Weekly Vet Report: Dog food recall, new plasma technology, and more

Pet food company recalls fresh dog meals amid reports of sudden dry eye

UK-based pet food company Years has voluntarily recalled all of its fresh dog meals, except its Chef’s Collection, after reports of dogs developing sudden bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), with some cases progressing to sight loss.

The company said it began receiving reports in late July and had received 57 suspected cases by August 16. By August 18, that number had risen to 192 customers reporting potential eye issues. Years is investigating buckwheat, which was added to its recipes several months ago, as a potential contributing factor and said possible contamination was identified in its buckwheat supply. However, the company said causation has not been established.

KCS occurs when tear production drops significantly, leaving the eyes dry, irritated and painful. Signs can include squinting, excessive blinking, pawing at the eyes, thick discharge, redness and light sensitivity. Years is advising owners to stop feeding the recalled meals, whether or not their dogs are showing symptoms.

FDA authorizes Simparica Trio for New World screwworm treatment

The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel chewable tablets, marketed as Simparica Trio, to treat New World screwworm myiasis in eligible dogs and puppies.

The authorization is limited to treatment and does not cover prevention of New World screwworm. The chewable product, which combines sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel, is available by prescription from licensed veterinarians while the EUA remains in effect.

New World screwworm myiasis is caused by larvae that feed on living tissue, typically after flies lay eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes. Signs can include visible maggots or a foul odor coming from a wound or body opening.

The FDA says most dogs in the US currently face a low risk of exposure, with confirmed detections limited to areas of Texas and New Mexico. Veterinarians in affected areas, or those treating dogs that have recently traveled south of the US border, are encouraged to remain alert.

Freeze-dried plasma offers an alternative to frozen storage

Canine freeze-dried plasma (cFDP) became commercially available in December 2025 after an FDA risk review that found that the plasma has properties similar to other plasma products. The shelf-stable product is derived from screened donor dogs and can be stored at room temperature before being reconstituted and administered intravenously.

Unlike traditional frozen plasma, cFDP does not require a freezer, thawing or a cold chain, potentially making plasma support more accessible in emergencies when a blood bank or frozen storage is not readily available.

Kelly Mann, DVM, MS, MSS, DACVR, a former US Army Veterinary Corps officer and vice president of veterinary solutions at Mantel Technologies—the company that developed the product—told dvm360 in an interview that the product could have applications beyond military and austere environments, including smaller clinics, satellite hospitals and veterinary trauma centers.

In these settings, he said, FDP could potentially be administered as an initial unit of plasma while additional blood products and other interventions are being arranged.