Two dogs with metastatic, multicentric diffuse large B cell lymphoma have gone into remission after receiving human CAR-T cell therapy. The study, led by LEAH Labs and Jeffery Bryan, DVM, MS, PhD, a professor of veterinary oncology at the University of Missouri, used T cells isolated using the Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit by Akadeum Life Sciences, a biotechnology company specializing in microbubble-based cell separation technology.

"LEAH Labs' successful application of human-focused technology in a veterinary setting underscores the versatility and impact of our platform to further cell therapy research," Brandon McNaughton, PhD, CEO of Akadeum, said in a company news release.

"We are pleased to support their important work in advancing novel cancer therapies for companion animals."

In an announcement on the news, Akadeum said the treatment’s success could have important implications for cancer research, as it shows LEAH Labs can engineer and track human CAR-T cells in vivo.

For the treatment, Lou, a 10-year-old Beagle, and Sadie, an 8-year-old Collie/Pyrenees mix received infusion with CAR-T cells isolated with Akadem’s kit. During the 3-week study, the dogs’ tumors shrank dramatically across multiple sites.

 According to Akadeum, x-rays and ultrasound scans showed complete resolution of internal disease.

New cancer study aims to help both animals and humans

Positron emission tomography imaging further showed that the gene-edited CAR-T cells could be visualized in injected lymph nodes. According to Akadeum, the research team will publish the complete findings in an upcoming study.

Akadeum uses a buoyancy-based method to separate cells, which avoids the traditional magnetic methods. The gentler process helps better preserve cell health and function, making it more useful for complex therapies like CAR-T and other T cell–based treatments.

"Akadeum's innovative isolation technology unlocks unparalleled reproducibility in T cell engineering, enabling us to build a robust platform with which to investigate novel cellular therapies at leading veterinary institutions," said Wes Wierson, PhD, CEO of LEAH Labs.

Akadeum says the results could translate into CAR-T therapies in people. “Akadeum's microbubble-based kits are known for isolating more viable, healthier T cells, enabling the work done by LEAH Labs. By tracking the performance of engineered T cells in dogs, LEAH Labs and its collaborators are building a foundation for innovations that may ultimately enhance the development of effective and durable T cell therapies for people battling cancer,” wrote Akadeum.

Akadeum Life Sciences Human T Cell Leukopak Isolation Kit successfully utilized by LEAH Labs and the University of Missouri to treat canine cancer. News release. Akadeum Life Sciences Inc. September 18, 2025. Accessed September 18, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akadeum-life-sciences-human-t-cell-leukopak-isolation-kit-successfully-utilized-by-leah-labs-and-the-university-of-missouri-to-treat-canine-cancer-302560144.html

Coppock Crossley K. New cancer study aims to help both animals and humans. 

September 17, 2025. Accessed September 18, 2025. 

Articles

The treatment’s success could have important implications for human cancer research.

New cancer therapy for dogs shows promise

Shelby Bossler, DVM, discusses prevalence of ophthalmology cases for general practioners, in a dvm360 interview.

Staining for ocular disease

Why should all veterinarians be informed about ocular surface staining? Applying diagnostic dyes to a patient’s eyes can help assess their condition and identify an injury or disease that requires treatment.

interview recorded at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 conference in Kansas City, Missouri, Shelby Bossler, DVM, discusses the prevalence of corneal ulcers, dry eye, and other ocular conditions that general practitioners typically see. Bossler is a technical services veterinarian with Dômes Pharma, developer of premade fluorescein drops (Fluodrop) for ophthalmologic exams.

The following is an edited transcript of the video:

 Corneal ulcers are very common in general practice. It kind of does depend on what area of the country you live in. I feel like I've heard other [general practitioner] veterinarians from the southeast say they see ulcers all day, every day. They definitely have 1 [or] maybe a handful a week, and they seem to be worse than in other geographies.

I practice sometimes in Ohio, and we don't see a severe [amount] of ulcers, but it is something that every general practitioner will see at some point. We see dry eye disease. We have all kinds of issues where we're going to be staining the eyes pretty frequently. Also, if you have any emergency traumas, you're going to be staining the eyes, too. And as general practitioners, we [definitely] see that. Ophthalmologists stain [pretty much] every single eye that comes into their practice. They do a complete ophthalmic exam; that's their specialty. So they are doing all the tests, including staining...with ulcers. I mean, we all see them, but ophthalmologists are [probably] going to see them more frequently than general practitioners.

A lot of us can manage them and are comfortable managing them. A lot of veterinarians didn't have a lot of ophthalmology training, and a lot do get referred. So one thing that we are really passionate about at Dômes Pharma is education. We have a lot of resources available, [like] staining guides...[and] some treatment guides. We try to get [continuing education] out there with ophthalmologists to try to make it more accessible and really help general practitioners feel more confident.

You can also learn more and register for the 2026 Fetch dvm360 conference in Kansas City 

Videos

Shelby Bossler, DVM, discusses the prevalence of corneal ulcers and other eye conditions general practitioners typically see. 

Staining eyes in general practice

Canadian health officials are investigating an outbreak of 

bacteria, in 27 lab-confirmed people across the country. A number of people who fell ill reported handling dog food and treats, including kibble and dehydrated and freeze-dried treats, before becoming sick, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Thirteen cases were confirmed in Alberta, 12 in British Columbia, 1 in Ontario, and 1 in the Northwest Territories. So far, 6 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

According to the health agency, the outbreak affected people between the ages of 0 and 87 years old, with the individuals falling ill between mid-February and mid-August 2025. Fifty-nine percent of the people are women.

To date, investigators have not identified a single common supplier of dog food or treats linked to the bacteria. The investigation is ongoing, PHAC said.

“More recent illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials,” PHAC said in its notice.

 “For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 15 and 101 days.”

The health agency said the actual number of 

cases in Canada is likely much higher, with the reported cases being only those that have been confirmed by laboratories. Researchers estimate that for each reported case of illness, there are 26 more cases that are not reported.

Canada is not the only country to experience 

contamination linked to pet food products. This summer, US health officials identified 

 in some of Viva Raw’s raw cat and dog food lots, which the company 

 However, no human or pet illness associated with the contamination was reported at the time.

Meanwhile, in July, the FDA warned US pet owners against feeding their dogs certain lots of Darwin’s chicken and duck dog food after 

 One sample of its beef dog food was also found to be positive for 

 No human or pet illnesses were reported in connection with the 

 strain in the beef dog food was genetically linked to a child’s illness that required hospitalization.

In April, kitten and puppy foods from Blue Ridge Beef were also 

contamination after a pet illness complaint in the US.

 No human illnesses associated with these contaminations were reported.

Public health notice: outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to dog food and treats. News release. Public Health Agency of Canada. September 15, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2025/outbreak-salmonella-infections-dog-food-treats.html

McCafferty C. Viva Raw issues voluntary recall. 

. August 26, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/viva-raw-issues-voluntary-recall

Bautista-Alejandre A. FDA warns of contaminated dog food linked to serious infection in child.

. July 30, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-warns-of-contaminated-dog-food-linked-to-serious-infection-in-child

Coppock Crossley K. Kitten and puppy foods are voluntarily recalled. 

. April 15, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/kitten-and-puppy-foods-are-voluntarily-recalled

Health officials say the number of human Salmonella cases is likely much higher than reported.

Canada faces Salmonella outbreak linked to dog food and treats

A team of United Kingdom investigators will study oronasal mucosal melanoma (OMM) for the benefit of canines and humans. The product is funded with £250,000— about $342,300 USD—in support from donations to the Humanimal Trust’s Cancer Discovery Fund.

OMM is the most common oral cancer in canines, yet this aggressive neoplasm is rare in humans. However, there are similarities in biology, clinical presentation and histopathological features between the canine disease and human OMM.

Dogs with OMM survive less than a year, on average, according to the Humanimal Trust. Breeds at higher risk of the disease include poodles, golden retrievers, labradors, rottweilers, Yorkshire terriers, cocker spaniels, chow-chows, Scottish terriers and dachshunds.

“Cancer does not discriminate between species. Approximately 1 in 4 dogs, 1 in 3 cats, and as many as 1 in 2 humans will develop cancer during their lifetime. Thanks to our generous supporters, we’re able to fund this vital research that will advance our understanding of cancer in both humansandanimals, ensuring all species benefit equally and simultaneously, something we call reciprocity,” Joe Bailey, CEO of Humanimal Trust, said in a news release.

According to the Humanimal Trust, the disease behaves almost identical across species. Surgery is frequently used for treatment and can be combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The OMM study funded by the charity has the potential to transform the OMM treatment landscape for both dogs and humans, according to the Humanimal Trust.

The project will be led by investigators from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and NHS Lothian, a Scottish health organization. At the University of Edinburgh;, Kelly Blacklock, PhD, BVM&S, DECVS, SFHEA, PGCert, FRCVS, a professor of small animal soft tissue surgery; E. Elizabeth Patton, group leader and personal chair of chemical genetics; and Mark Stares, senior clinical research fellow and honorary consultant in medical oncology; will lead the project.

“This research builds on work made possible by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, whose support has been pivotal in advancing our understanding of comparative oncology. With the backing of Humanimal Trust, we are now in a position to take this work further, which has the potential to directly benefit both dogs and people,” Blacklock, said in a news release.

One previous study led by Blacklock evaluated whether canine OMM could inform a human disease equivalent. Investigators found a conceptional advance that canine OMM and human OMM are the same disease from 2 subtypes.

“These 2 distinct transcriptional subtypes have potential therapeutic implications… Our findings are important for personalized therapeutics for individual patients and for facilitating patient stratification that may inform clinical trial design and outcomes,” the study’s authors wrote in 

The Humanimal Trust was founded by Irish veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick, MVB DSc(Hon), DUniv, CertSAO, CertVR, DACVSMR, DECVSMR, DSS (Orth), MRCVS, a founding partner of the school of veterinary medicine at Surrey University School of Veterinary Medicine in Guidford, England, and managing director of the Fitzpatrick Referrals.

 The Cancer Discovery Fund was launched in 2024, and the OMM project reflects a milestone for the charity and its mission of advancing medical research for all species.

“This research project is a shining example of One Medicine in action: collaborative, inclusive science that embraces the biological connections we all share, rather than focusing on the differences. By breaking down the barriers between human and veterinary medicine, we can speed up progress for everyone—creating a future where no life is left behind,” Fitzpatrick said in a news release.

UK charity launches pioneering cancer research to help humans and dogs. News release. September 17, 2025.

Humanimal Trust launches pioneering cancer research to help humans and dogs. Humanimal Trust. September 17, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://humanimaltrust.org.uk/humanimal-trust-launches-pioneering-cancer-research-to-help-humans-and-dogs/

Dagli MLZ, Nagamine MK, Ikeda TL, et al. Identification of mutations in canine oral mucosal melanomas by exome sequencing and comparison with human melanomas. 

October 15, 2024. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-74748-z

Blacklock KLB, Donnelly K, Lu Y, et al. Oronasal mucosal melanoma is defined by two transcriptional subtypes in humans and dogs with implications for diagnosis and therapy. 

. 2025;265(3):245-259. doi:10.1002/path.6377

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick. Humanimal Trust. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://humanimaltrust.org.uk/professor-noel-fitzpatrick-2/

The pioneering research was launched by the Humanimal Trust, a United Kingdom charity.

Chewy Vet Care recently announced the opening of a new center in Atlanta, Georgia, marking their fourth practice in the Atlanta area. Meanwhile, a clinic formerly known as Animal Diagnostic Clinic has relocated to a 23,000-sq-ft facility and is now operating under a different name. And, in Oakdale, California, a real estate company specializing in veterinary properties acquired a veterinary center for $6 million.

Continue reading to learn more about these updates.

VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital (Dallas, Texas)

VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital. (Image courtesy of VCA Animal Hospitals)

Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas, Texas, is moving to a new location across the street from its previous location and under a new name, VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital. The new facility is 23,000 sq ft and is the first Mars Veterinary hospital in the US to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certified.

The center will offer various services, including internal medicine, cardiology, medical and radiation oncology, emergency and critical care, surgery, and neurology. VCA Animal Hospitals says the center plans to offer oncology and radiology treatment beginning on September 29 and has plans to provide 24-hour emergency care in 2026. Features of the new location include ventilation support, 24-hour hemoperfusion for acute toxicities, emergency surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries and procedures, cancer treatment using blood apheresis, an in-house blood banking program, a clinical trial program, and a Varian Edge radiation machine.

"These additions not only elevate our level of care—they expand what's possible for pets in critical need," Matthew Dann, hospital administrator at VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital, said in a news release.

Oakdale Veterinary Group (Oakdale, California)

Last month, Terravet Real Estate Solutions announced a $6 million acquisition of a facility run by Oakdale Veterinary Group (OVG) in Oakdale, California. The construction of the 12,861-sq-ft facility was completed in May 2023, although the practice has been operating for more than 45 years.

"OVG's new facility is one of the most advanced veterinary properties in the Central Valley, and securing it ensures long-term stability for a practice that has provided trusted care to generations of Oakdale pet owners," Daniel Eisenstadt, CEO of Terravet, said in a company news release.

The new building has 10 exam rooms, 3 surgical suites, large surgery theaters, a CT imaging unit, and kennels without bars. It also has improved treatment areas, outdoor spaces for pets, and a spacious lobby.

Chewy Vet Care Midtown (Atlanta, Georgia)

Chewy Vet Care Midtown exam room. (Image courtesy of Chewy)

Chewy Vet Care has opened a new location in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. The new clinic, which is Chewy Vet Care’s fourth center in the Atlanta region, provides wellness checkups, urgent care, surgery, vaccinations, certain diagnostics, and more.

The location has 3 exam rooms with integrated workstations, a combined pharmacy, and a lab area on-site with a “vertical lab” prototype designed by Chewy Vet Care to help save space, Chewy told 

. According to the organization, the clinic also has personalized room monitors displaying the patient’s photo, care team, and visit details. An online pet portal is also available to clients for access to records, prescriptions, and updates.

VCA Animal Hospitals' Animal Diagnostic Clinic relocates and opens as VCA Dallas Animal Specialty Hospital. News release. VCA Animal Hospitals. September 16, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vca-animal-hospitals-animal-diagnostic-clinic-relocates-and-opens-as-vca-dallas-animal-specialty-hospital-302557978.html

Terravet completes $6 million acquisition of Oakdale Veterinary Group's purpose-built facility in California's Central Valley. News release. Terravet Real Estate Solutions. August 28, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828367605/en/Terravet-Completes-%246-Million-Acquisition-of-Oakdale-Veterinary-Groups-Purpose-Built-Facility-in-Californias-Central-Valley

Chewy Vet Care Midtown. Chewy Vet Care. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.chewy.com/vet-care/vet-near-me/ga/atlanta/811-peachtree-st-ne-suite-1a

The latest updates relating to animal care establishments and platforms.

Clinic center: Veterinary clinic relocates to 23,000-sq-ft facility, and more 

, a honeybee research organization, determined the cause of the mass honeybee colony collapse earlier this year was virus-infected, miticide-resistant parasitic mites. The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Bee Research Laboratory found high levels of deformed wing virus A and B as well as acute bee paralysis in all recently USDA-sampled bees.

 The USDA ARS also stated that these viruses are responsible for the recent honeybee colony collapses and losses across the country.

"While viruses are a likely end-stage cause of colony death, other stressors such as nutritional stress and agrochemicals may have also played significant roles," the researchers wrote.

The researchers also screened Varroa mites from the collapsed colonies, and they found signs of resistance to amitraz in “virtually all” collections, which highlights a need for new parasitic treatment strategies.

The colony collapse culminated in a loss of 1.7 million colonies, which represents more than 60% of commercial beekeeping colonies since the summer before. The USDA also estimates that the financial impact of the collapsed colonies is $600 million.

Alarming honeybee colony losses across the US are confirmed

“Our nation’s food supply thrives, and is sustained, by the work of our pollinators,” said Joon Park, Acting ARS Administrator, in a USDA release.

 “USDA scientists continue to research major stressors and new parasite treatment strategies, which will help reduce the agricultural challenge presented by the Varroa mites in honey bee colonies.”

In January 2025, commercial beekeepers in the US started reporting mass honeybee die-offs. A month later ARS researchers collected bee and colony samples from California and other Western US states prior to almond pollination to analyze parasites and pathogens. Researchers found that in both pooled samples, viruses were indicated from the surviving colonies and individual bees were showing behavioral morbidities.

. conducted a survey that gathered data from 842 beekeepers, which represented about 1,956 million colonies, making up 72% of the honeybees in the US. The findings of the survey at the time it was conducted, between June 2024 and February 2025, found an average loss of 62%, which has surpassed historical trends.

“Initial survey results of colony losses suggest that commercial beekeepers may have lost in excess of 60% of their bees. The scale of these losses is completely unsustainable,” said Zac Browning, a fourth-generation commercial beekeeper and board chairman of Project 

“Honey bees are the backbone of our food system, pollinating the crops that feed our nation. If we continue to see losses at this rate, we simply won’t be able to sustain current food production. The industry must look inward and outward for solutions to chronic bee health failure.”

Won C. USDA identifies cause of recent mass honey bee collapse. American Veterinary Medical Association. Published September 15, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/usda-identifies-cause-recent-mass-honey-bee-collapse?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

USDA Researchers Find Viruses from Miticide Resistant Parasitic Mites are Cause of Recent Honey Bee Colony Collapses. News release. US Department of Agriculture. June 2, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. 

https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2025/usda-researchers-find-viruses-from-miticide-resistant-parasitic-mites-are-cause-of-recent-honey-bee-colony-collapses

Lamas Z, Rinkevich F, Garavito A, et al. Viruses and vectors tied to honey bee colony losses. 

. Published online June 1, 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706

Survey reveals over 1.1 million honey bee colonies lost, raising alarm for pollination and agriculture. News release. Honey Bee Health Coalition. February 20, 2025. Accessed April 24, 2025. 

https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/survey-reveals-over-1-1-million-honey-bee-colonies-lost-raising-alarm-for-pollination-and-agriculture/

The ‘worst bee die-off in US history’ was caused by a virus-infected, miticide-resistant parasitic mites. 