Veterinary Ultrasound: A Powerful Diagnostic Tool for Animal
Healthcare
Veterinary ultrasound is a medical imaging technology that
uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the internal organs and tissues of
animals. This non-invasive and painless diagnostic tool is widely used by
veterinarians to identify and diagnose a range of medical conditions in
animals. In this essay, we will discuss the benefits and applications of
veterinary ultrasound, as well as its limitations and challenges.
Benefits of
Veterinary Ultrasound
- One of the primary benefits of veterinary ultrasound is its
non-invasive nature. Unlike other diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and CT
scans, ultrasound does not expose animals to harmful ionizing radiation. This
makes it a safer option for both animals and veterinary professionals.
- Another benefit of veterinary ultrasound is its versatility.
Ultrasound can be used to visualize a variety of organs and tissues, including
the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and reproductive organs. It can also be used
to detect pregnancy and monitor fetal development in pregnant animals.
- Additionally, veterinary ultrasound is a valuable tool for
guiding procedures such as biopsies and fluid aspirates. By using ultrasound to
visualize the targeted area, veterinarians can perform procedures with greater
precision and accuracy, reducing the risk of complications and improving
outcomes.
Applications of
Veterinary Ultrasound
- Veterinary ultrasound has a wide range of applications in
animal healthcare. One of its most common uses is for diagnosing and monitoring
medical conditions affecting the abdominal organs. For example, ultrasound can
be used to detect liver and kidney disease, as well as tumors and cysts in the
abdomen.
- Ultrasound is also frequently used for diagnosing and
monitoring heart disease in animals. By visualizing the heart in real-time,
veterinarians can evaluate the structure and function of the heart and identify
abnormalities such as heart murmurs, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure.
- Another important application of veterinary ultrasound is in
reproductive medicine. Ultrasound can be used to detect pregnancy, evaluate
fetal development, and monitor the reproductive organs of both male and female
animals. This is especially important in breeding programs and for ensuring the
health and well-being of animals during pregnancy and childbirth.
Limitations and Challenges
of Veterinary Ultrasound
- Despite its many benefits and applications, veterinary
ultrasound has some limitations and challenges. One of the main limitations is
that ultrasound waves cannot penetrate bone, so it is not effective for imaging
the skeletal system. Additionally, ultrasound images can be difficult to
interpret in animals with a lot of body fat or gas in the digestive system.
- Another challenge of veterinary ultrasound is that it
requires specialized training and equipment. Veterinary professionals must have
a strong understanding of ultrasound technology and image interpretation to
effectively use ultrasound in animal healthcare. Additionally, high-quality
ultrasound equipment can be expensive, making it less accessible for some
veterinary practices.
Veterinary Ultrasound Market Dynamics
Drivers in Veterinary
Ultrasound Market
The Veterinary Ultrasound market is influenced by various
factors, one of which is the increasing number of companion animals globally.
The growth in the overall population of companion animals and their adoption
rate has been significant. Research shows that owning a companion animal is
linked to various health benefits, such as reduced cardiac arrhythmias, lowered
blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and improved well-being. This trend is not
just limited to developed countries but also in emerging markets such as Brazil,
China, India, and Mexico.
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA)
National Pet Owners Survey conducted in 2021-2022, around 70% of US households,
which translates to roughly 90.5 million families, own a pet. This figure has
risen considerably from the 56% recorded in 1988, the first year the survey was
conducted. Additionally, countries such as Brazil, China, Japan, and Mexico
have also witnessed significant growth in pet ownership. As the number of pets
increases, there will be a rise in demand for pet care products and services,
which will lead to the growth of industries that are dependent on pet care,
such as the veterinary ultrasound market.
Restraints in
Veterinary Ultrasound Market
One of the major challenges faced by the veterinary
ultrasound market is the high cost associated with both instruments and
procedures. The cost of traditional cart-based ultrasound systems is
approximately USD 20,000–25,000, while portable ultrasound systems are priced
around USD 10,000–15,000. Similarly, the cost of veterinary ultrasound
procedures is also high, with abdominal ultrasounds costing between USD
250–500, and specialized services from cardiologists, oncologists, and
radiologists ranging up to USD 500 per area of an animal's body. The high cost
of these procedures can discourage pet owners from seeking ultrasounds unless
they are absolutely necessary.
The largest contributors to the animal ultrasonography
market are developed countries such as the United States and several European
nations. However, companies and organizations are increasingly looking towards
emerging markets for untapped opportunities. Additionally, fostering is another
factor that is boosting market growth, as pet owners are forming closer
relationships with their companion animals and are willing to invest more money
and attention into their pets' health. As a result, unique veterinary
specializations for companion animals, such as bond-centered clinics, have been
established, where vets discuss the pet's entire lifecycle and any required
routine diagnostic care for the pet's birth. These developments are driving
expectations for veterinary care to be more similar to those for human medical
care.
Opportunities:
Increasing Number of Untapped Emerging Markets
The global ownership of companion animals has witnessed
significant growth in recent years, with emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific
(APAC) and Latin American regions experiencing a surge in pet ownership. This
trend can be attributed to the rise in urbanization rates and an increase in
disposable incomes, which have expanded access to animal healthcare and enabled
pet owners to spend more on pet care. Countries like Brazil and Argentina,
which are major exporters of beef and poultry, have emerged as major
competitors to the US export market in recent years. The livestock sector in
Latin America has grown at a rate of 3.7% annually, which is higher than the
average global growth rate of 2.1%, according to the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO).
In addition to this, there has been a steady increase in the
companion animal population in emerging countries such as India, China, Brazil,
and other APAC and Latin American countries in recent years. This, combined
with rapid urbanization and increased expenditure on companion animal health,
is driving global players to focus on catering to the growing demand for animal
health products in these countries.
Furthermore, the animal ultrasound market is expected to see
growth due to ongoing technological advancements and the introduction of new,
improved ultrasound equipment. Market players are focusing on the development
of more precise and effective ultrasound systems, which are expected to have a
favorable impact on the market throughout the projection period. For example,
Butterfly Network Inc. recently introduced the Butterfly iQ+ Vet, a
second-generation handheld ultrasound scanner that offers better imaging and
hardware advancements, increasing the solution's capability, versatility, and
usability. This is expected to lead to a significant rise in the small animals
sub-segment due to increased emphasis on animal health and technical
advancements in veterinary imaging diagnosis.
Challenges in
Veterinary Ultrasound Market
One of the significant challenges facing the veterinary
ultrasound market is the shortage of trained professionals. As the demand for
faster and more economical ultrasounds increases, clinicians are experiencing
pressure due to the lack of skilled and qualified sonographers. This problem is
particularly prevalent in underdeveloped rural areas, where there are more
farms than in urban areas. The issue is compounded by the absence of accredited
bodies or certifications for veterinary ultrasound in several countries.
Additionally, many countries do not offer dedicated training programs, leading
to non-trained personnel performing ultrasound procedures on animals.
Ultrasonography is the second most popular imaging
technology in veterinary practice, generating images of bodily structures based
on echoes reflected from tissues and organs using ultrasonic sound waves.
Recent developments in computer technology have significantly influenced
equipment design, resulting in smaller transducers and facilitating
intra-operative and intra-vascular applications. Software developments have
also improved data modification and analysis, increasing the amount of
information collected from each test and enabling remote diagnosis.
Ultrasound-guided interventional methods for diagnostic or therapeutic
applications are now available, and many of these innovations were first
introduced by equipment producers but have unique uses in the veterinary
market. Today, ultrasound is widely used for disease screening, herd
management, clinical research, and as a diagnostic tool in routine clinical examinations
of various species.
The small animal segment has been the dominant animal type
in the global market, generating the highest revenue share in 2022, and is
expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. This growth is attributed to the
increasing pet adoption rates and rising expenditures on their care and
wellness. Additionally, the prevalence of cancer and cardiac disorders in dogs
and cats, among other animals, is expected to further drive market growth.
Cats, in particular, are seen as low-maintenance pets, which has contributed to
their growing popularity.
Furthermore, younger generations, especially millennials,
are expected to increase their ownership of cats, with 45.3 million U.S.
households owning cats in 2021, according to the American Pet Products
Association. The market is also expanding due to the increasing adoption of pet
insurance. The NAPHIA reports that about 4.41 million pets in the region were
insured in 2021.
The market is categorized into equipment,
accessories/consumables, and PACS based on the solution type, with the
equipment segment generating over 58% of the highest revenue share in 2022. The
growth of this segment is attributed to the high adoption rates of these
devices in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic centers, owing to
their ease of use. Additionally, technological advancements by major market
players such as IMV imaging, Sonosite, and Celtic SMR are expected to further
boost market growth during the forecast period.
In 2022, the 2D ultrasound imaging segment dominated the
market with over 42% revenue share due to its widespread acceptance in disease
diagnosis and pregnancy detection. The low cost of 2D ultrasounds in comparison
to other types of ultrasounds has also contributed to the segment's growth. The
2D ultrasound is the most popular type used in veterinary applications because
of its ease of use and real-time imaging capabilities.
The 3D/4D ultrasound imaging segment is expected to
experience the fastest CAGR of 7.13% during the forecast period, driven by
technological advancements and increasing demand in developed nations.
Additionally, there has been 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.
The digital imaging segment had the highest revenue share in
2022 due to the technological developments offered by significant market
players and the growing demand for veterinary services. The higher radiograph
production and distribution efficiency of digital imaging systems is expected
to fuel market growth. These systems also offer a larger viewing area and
greater latitude exposure, which can lower the need for retakes and increase
efficiency. For instance, the IDEXX Laboratories' ImageVue DR50 Digital Imaging
System is a digital imaging system that can be used for veterinary ultrasounds.
In 2022, the urology & obstetrics/gynecology segment held
the largest revenue share, contributing to over 25% of the animal ultrasound
market. During the forecast period, this segment is expected to grow at the
fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 7.00%. This growth is
attributed to the increasing use of ultrasound in animal pregnancy testing.
Ultrasound is an accurate and early method of detecting pregnancy in many
domestic animals. For dogs and cats, transcutaneous ultrasound scanning is
appropriate, while transrectal sonography is recommended for horses and cattle,
and transrectal or transcutaneous treatments are used for sheep, goats, and
pigs.
The cardiology segment is expected to be the second largest
segment in the animal ultrasound market, mainly due to the rising prevalence of
heart diseases in animals. Aging and obesity are the primary causes of animal
heart disease. For instance, Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) is the most
common cardiac condition in dogs, and small and elderly dogs are more likely to
develop this condition.
The veterinary hospitals & clinics segment is
anticipated to have 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 expected to drive the growth of this segment. Additionally, the
adoption of technological advancements such as effective pet owner mobile
technologies and cloud-based information management systems in veterinary
hospitals and clinics is likely to fuel market growth. These devices are
preferred due to their cost-effectiveness and accuracy, which is expected to
boost market growth.
The prominent players in Veterinary Ultrasound Market
- GE HEALTHCARE
- ESAOTE SPA
- SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
- SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS
- FUJIFILM HOLDINGS CORPORATION
- HESKA CORPORATION
- SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
- DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEMS INC.
- IMV IMAGING
- SHENZHEN RICSO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
- DRAMINSKI S.A.
- SHANTOU INSTITUTE OF ULTRASONIC INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD.
- CLARIUS MOBILE HEALTH
- SONOSCAPE MEDICAL CORP.
- E.I. MEDICAL IMAGING
- BMV TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
- EDAN INSTRUMENTS, INC.
- XUZHOU KAIXIN ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT CO., LTD.
- SOUND
- REPROSCAN
- INTERSON CORPORATION
- SCINTICA INSTRUMENTATION, INC.
- LEPU MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
- PROMED TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
Recent Developments in Veterinary Ultrasound Market
The veterinary ultrasound market has seen recent
developments in the industry. In September 2021, GE Healthcare (US) completed
its acquisition of BK Medical (US), expanding its ultrasound business from
diagnostics to surgical and therapeutic interventions.
In August 2021, Esaote SpA (Italy) completed an agreement
with Magnet Group (US), providing Magnet Group members full access to Esaote
North America's imaging portfolio and services. This includes the MyLab
ultrasound portfolio and the dedicated MRI product line.
In January 2021, Esaote SpA (Italy) completed a similar
agreement with Intalere (US), providing its members full access to Esaote North
America's comprehensive imaging portfolio and services, including the MyLab ultrasound
portfolio and dedicated MRI product line. These developments are expected to
have a significant impact on the growth of the veterinary ultrasound market,
offering more advanced and comprehensive imaging solutions for veterinary
clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic centers.
The veterinary ultrasound market has seen several recent
developments in technology and advancements in the industry. These developments
have improved the efficiency and accuracy of ultrasound imaging, leading to
better animal healthcare outcomes.
One notable development is the introduction of handheld
ultrasound scanners, which are portable and allow for easy movement between
patients. This technology has made ultrasound imaging more accessible and
efficient, particularly for smaller animals. For example, 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.
Additionally, there has been a significant focus on
improving the accuracy of ultrasound imaging. Several companies have developed
new technologies that enable more precise imaging of specific areas of the
body. For instance, Fujifilm Sonosite developed an advanced micro-convex
transducer that provides high-resolution images of the upper abdomen and thorax
of small animals.
Moreover, there has been a growing trend towards the
integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in ultrasound imaging. AI
technology can help identify abnormalities and assist in the diagnosis of
various medical conditions, leading to improved outcomes for animals. For
example, Esaote, a global leader in veterinary ultrasound, introduced its
MyLab9 eXP ultrasound system with AI-powered advanced technologies such as
ultra-elastic shear wave elastography and Virtual Navigator fusion imaging.
Another development in the veterinary ultrasound market is
the rise of telemedicine. This technology allows veterinarians to remotely
diagnose and monitor animal health conditions through video consultations and
ultrasound imaging. This technology has been particularly beneficial for remote
and rural areas, where access to veterinary care may be limited.
Overall, these recent developments in the veterinary
ultrasound market are contributing to improved animal healthcare outcomes and
increased accessibility to veterinary care. As technology continues to advance,
the potential for further advancements in ultrasound imaging and other areas of
animal healthcare is promising.