Animal Ultrasound Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Animal Type (Small Animals, Large Animals), By Solution, By Type, By Technology, By Application, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global animal ultrasound market size is estimated at USD 446.73 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.50% in the forecast period. An increase in annual diagnostic imaging caseloads in veterinary hospitals and clinics, industry-related technology improvements, and the growing demand for veterinary imaging training are the primary factors driving the market expansion. The market for animal ultrasound is anticipated to grow significantly due to the growing adoption of pet insurance coupled with increasing pet ownership rates. Animals are imaged with the aid of animal ultrasound technology for general imaging, disease monitoring, and pregnancy detection. These instruments are used by veterinarians in clinics, hospitals, and research institutes to identify ailments in a range of animal species. Furthermore, the industry growth is anticipated to be driven by an increasing number of veterinary practitioners and technological advancements in the market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced many aspects of veterinary treatment, mostly because of limitations on optional procedures or hospital stays. Veterinarians were making a concerted effort to combat the concerns related to pet care facilities, and following stringent COVID-19 safety standards in their clinics and significantly increasing the use of telemedicine for their patients. The pandemic increased pet ownership across many countries, leading to an increase in the care provided to animals, which has increased the demand for veterinary ultrasound imaging. For instance, in May 2021, the ASPCA reported that approximately one in every five families had acquired a cat or dog since the start of the COVID-19 problem. As a result, these pet adoptions increased the emphasis on pet health and supported the growth of the veterinary ultrasound imaging market.

The biggest market contributors for animal ultrasonography are developed countries like the United States and several European nations. Companies and organizations increasingly focus on underdeveloped emerging markets owing to their untapped opportunities. Furthermore, fostering is another factor that boosts the market growth and developing pet-parent relationship. Expectations for veterinary care are growing more similar to those for human medical care as more pet owners form close relationships with their companion animals. Owners are ready to invest more money and attention into their pets' health. This factor led to the establishment of unique veterinary specializations for companion animals, such as bond-centered clinics, where vets discuss the pet's entire lifecycle and any required routine diagnostic care for the pet's birth.

Moreover, animal ultrasound market growth is anticipated to be fueled by the key market participants', ongoing technological advancements and the introduction of new, improved ultrasound equipment over time. Additionally, the technological advancements are leading to the development of more precise and effective ultrasound systems. For instance, in October 2021, Butterfly Network Inc. introduced the Butterfly iQ+ Vet, a second-generation handheld ultrasound scanner that offers better imaging, a new procedural guidance tool, and hardware advancements that increase the solution's capability, versatility, and usability.​ As a result, the quality of the imaging improves with the new ultrasonic equipment, which is anticipated to have a favorable effect on the market throughout the projection period. Hence, the small animals sub-segment is anticipated to rise significantly due to the increased emphasis on animal health and technical advancements in veterinary imaging diagnosis. 

In veterinary practice, ultrasonography is the second most popular imaging technology. Based on the pattern of echoes reflected from the tissues and organs being scanned, it generates images of bodily structures using ultrasonic sound waves with a frequency range of 1.5 to 15 megahertz (MHz). The design of equipment has been significantly influenced by recent developments in computer technology, and the shrinking of transducers enables intra-operative and intra-vascular applications. The ability to modify and analyze data has improved due to software developments, increasing the quantity of information that can be collected from each test and enabling remote diagnosis. The use of ultrasound-guided interventional methods for diagnostic or therapeutic applications has now been available. Many of these innovations were first introduced by equipment producers but have unique uses in the veterinary market. Currently, ultrasound is used for a very wide variety of purposes, including disease screening, herd management, and clinical research. It is also used as a diagnostic tool in the routine clinical examination of a variety of species.

Animal Type Insights

The small animal segment dominated the global market by animal type and generated the largest revenue share in the year 2022, and is anticipated to expand at the fastest CAGR. The market is expected to grow as a result of rising pet adoption and rising expenditures for their care and wellness. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of cancer and cardiac disorders in dogs and cats, among others, is estimated to drive market growth. For instance, cats are frequently seen as low-maintenance pets because they do not require training for basic self-cleaning.

Cat ownership is expected to increase among younger generations, particularly millennials, with 45.3 million U.S. households having cats in 2021, according to American Pet Products Association. Moreover, the market is growing due to the increased adoption of pet insurance. For instance, as the NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Insurance Association), about 4.41 million pets were insured in the region in 2021. 

Solutions Insights

Based on the solution type, the market is classified into equipment, accessories/consumables, and PACS. The highest revenue share was generated by the equipment segment, with over 58% in 2022. The segment growth is attributed to the high adoption of these devices in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic centers due to the ease of use. Furthermore, technological advancements by major market players, such as IMV imaging, Sonosite, and Celtic SMR, are also expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

Since 2-D ultrasound imaging scanners are becoming more and more popular because they can be used at the point of care, the handheld scanners market is predicted to grow at a high rate. IMV Imaging's Duo-Scan and Clarius Mobile Health Corp.'s C3 Microconvex Vet, C3 Convex Vet, and L7 Linear Vet are examples of handheld scanners. 

Type Insights

In 2022, the 2-D ultrasound imaging segment had the highest revenue share of more than 42%. The widespread acceptance of such devices in disease diagnosis and pregnancy detection is attributed to segment growth. Furthermore, less cost as compared to other types of ultrasounds is also expected to boost the market growth. The widespread use of 2D ultrasounds in this market is responsible for its significant market share. 2D ultrasonography is the most popular type utilized in veterinary applications. The ease of usage and capacity to give real-time photographs further contribute to the segment’s large market share.

The 3-D/4-D ultrasound imaging segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.13% over the forecast period owing to the rising technological advancements in the segment and an increase in demand in developed nations, and a rise in R&D activities in 3D/4D ultrasound. The Doppler imaging segment is expected to account for the second-largest revenue share in 2022. 

Technology Insights

The digital imaging segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2022 because of technological developments offered by significant market players and growing demand for veterinary services. Additionally, it is anticipated that the market growth will be fueled by digital imaging systems' higher radiograph production and distribution efficiency. Moreover, these systems offer a larger viewing area and greater latitude exposure, which boosts their efficiency by lowering the need for retakes and so propels market growth. One example of a digital imaging system for doing veterinary ultrasounds is the ImageVue DR50 Digital Imaging System by IDEXX Laboratories.

The contrast imaging segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030 due to its greater adoption in veterinary hospitals and clinics comparing digital imaging equipment. For myocardial perfusion and M-mode imaging, contrast imaging is used. In companion animals like cats and dogs, myocardial perfusion imaging with contrast ultrasound is mostly used to diagnose cardiac infarction by evaluating the left ventricular free wall and the septum. 

Application Insights

The urology & obstetrics/gynecology segment accounted for the maximum revenue share of more than 25% in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of more than 7.00% during the forecast period. The increasing use of ultrasound for animal pregnancy testing is attributed to market growth. Some domestic animals can be accurately and early detected as pregnant using ultrasound. While transcutaneous ultrasound scanning is appropriate for dogs and cats, transrectal sonography is advised for horses and cattle, and transrectal or transcutaneous treatments for sheep, goats, and pigs.

The cardiology segment is anticipated to be the second largest in the animal ultrasound market. This is mostly related to the rise in the prevalence of heart diseases in animals. Animal heart disease is primarily brought on by aging and obesity. For instance, Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease is the most prevalent cardiac condition in canines (MMVD). Little and elderly dogs are more likely to get this condition. 

End-use Insights

The veterinary hospitals & clinics segment accounted for the highest revenue share of more than 65% in 2022. The availability of a wide range of diagnostic alternatives in veterinary hospitals and clinics is anticipated to contribute to segment growth. Additionally, it is anticipated that technological developments such as effective pet owner mobile technologies and cloud-based information management systems would fuel market growth. The adoption of these devices in veterinary hospitals and clinics is more because of their cost-effectiveness and accuracy, which is likely to boost market growth.

Other End-uses include reference laboratories, diagnostic laboratories, Point-of-Care (PoC) facilities, and academic & research centers, among others. The others segment is expected to grow at the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. Reference laboratories provide comprehensive diagnostic tests for delivering efficient results and consultation services of a specialist. Increasing collaboration activities between market players and reference laboratories are expected to boost the segment’s growth. End-users, like academic and research institutions and point-of-care facilities, typically outsource their imaging services to reference laboratories, diagnostic laboratories, and veterinary hospitals, resulting in a low market share.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the animal ultrasound market with a share of over 37% in 2022. This is owing to technologically advanced veterinary hospitals, an increase in the humanization of pets, and higher pet costs. According to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey by APPA, pet parents in the U.S. spent about USD 123.6 billion on their companion animals. Out of this, USD 34.3 billion was attributed to vet care and product sales. Moreover, the market is growing as a result of technological advancements in veterinary ultrasound procedures, the incorporation of advanced software and devices into veterinary ultrasound devices, and the presence of important and reliable hospital infrastructure in the region.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.26% during the forecast period. People's growing interest in adopting companion animals, the expansion of healthcare facilities, an increase in investment projects in the region, and rising disposable income all contribute to an increase in pet care expenditure in the region. Also, the quick development of pet care in countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan is anticipated to fuel market growth. 

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Owing to the significant presence of notable manufacturers, the market is anticipated to be fairly competitive. The key companies are constantly involved in increasing their market presence and share via strategic initiatives. These include collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, research & development, expansion of distribution network, product launches & upgrades, and service expansion, among others. Some of the prominent players in the global animal ultrasound market include:

• IDEXX

• Esaote SpA

• Sound

• FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation

• Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics

• Siemens Healthcare Limited (PLH Medical Ltd.)

• Heska Corporation

• Samsung

• GE Healthcare

• Koninklijke Philips N.V. 

Animal Ultrasound Market Report Scope

Global Animal Ultrasound Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global animal ultrasound market report based on animal type, solution, application, technology, type, End-use, and region:

• Animal Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Small Animals

  • Large Animals

• Solution Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Equipment

    • Console/Cart-Based Ultrasound

    • Portable/Handheld Ultrasound

  • Accessories/Consumables

  • PACS

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • 2-D Ultrasound Imaging

  • 3-D/4-D Ultrasound Imaging

  • Doppler Imaging

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Digital Imaging

  • Contrast imaging

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Orthopedics

  • Cardiology

  • Oncology

  • Urology & Obstetrics/Gynecology

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Rest of LATAM

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait

    • Rest of MEA