Companion Animal Ear Infection Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Disease Type (Otitis Externa, Otitis Media), By Product, By Mode Of Administration, By Animal Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global companion animal ear infection treatment market size was estimated at USD 594.0 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030. The increased prevalence of Otitis Externa (OE) in pets and the increasing population of companion animals are propelling the market growth. Otitis, the inflation or infection of the ear, is driving the market growth due to the high prevalence of otitis in dogs and cats, its chronic and recurrent nature, and the need for veterinary intervention. In addition, pet owners’ increasing focus on the well-being of their pets and their willingness to invest in the healthcare of their pets is propelling the growth of the market. According to Dechra Pharmaceuticals, otitis is the final diagnosis in 2% of all feline and 5% of all canine consultations currently.

Furthermore, Merck & Co., Inc. suggests that otitis is the most common disease that is diagnosed by the veterinarian in puppies. American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) states that otitis is most common in specific breeds of dogs such as Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd.

Growth in the pet population and technological advancements are increasing the demand for veterinary healthcare services and boosting the overall expenditure on pets. Increasing awareness about the importance of maintaining a pet’s health is leading to a higher focus on preventive care and prompt treatment of ear infections. In 2022, 44.5% & 29.0% of U.S. households owned dogs and cats respectively. Growing awareness and commitment to pet well-being contribute to the expansion of the market.

In June 2021, Covetrus, an animal health technology & service provider, entered into an agreement to acquire VCP, a wellness plan management solution provider. VCPs technology platform is expected to enable Covetrus to offer new ways to veterinarians to build stronger relationships with their clients & deliver positive healthcare outcomes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, limited operation of veterinary clinics due to stringent lockdown norms consequently resulted in a decline in veterinary visits, thus impacting the market. However, the market has shown a V-shaped recovery during the 3^rd quarter of 2020, which is attributed to the resumption of pet clinics and the ease of norms. Though COVID-19 restricted outdoor visits, otitis remained on the list of top 10 pet insurance claims in 2020 according to Trupanion, a pet insurance provider based in the U.S. The company received around 6,000 claims for otitis between March 1 to May 31, 2020. In April 2019, the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum reported better resolution of clinical signs of otitis in referral dermatology practice settings as compared to primary care.

Product Insights

In terms of product, the anti-bacterial segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to retain its dominance over the forecast period due to the rising cases of ear infections in pets. The highest incidence of ear diseases is otitis externa and the main reason for this disease is associated with a bacterial infection. According to the study published in 2019 in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, a total of 91 out of 122 canines were positive for bacterial species. The segment is further segmented into aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and others. Aminoglycosides led the market as it is the most widely used antibiotics in companion animals.

Industry players are continuously trying to expand their product portfolio with the launch of new products. In March 2019, Bayer announced the launch of Claro, a veterinarian-approved, single-dose remedy for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs that is associated with susceptible strains of Malassezia pachydermatis (yeast) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius(bacteria). In addition, in March 2020 Virbac launched Easoticotic suspension for canine otitis externa.

The corticosteroid segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Corticosteroids play a significant role in driving the growth of the market. These anti-inflammatory medications have proven to be effective in the treatment of inflammation associated with ear infections in companion animals. Corticosteroids help alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling, providing relief to the affected animals. The product launches around corticosteroids in different economies are contributing to market growth. For instance, in March 2020, Bayer Animal Health launched the Neptra ear solution for dogs in the UK.

Mode of Administration Insights

In terms of mode of administration, the topical segment held the largest revenue share in 2022. The topical products include ointments, creams, drops, lotion, etc. Topical ear medications are often sufficient to treat infectious or inflammatory ear conditions. Moreover, companies are launching new products in this segment. For instance, in June 2019, Virbac launched Cortavance, a topical corticosteroid spray in India across 4 metro cities. Thus, the segment is expected to dominate the market even during the forecast period. In February 2019, Zoetis Services LLC launched Revolution Plus a topical medicine providing 6-in-1 pest protection against parasites common in cats.

The otic segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. There are numerous otic products available in the market. EASOTIC Otic Suspension from Virbacacts is a fast-acting and easy-to-use treatment. SYNOTIC Otic Solution from Zoetis is specified for the relief of inflammation and pruritus associated with acute and chronic otitis in canines. It is formulated to treat the bacterial, inflammation, and fungal infections associated with otitis externa, thus boosting the demand. In September 2022, Vetoquinol USA launched Simplera, an otic solution used in the treatment of otitis externa in dogs.

Animal Type Insights

In terms of animal type, the dog segment held the largest revenue share in 2022. Ear infections in dogs are the second-most prevalent medical condition for veterinary visits, according to a 2020 study by Nationwide. In addition, increasing dog ownership in both developed and developing countries is contributing to the growth of the segment. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in the U.S. alone 66% (86.9 Million) of homes own pets.

The cat segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Increased concerns regarding the health and hygiene of cats are driving the growth of this segment. The younger population, especially millennials, have become very careful when it comes to the health of their pet cats. Treatment of ear infections in cats can be administered through cold laser therapy along with medicines to help reduce pain and decrease inflammation. Topical anti-parasitic medications are often used for the treatment of ear mites.

Disease Type Insights

Based on disease type, the otitis externa (OE) segment held the largest revenue share of 65.7% in 2022. Due to the typical quadruped ear canal of pets, infections are not always apparent causing them to worsen, if left unattended. Symptoms include swelling, itchiness, redness of the skin, head shaking, increased discharge, and scaly skin. Most studies found allergy as the primary cause of OE. Moreover, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), up to 16.5% of canines experience OE and complications associated with it at least once in their life, which may involve further development into more serious ear infections. The development of new medications for the treatment of OE has been attributed to the market growth. For instance, in October 2022 MSD Animal Health announced the approval of the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP), for MOMETAMAX ULTRA, a single-dose topical medicine for the cure of OE in canines.

The otitis media segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period. Otitis media affects the middle part of the ear canal and is typically a secondary development in approximately 50% of chronic OE cases. The most common bacteria responsible for otitis is Staphylococcus spp. Other bacteria include Pseudomonas, Proteus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium. Although the condition is rare in horses, once infected it can become potentially dangerous or become a chronic condition, if not treated. According to Merck & Co., Inc., significant inner or middle ear infections in horses can result in bony overgrowth and tympanohyoid joint fracture. This fracture may expand into the skull, which could result in an infection or deadly bleeding under the skull.

Regional Insights

Based on region, North America dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 43.3% in 2022. The presence of major animal health product & service providers is one of the factors contributing to the market growth. Furthermore, the introduction of veterinary health information systems in the region has enabled real-time diagnosis. This is expected to facilitate R&D activities and enhance new product development. Moreover, the increased number of veterinarians and veterinary clinics in the region is further boosting the market growth. According to TeleVet, there were approximately 126,138 veterinarians present in the U.S. in 2022.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of pet diseases, growing health concerns about animals, and increasing adoption of pet animals are among the key factors driving the market growth. Furthermore, the rising healthcare expenditure on animal health and veterinary services contributes to regional market growth. According to Elanco, the rate of pet ownership in China is expected to increase from 19% in 2020 to an estimated 40 % by 2030.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is highly competitive with the presence of many large and small-scale industry players. Most companies focus on R&D, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to gain a higher market share. For instance, Zoetis is investing in R&D to develop new products to gain more market share. In April 2022, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated and Ginkgo Bioworks, collaboratively launched BiomEdit, a microbiome company to discover and develop probiotics, engineered microbial drugs, bioactive molecules, and microbial monitoring facilities for animal health.

In August 2020, Elanco also increased its market penetration after acquiring Bayer. Dechra Pharmaceuticals received the worldwide rights of Osurnia from Elanco in August 2020. In June 2021, Covetrus penned a definitive agreement to acquire VCP, a platform in veterinary wellness plan administration. Some prominent players in the global companion animal ear infection treatment market include:

• Zoetis Services LLC

• Elanco

• Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC

• Merck & Co., Inc.

• Vetoquinol

• Penn Veterinary Supply, Inc.

• Virbac

• Ceva

• Vedco, Inc.

Companion Animal Ear Infection Treatment Market Report Scope

Companion Animal Ear Infection Treatment Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global companion animal ear infection treatment market report based on product, disease type, mode of administration, animal type, and region

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Anti-bacterial

    • Aminoglycosides

    • Fluoroquinolones

    • Others

  • Anti-fungal

  • Corticosteroids

  • Others

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

  • Otitis Externa

  • Otitis Media

  • Otitis Interna

• Mode of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Topical

  • Oral

  • Otic

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

  • Dogs

  • Cats

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait