New AI-powered feline dental radiograph tool and more launched

A new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered dental radiograph interpretation tool designed specifically for cats, RapidRead Dental for Feline, is now available to veterinarians, Antech recently announced. The veterinary diagnostics company also announced that symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) testing is also now available on its in-house Element i+ in-clinic diagnostic platform. Antech is displaying both technologies at the 2026 Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX), taking place in Orlando, Florida, January 17-21.

RapidRead Dental For Feline

According to Antech, RapidRead Dental For Feline provides dental evaluations in under 10 minutes.² The tool was first introduced for dogs in May 2025, but the feline version was developed specifically for use in cats rather than adapted from the canine model.

The new software analyzes dental radiographs and generates tooth-by-tooth annotations intended to assist veterinarians in identifying and documenting pathologies of individual teeth, such as periodontitis and tooth resorption.² According to Antech, the technology identifies teeth using the triadan tooth numbering system. Additionally, it was developed with a deep learning algorithm that was trained on more than 55,000 images and more than 275,000 teeth.2 The tool also features automatic charting.

“Many veterinarians struggle with feline dental radiographs due to the small size of feline teeth, the high prevalence of tooth resorption, and limited access to dental specialists,” Antech wrote in a news release announcing the technology’s launch.¹ “RapidRead Dental for Feline supports clinicians in generating expert-level analysis and visual reports within minutes.”

Antech says the tool can help with in-procedure decision making, build confidence with annotated findings, and improve communication with clients with its generated reports. The reports, Antech notes, can help pet owners better understand their cat’s dental health and treatment needs.

SDMA testing on Element i+

In addition to its dental imaging software, Antech announced the expansion of its in-clinic diagnostics platform with the addition of SDMA testing on Element i+. SDMA is a biomarker used to monitor kidney function in dogs and cats and can help veterinarians in monitoring changes associated with conditions such as hypovolemia, cardiac disease, and hyperthyroidism. Previously, SDMA testing was performed primarily through reference laboratories. The in-clinic format allows practices using Element i+ to obtain quantitative results in approximately 3 minutes, according to Antech.¹

“We exist to make every veterinarian’s day run smoother and more efficiently, whether it’s providing greater confidence with imaging, increasing throughput in the dental suite, or delivering immediate insights into kidney function,” Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC, chief medical officer for Mars Petcare’s Science & Diagnostics division and Antech, said in a news release.1“By automating rapid test result capture and seamlessly recording pet owner charges, we help clinics focus on what matters most – their patient care. We are committed to continuously evolving our portfolio to deliver flexible, accessible solutions that optimize workflows and empower veterinary professionals to make clinical decisions with speed and certainty, supporting better outcomes across every aspect of care.”

Other Antech technologies on display at VMX

In addition to RapidRead Dental for Feline and the Element i+ platform, Antech reported that several other of its technologies will be displayed at VMX, including the trūRapid FOUR in-house canine vector-borne disease screening test, the HealthTracks mobile application, and the truRapid Reader, a portable device designed to automate rapid test result capture and transfer data to practice information management systems.

References

1. Antech™ launches next-generation diagnostic innovations to advance clinical decision-making at VMX 2026. News release. January 13, 2026. Accessed January 16, 2026.
2. RapidRead Dental. Antech Diagnostics. Accessed January 16, 2026. https://www.antechdiagnostics.com/imaging-services/rapidread-dental/