzu was brought to Amboy Veterinary Clinic in Amboy, Illinois, immediately for vehicular trauma on his left hind leg. Toni L. Trego, DVM, owner of the clinic, stated in a case study regarding the patient that, remarkably, no bony injuries were identified in the patient. However, the patient’s skin extending from just proximal to the hock down to his toes was avulsed from the underlying tissue. The team at the clinic approached the patient with conservative management, including a drain, bandage, oral antibiotics, and pain medication, but all of the affected skin sloughed. A week after the patient arrived at the clinic, the veterinary team obtained a culture during debridement on March 10.

On March 12, a pouch flap was created on the left body wall, and the left hind leg was inserted into the flap and sutured into place with a fenestrated drain and a 10-mL Vetlen Pouch—the first time that Trego had used the product.

“[Vetlen] actually offered a free sample, and I had signed up for that online...so it’s been sitting in my clinic for quite a while, and then this case came along. I thought at first that we might be able to use it within the wound, but then it was clear that all the skin was necrotic. So then when I decided to make the pouch flap, it’s like, 'I know this is going to need antibiotics, there’s no question,'”  Trego said in an interview with 

Through the pouch, the patient was initially given ceftiofur sodium 50 mg, up to 9 mL total volume with 0.9% sodium chloride from March 12 to 21. A culture was then performed that revealed multidrug-resistant 

. The result of culture findings led the doctors to switch the patient to vancomycin hydrochloride 30 mg, up to 6 mL total volume with 0.9% sodium chloride from March 22 to April 1.

The drain was removed from the patient on March 15, and an antibiotic treatment was administered through the pouch. The client had disclosed to the team that administering oral medication to the patient had been a challenge for them, so they were grateful to discontinue oral antibiotics once the switch to vancomycin was made.

The flap of skin from the patient was excised from the donor site and closed over the left distal limb on April 2; the Vetlen Pouch was then removed and discarded. The team noted that parts of the flap became necrotic and sloughed, but the majority survived with only small areas of open granulating wounds remaining. The patient has made progress healing, and the client is delighted with the results of the ordeal.

 that normally, being a small practice in a rural town, she would refer emergencies out. However, that was not in the client’s budget in this case, so she decided to try the Vetlen Pouch to make it work for the client and is now looking forward to trying the product out on one of her larger animal patients. Trego explained that after this case, she would recommend this product to other veterinary professionals and offered some advice on how to use the product.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. I would say [to] read all the directions. I think it was very advantageous to us to have a culture so we knew what antibiotic to use. I mean, that’s just good antibiotic stewardship to begin with. But there is a limited list of antibiotics that diffuse well through the pouch, so getting that culture so you’re on target would be really helpful,” Trego said. “As far as ease of use goes, it’s great.”

Articles

The 5-year-old canine's left hind leg was treated after experiencing vehicular trauma.

Shih tzu recovers from leg injury using a pouch implant

Colic is most often attributed to the gastrointestinal system; however, other organ systems can contribute to the general, often nonspecific clinical signs associated with colic. Owners may describe anything from lethargy or inappetence to inability to rise, and deciphering an owner’s description of clinical signs is often the first hurdle in a colic workup. The next hurdle is often deciding whether management at the farm, referral to a hospital, or euthanasia is warranted.

What can you do in your on-farm workup to decide on the best course of action for both your patient and owner? Consider the following: 

: This is the simplest part of your colic workup and can sometimes provide the most useful information for deciding what may be going on with your patient. A heart rate greater than 60 beats per minute or discolored mucous membranes, including brick red, purplish, or with a toxic line, are suggestive of surgical or severe medical colic conditions. If you are managing a patient with colic in the field, serial physical examinations can be key in understanding whether your efforts are improving the primary condition or whether referral after initial therapy on the farm may be warranted. Always remember to take a temperature prior to the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or rectal palpation.

: This is typically the procedure that follows physical examination during colic workup in the field. Large volumes (> 4 L) of reflux often accompany small intestinal lesions, including strangulating lesions, nonstrangulating small intestinal obstructions, or enteritis. Differentiating enteritis from obstructive lesions can be difficult, particularly with limited laboratory work on the farm; however, one hint can be how the horse behaves following relieving stomach distention—small intestinal strangulations will typically remain painful even after stomach decompression, while enteritis cases may become more comfortable but show depression or lethargy. If you obtain reflux and referral to the hospital is an option for the patient, leave the tube in place and cover the end with a 1-way valve (taping a glove finger with a hole cut in the end works great). Although this won’t always prevent a stomach from rupturing, it will at least provide a route for excess fluid to exit the stomach while en route.

: Some gastrointestinal lesions have very classical rectal exam findings, while other times you can identify that something doesn’t feel right but may not be able to definitively decide what you are feeling. Some rectal exam findings that suggest referral or euthanasia include distended small intestine, which often feels like loops of balloon animals or sausage, or a severely distended large colon. It isn’t uncommon for colon torsions to present with colon gas distention severe enough to prevent the ability to perform a rectal palpation. 

Other diagnostics that are often overlooked on the farm but can help with decision-making in euthanasia, referral, or on-farm management can include abdominocentesis or fast localized abdominal sonography (FLASH) ultrasound.

: For most horses, all that is needed is a 1.5-in 18-g needle, sterile gloves, and a red top blood tube. Abdominocentesis is typically performed at the lowest point of the abdomen when looking at the horse from the side, directly on midline. An area should be clipped and aseptically prepared in standard fashion.

This author typically will perform abdominocentesis with the patient lightly sedated but does not routinely locally anesthetize the site when using a needle for sampling; however, a small amount of local anesthetic can be injected into the proposed site. Following aseptic preparation and donning sterile gloves, the abdominocentesis can be performed. This author typically uses a 1.5-in 18-g needle—for an average-sized horse, holding the needle halfway for the initial stick will embed enough of the needle that it won’t dislodge easily if the horse moves but will not typically be deep enough to enter the abdomen.

This author will stick quickly on midline up to where the needle is held, ready to move if the patient kicks or otherwise objects (however, most lightly sedated horses do not respond). Once the needle is seeded in the abdominal wall, it should be slowly (1-2 mm at a time) advanced until it is within the peritoneal cavity. With slow advancement you can typically see movement of the needle as the intestine shifts around it (often a ticking or rocking of the needle not associated with respiration)—at this point the needle may need to be advanced slightly further but is very close or within the peritoneal cavity. If no fluid is obtained, the needle should be spun to move the bevel in relation to the omentum and viscera. If still no fluid is present, a sterile, empty 5-mL syringe can be used to push a small amount of air into the abdomen through the needle: This may help to push omentum off the needle or start a siphon to encourage fluid to exit the needle. Once fluid is noted in the hub, it can be caught using the blood tube with the stopper removed. Once fluid is obtained, the needle can simply be removed.

Even without additional equipment, the color and turbidity of the fluid can provide keen insight into the lesion present in the abdomen. Normal abdominal fluid should be straw-colored and clear (

). Turbidity of the fluid typically suggests increased cellularity. Strangulating lesions result in leakage of cells from the vasculature, creating serosanguinous abdominal fluid (

). Frank blood may be suggestive of a hemoabdomen or, more likely, splenic sampling. Additionally, grossly brown or green fluid with or without feed material may indicate viscera rupture or enterocentesis. For both situations, a second abdominocentesis should be performed before drastic measures, such as euthanasia, are performed to confirm findings. If you see colic cases frequently, a handheld lactometer can be extremely helpful in deciding referral or euthanasia—an abdominal fluid lactate greater than the systemic lactate occurs with strangulating lesions but may take a bit of time to increase in the abdominal fluid; many practitioners view an abdominocentesis to blood lactate ratio greater than 2 as highly suggestive of a strangulation.

An echoic layer within a loop of distended and fluid-filled small intestine.

: FLASH ultrasound can be performed in 10 to 15 minutes and can provide considerable information regarding potential causes for colic and greatly aid in the decision to refer or euthanize. This procedure is well described in literature and provides an excellent overview of the locations and possible findings.

 Horses with small intestinal lesions, be they medical or surgical, often show loops of dilated small intestine. Motility of dilated small intestinal loops can be assessed in real time, with nonmotile intestine often showing sedimentation of ingesta, identified as an echoic layer within a loop of distended and fluid-filled small intestine (

). Strangulating small intestinal lesions typically will have several different populations of intestine, including dilated with a normal wall thickness (intestine orad to the obstruction), dilated with thickened wall (the strangulated portion), or empty (intestine aborad to the obstruction). Enteritis may also have thickened wall, but often it is not as thick as strangulating lesions and often is more diffuse compared with the distinct populations present in strangulating lesions. Colon volvulus cases can also develop colon wall thickening, as can colitis (

). Horses with colon displacement or volvulus may have colonic blood vessels, which can be visualized on ultrasound because of movement of the vasculature from the axial aspect of the colon to a site closer to the skin and superficial to any gas shadowing from the colon lumen.

 Additional findings that may be helpful include evidence of stomach dilation, increased free abdominal fluid, and presence of viscera in the nephrosplenic space.

Decision tree for farm management vs referral vs euthanasia

The decision for on-farm management, referral for more intensive medical management or surgery, or immediate euthanasia is a decision that needs to be made based on workup findings, patient factors, and owner wishes. Rapid referral for surgical conditions or severe medical colics improves prognosis. However, there are times, such as if rupture has already occurred or situations where clinic management is necessary and not an option for the patient, where euthanasia on the farm will reduce additional suffering for the patient. Being able to discuss options with your owner, including approximate costs, potential therapy, and ballpark prognosis can aid them in making an informed decision regarding their horse’s care.

 shows some of the most common causes of equine colic and this author’s suggestions for management. Keep in mind that many listed in the on-farm management category may be better managed in a clinic setting, and referral instead of on-farm management is never a bad idea. Additionally, if referral isn’t an option, there will be a line between when horses refractory to on-farm treatment may warrant euthanasia—for example, impactions that have been managed for several days without improvement on rectal palpation or increasing pain or systemic compromise. These cases need to be assessed frequently and discussions between the owner and veterinarian continued to give the patient their best chance at colic resolution, but not causing undue suffering if on-farm management is going to be unsuccessful in the end.

At the end of your colic workup, you need to decide, along with the owner, the best course of action for your patient. Although a large portion of this decision will be based on your colic workup, cost and logistics also play a role in large animal veterinary medicine. One tool that can be very helpful in the decision-making process for your owner is being able to give them some estimates if a referral for medical management or surgery may be pursued. Most referral facilities can provide an idea of approximate costs for colic workup in the hospital or average colic surgery costs given the findings on your exam.

Evaluation on the farm of patients with colic is the first step in successful management of the acute crisis. Thorough evaluation on the farm and prompt referral for cases requiring additional care can contribute considerably to the overall prognosis for your patient.

, is an American College of Veterinary Surgeons–boarded large animal surgeon and currently working on a PhD in biomedical and biological sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. In addition to clinical and research work, Secor enjoys trail running, baking, and enjoying time in the woods with her husband, son, and Morgan gelding.

Radcliffe RM, Liu SY, Cook VL, Hurcombe SDA, Divers TJ. Interpreting abdominal fluid in colic horses: understanding and applying peritoneal fluid evidence. 

(San Antonio). 2022;32(S1):81-96. doi:10.1111/vec.13117

Busoni V, De Busscher V, Lopez D, Verwilghen D, Cassart D. Evaluation of a protocol for fast localized abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) admitted for colic. 

. 2011;188(1):77-82. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.02.017

Manso-Díaz G, Bolt DM, López-Sanromán J. Ultrasonographic visualization of the mesenteric vasculature in horses with large colon colic. 

. 2020;186(15):491. doi:10.1136/vr.105468

Identifying the cause is important in determining a management plan

Decision-making for colic workup in the field

The FDA has cleared a 1.5 tesla (T) platform for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—the Magnetom Flow.Ace—by Siemens Healthineers, a global provider of health care equipment. The system features a closed helium circuit and no quench pipe that significantly reduces its reliance on helium, according to Siemens.

The Magnetom Flow.Ace is the company’s first MR scanner designed for veterinary radiology and general radiology markets. It features a 60-cm bore and covers a comprehensive range of MR applications.

According to Siemens, the system has image reconstruction that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide faster scans with improved image quality. Specifically, the AI allows for reduced exam times. Moreover, the tool features Deep Resolve image reconstruction technology that allows for faster image acquisition, eliminates noise, and improves the acuity of small structures.

Magnetom Flow.Ace (Image courtesy of Siemens Healthineers)

The product is the company’s second MR platform that is “virtually” helium free, after its 0.55T Magnetom Free platform.

 According to Siemens, the new system only needs 0.7 L of liquid helium for cooling. In contrast, traditional MRI scanners generally require more than 1000 L of liquid helium.

The reduced amount of helium needed for the Magnetom Flow.Ace platform can be attributed to its magnets, which use DryCool technology that reduces its dependency on helium refills, consequently saving resources and lowering costs. The system also does not need a quench pipe, a feature that was traditionally necessary to safely vent large volumes of gaseous helium into the atmosphere during emergency shutdowns. “This lack of a quench pipe, combined with the scanner’s compact size, can reduce installation requirements and costs compared with those of other 1.5T MR scanners,” Siemens stated in a company release.

“With the FDA clearance of the Magnetom Flow.Ace, Siemens Healthineers is pleased to introduce our first helium-free 1.5T MR scanner,” Katie Grant, head of magnetic resonance at Siemens Healthineers North America, said in the release.

 “This 60-cm bore system is also available for veterinarians, with the same intelligent, high-end technology that we’ve offered to the general imaging community, at a highly attractive total cost of ownership.”

The product contains a variety of contour and dedicated MR coils that can be used for human anatomies, alongside coils that can be used in veterinary settings. “It's animal-friendly, high-density contour coils, which are available in [3] sizes, are flexible and adaptable to different anatomies,” Siemens stated.

The coils feature an integrated BioMatrix Position Sensor that facilitates automated patient positioning for “potentially” quicker exam setup. A complete range of specialized imaging coils is also offered, including those designed for the brain and spine.

According to Siemens, the new product uses more than 30% less energy each year compared with the company’s older MR scanners. It also has an Eco Power Mode feature that automatically turns off energy-intensive parts when they are not in use.

Siemens Healthineers receives FDA clearance for Magnetom Flow.Ace, company’s first helium-free 1.5 tesla magnetic resonance scanner. News release. Siemens Healthineers. June 26, 2025. Accessed June 26, 2025. https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-us/press-room/press-releases/magnetom-flow-ace-fda-clearance 

The Magnetom Flow.Ace also uses AI technology for faster scans and image reconstruction.

FDA clears new energy-efficient MRI scanner for human and veterinary use

Our staff is missing a team member. Whether it’s a position we can’t fill or a person who calls out unexpectedly, bolts early, or just quits, being down a member of the team creates major rate-limiting steps in our clinic operations. How can we keep our animal hospital adequately staffed?

Like snags in the biochemical reactions that we learned about in veterinary school, staff shortages slow up everything: Appointments have to be rescheduled. Owners are left waiting far too long for wellness visits. And care for sick animals gets denied.

“It’s a systemic issue in our industry,” Andrew Heller, DVM, cofounder of IndeVets, said.

Heller, whose Philadelphia, Pennsylvania–based company supplies hourly doctors to its undervetted hospital clients, recalls a San Diego practice he visited recently that had a waitlist of 30 pets. Because of staff deficits, he pointed out, “veterinarians are leaving money on the table and losing clients.” 

In recent years, the demand for veterinary services and bumped up pet-related spending in general.

The industry has moved in with vigor: From 2009 to 2021, the number of US veterinary hospitals increased 18.5% to 32,634, according to an American Veterinary Medical Association report.

 The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 4300 new job openings for veterinarians and more than 15,000 for veterinary technicians annually over the next decade.

 However, more job openings don’t mean there are more candidates.

Academia to the rescue! (Maybe.) With increased veterinary class sizes, 3 new veterinary schools graduating inaugural classes in the past few years, and at least another 10 in various stages of development, many more baby vets are being born.

At least 1 state has tried to address the labor shortfall. Colorado, to much industry consternation, recently passed Proposition 129. This legislation creates the “veterinary professional associate” a midlevel professional with credentials somewhere between a veterinary technician and a veterinarian.

But these efforts might not be enough, Heller said. Experience aside, a new veterinary grad does not equal the retiring Baby Boomer who is accustomed to working long hours. “The new generation wants to work to live,” he explained. “Sometimes you need 2 or 3 new vets to replace the productivity of a retiring vet.”

With insufficient staffing, who has time to properly train newbies? From the client service representatives at the front of the house to the technicians and veterinarians in the back, everyone needs training. Lack thereof leads to frustration.

In an IndeVets survey, 39% of veterinarians moving into the more flexible realm of relief employment expressed burnout.

 CDC data from 2018 show suicide among female and male veterinarians, respectively, to be 3.5 and 2.1 times greater than the general population; most of these veterinarians who died by suicide worked in a small animal practice.

How is this possible in a profession whose workers “play with puppies all day”?

“I feel like our profession gets put on a pedestal, and then people see the reality once they work in it,” Jennifer Schneider, VMD, medical director at Clocktower Animal Hospital in Herndon, Virginia, said.

At every level of the operation, there’s burnout—and burnout leads to callouts. Schneider estimates that her hospital weathers a few employee callouts a week, and as many as 3 on a bad day. “Staff shortages require doctors to get more involved in other things, like blood draws, cleaning rooms, etc,” she lamented. “So sometimes I have to stay at work 2 or 3 hours past closing just to finish my notes.”

When someone isn’t there to do their job, it cuts into the morale of those who do show up, Kemba Marshall, DVM, MPH, SHRMCP, who is CEO of KLMDVM Consulting LLC in St. Louis, Missouri, said. “We cannot allow them to stay because they are the people who drag down the culture. Yet in spite of ourselves, we will take the warm body because we hold out hope that sometimes they will contribute.”

Nathan Peterson, DVM, MBE, DACVECC, an associate clinical professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, examined a different problem: how veterinary technicians fare when having to administer futile (or noncurative) therapies to critically ill patients. The study, recently published by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, found that most participants reported moral despair.

“It is distressing for our technicians to not have any agency in these medical decisions,” Peterson said.

Rather than talking privately with clients, writing up treatment plans, and then walking away—leaving technicians to carry out orders without understanding the decisions—veterinarians should hold tough client conversations in the presence of their technicians, even inviting them to participate in dialogues, Peterson said.

Staff well-being is often overlooked by practice leaders but could improve with better hospital culture. Flexible work hours that allow for improved work-life balance, designated break times, encouraging use of paid time off, and staff recognitions can all help boost morale and motivation.

Schneider recommends that hospitals provide employees at all levels with regular one-on-ones, complete with performance improvement plans, opportunities for cross-training to expand their skills, and career mapping to sort out their goals. “Giving responsibility to people motivates them,” she said.

And motivated employees are more likely to “people” their animal hospitals and contribute meaningfully.

Pet owners report spending more on their pets post-COVID. American Pet Products Association. January 9, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2025. https://americanpetproducts.org/blog/pet-ownersreport-spending-more-on-their-pets-post-covid#:~:text=APPA%20Team,in%20the%20past%2012%20months?%E2%80%9D&text=While%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic,during%20this%20time%20of%20recovery.

Leech R. 2025 economic state of the veterinary profession: trends and opportunities for your practice. 

. April 2, 2025. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/2025-economic-state-of-the-veterinary-profession-trends-and-opportunities-for-your-practice

Veterinarians. In: Occupational Outlook Handbook. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Updated April 18, 2025. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinarians.htm#tab-6

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. In: 

. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Updated April 18, 2025. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-6

Larkin M. US veterinary colleges increase seats at accelerating rate. American Veterinary Medical Association. September 26, 2023. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/us-veterinary-colleges-increase-seats-accelerating-rate#:~:text=From%202018%2D19%20to%202022,125%20veterinary%20students%20each%20August

Green EM. The push for new schools in an evolving world. 

. February 1, 2025. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/veterinary-college-viewpoint-020725/

Midlevel practitioner proposal secures enough votes in Colorado. American Veterinary Medical Association. November 7, 2024. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/midlevel-practitioner-proposal-secures-enough-votes-colorado#:~:text=Colorado%20voters%20have%20approved%20a,licensed%20veterinarians%20in%20the%20state

Veterinarian burnout survey. IndeVets. 2024. https://indevets.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IndeVets-Burnout-Survey-2024.pdf

New study finds higher than expected number of suicide deaths among U.S. veterinarians. CDC. December 20, 2018. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p1220-veterinarians-suicide.html

Kogan LR, Rishniw M. Veterinarians and moral distress. 

. 2023;261(5):1-7. doi:10.2460/javma.22.12.0598

Understanding the problem can help practices develop solutions.

Overcoming understaffing

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health problem in dogs and cats. Veterinarians often treat these infections with antibiotics, but over time, this widespread use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As resistant bacteria become harder to kill, both animal and human health face growing risks. A recent study published in 

 highlights the importance of responsible antibiotic use, guided by international treatment guidelines, in slowing this dangerous trend.

In this study, researchers evaluated hundreds of bacterial samples from dogs and cats with UTIs. They focused on identifying the bacteria involved, measuring antibiotic resistance, and tracking multidrug resistance (MDR), which is a more severe form of AMR where bacteria resist multiple types of antibiotics. Almost half the patients had recurrent or upper UTIs, and many infections involved 

, a common pathogen in both pets and humans.

The findings raised serious concerns. Seventy-five percent of the bacterial isolates showed some resistance to antibiotics, and more than one-third qualified as multidrug resistant. Many of these bacteria resisted first-line antibiotics, including penicillins and fluoroquinolones, which veterinarians often use to treat UTIs. These trends show how quickly bacteria adapt and why current prescribing habits must change.

To combat this problem, the hospital adopted treatment guidelines from the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases. These guidelines promote evidence-based decisions when diagnosing and treating UTIs. Instead of automatically reaching for antibiotics, veterinarians first perform tests to identify the infection and choose the most effective, narrow-spectrum drug when necessary. They avoid overusing powerful drugs meant for more serious infections.

After applying these guidelines for 30 months, the hospital saw real progress. Rates of MDR dropped significantly over time. Cases involving prior antibiotic use, especially fluoroquinolones and broad-spectrum penicillins, showed the strongest links to MDR. As veterinarians prescribed these drugs less often and used them more selectively, they reduced the pressure that drives resistance.

This shift demonstrates the power of antimicrobial stewardship by choosing antibiotics carefully and only when truly needed. By following guidelines, veterinarians not only improved care for their patients but also helped protect the effectiveness of antibiotics for the future. This approach mirrors strategies used in human medicine, especially for infections like UTIs that frequently lead to antibiotic prescriptions.

The study also emphasizes the connection between pet and human health. Because dogs and cats live in close contact with people, they can carry and share resistant bacteria, especially strains like MDR 

. Reducing resistance in animals helps limit the risk of transferring these dangerous bacteria to humans. This forms part of the broader One Health initiative, which recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected.

This approach requires time, teamwork, and consistency. At the hospital, clinicians and microbiologists worked together to guide treatment choices and educate staff about the risks of AMR and the importance of guideline-based care. Although not all veterinary settings may have this level of coordination, the study shows that change can begin in one hospital and expand outward. By following science-based antibiotic guidelines, veterinary teams can protect their patients and the public, reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, and preserve treatment options. As resistant bacteria continue to pose a global threat, efforts like these show that responsible prescribing can make a meaningful difference, not just for pets but for everyone.

 is a 2026 PharmD candidate studying veterinary pharmacy at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Scarpellini R, Piva S, Monari E, et al. Antimicrobial resistance in companion animals: a 30-month analysis on clinical isolates from urinary tract infections in a veterinary hospital. 

. 2025;15(11):1547. doi:10.3390/ani15111547

Responsible antibiotic use can help improve outcomes.

Fighting antimicrobial resistance in pet UTIs 

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced today that its Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) has become the first US Department of Agriculture conditionally approved treatment that targets canine parvovirus (parvo). This conditional approval means the CPMA can be used for passive immunity to prevent parvo in puppies that have been exposed to the virus, which will expand the potential of protecting dogs from this disease that affects more than 330,000 puppies annually.

“We understand that pet owners and veterinarians are navigating rising costs and financial uncertainty right now, which is why we’re focused on making CPMA even more accessible to every puppy that needs it,” Chris George, DVM, infectious disease expert at Elanco Animal Health, said in the organizational release.

 “The label expansion to include passive immunity, in addition to our $200 rebate program, and sampling programs to shelters and clinics in high parvovirus areas further advances our mission to defend puppies and defeat parvo, delivering value and peace of mind to veterinarians and pet owners alike.” 

According to the release, the expanded product label means that the dogs that have been exposed to the deadly virus can be protected, including environments where resources can often be constricted, such as shelters. In a study conducted by Elanco, when dogs 8 weeks or older were given a prophylactic dose, CPMA was 100% effective in the passive immunity of these healthy dogs.

Some of the puppies treated by CPMA in Florida (Image courtesy of SPCA of Brevard) 

A shelter in Florida recently treated and saved the lives of 27 parvo puppies through CPMA, the largest recorded group to be saved through the monoclonal antibody treatment to date, according to Elanco.

 Some of the puppies in the litter are now up for adoption and are "thriving" in the shelter.

Through its Defend Puppies. Defeat Parvo. campaign, Elanco shared that it expanded CPMA’s availability by donating more than $3 million worth of the product to 2300 clinics and shelters located in high-parvo areas across the US. This program reportedly helped shelters, veterinary professionals, and clients get better access to the lifesaving treatment. Through the expanded label, CPMA now has the potential to save thousands of puppies from parvo.

“We understand that pet owners and veterinarians are navigating rising costs and financial uncertainty right now, which is why we’re focused on making CPMA even more accessible to every puppy that needs it,” George said.

“The label expansion to include passive immunity, in addition to our $200 rebate program, and sampling programs to shelters and clinics in high parvovirus areas further advances our mission to defend puppies and defeat parvo, delivering value and peace of mind to veterinarians and pet owners alike.”

Elanco announces milestones expanding access to Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA) to veterinarians and shelters across the country. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. June 26, 2025. Accessed June 26, 2025.

New data reveals Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody treatment significantly improves puppy survival rates and relieves operational stress in veterinary clinics. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. October 15, 2024. Accessed June 26, 2025. 

https://www.elanco.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/new-data-reveals-elanco-canine-parvovirus-monoclonal-antibody-treatment-significantly-improves-puppy-survival-rates

This approval means that CPMA can be used to prevent canine parvovirus in puppies exposed to the virus.