Veterinary Pain Management Market

Market Overview

The global veterinary pain management market size was worth USD 1280 million in 2021. It is estimated to reach an expected USD 2256 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

The rising burden of chronic and other inflammatory diseases is a growing primary concern in animal healthcare. Some of the frequent pain experienced by animals are osteoarthritis, joint pain, and pain caused due to cancer cases such as osteosarcoma. Many chronic diseases in animals often lead to surgical treatments accompanied by postoperative pain. This factor is also expected to create a healthy demand for pain management products. Moreover, it is anticipated that the market under study will benefit from the government's and other organizations' growing activities. For example, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) launched a campaign in 2018 focused on managing pain in companion animals, in which advice will be given to veterinary experts by the newest and best methods of veterinary pain management.

Market Dynamics

Global Veterinary Pain Management Market Drivers

The Rise in Prevalence of Painful and Inflammatory Diseases in Animals 

Cancer pain is among the most common types of pain experienced by animals. The increasing burden of cancer among animals is expected to augment the market studied. According to the data of the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost 1 out of 4 dogs are likely to be affected with cancer. Almost half of the dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.

Livestock diseases are contributing to a set of problems within livestock production systems. These problems include productivity losses, uncertain food security, and loss of income, among others, adversely affecting human health. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals, like cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and many wild animals. It commonly affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, buffalo, camels, sheep, goats, deer, and pigs. Thus, the above factors will likely drive the market studied during the forecast period.

Rise in Need for Easily Accessible and Affordable Treatment Options

Pharmaceuticals for pain management are increasingly being used due to rising surgical operations brought on by more ailments and the demand for better pet care. Some presently available pain management drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics, opioids, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist devices like laser therapy and electromagnetic therapy. Treatment choice depends on the cause, severity, and duration of pain.

The study of PLOS ONE in January 2020 evaluated anesthetic management in small animals in Quebec. Further, in this study, anesthetics are widely used and almost used daily on small animals in Eastern Canada. Premedication is often recommended before administering anesthesia in small animals, of which NSAIDS, opioids acepromazine, and glycopyrrolate are the most commonly used drugs.

In addition, laser therapies are now becoming widely used treatments for pain in animals. For instance, the third category of lasers (lasers have been classified into four categories based on their wavelengths) is most commonly used as therapeutic lasers in animals. The fourth category of lasers is also becoming famous for treating pain in animals. Therefore, the factors mentioned above indicate the driving availability and accessibility of treatments in pain management, which propels the market growth. 

Global Veterinary Pain Management Market Restraint

Side Effects Associated with Treatment

Serious side effects include seizures, incoordination, extreme sleepiness, agitation, or a fast heartbeat, which may be signs of an overdose. In addition, long-term effects on the liver and kidneys can be seen in animals. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause effects such as vomiting, decreased no appetite, decreased activity level, and diarrhea. Other side effects reported in animals are stomach and intestinal ulcers, stomach and intestinal perforations, kidney failure, liver failure, and death. These drugs majorly affect the digestive tract, kidneys, and liver.

In April 2019, Jurox Animal Health, an Australian company, recalled two lots of its anesthetic product, "Alfaxan." These were detected with aluminum phosphate residues, leading to blood vessel inflammation and may also cause a life-threatening blood clotting disorder. Therefore, the products' associated risks and adverse events are expected to be a major restraining factor for the market studied.

Global Veterinary Pain Management Market Opportunities

Growing Awareness of Animal Health and Welfare

The increasing efforts taken by different governments in various areas have improved animal healthcare and increased demand for the products. Some of the initiatives responsible for driving the growth of the market across the globe are as follows: 

The Cow Health and Welfare Group (CHAWG) is critical in resolving pertinent cattle health and welfare issues in the United Kingdom. For all inquiries regarding the welfare and health of cattle and fresh disease challenges, CHAWG serves as the initial point of contact.

The Animal Wellbeing Task Group in Australia created standards and recommendations for the welfare of sheep and cattle. For electronic identification, the national livestock identification system (NLIS), which tags each animal with a radiofrequency identification device, has been created for cattle.

In September 2020, the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) and Zoetis Inc., with the start of Animal Pain Awareness Month, initiated a campaign to educate veterinarians, pet owners, and other people concerning analyzing and managing pain in animals.

Thus, the increasing number of initiatives by government agencies and leading players are driving the veterinary pain management market.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global veterinary pain management market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and SAMEA.

North America accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Due to factors like expanding pet adoption and rising per capita spending on veterinary care, the United States is anticipated to maintain its sizeable market share. The primary driver of the market's expansion has also been highlighted as the increase in numerous animal ailments and injuries. The number of people who keep pets and livestock and their views toward these animals' health have increased. The American Pet Products Association Americans reported that they are spending more money on pets, which could spur industry growth. According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the US spent around USD 29.3 billion on veterinary services and care in March 2020. Therefore, the market is anticipated to have significant expansion due to the rising awareness of and spending on animal health.

Europe is the second largest region and is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 680 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.2%. The growth of the German market can be attributed to the rising population of livestock animals and growing pet adoption, with the introduction of new products. Furthermore, according to Destatis, as of November 2020, there were about 20,500 farms in Germany. Most sheep live in Bavaria, with 250,600 animals, followed by Baden-Württemberg, with 207,600, and Schleswig-Holstein, with 190,000 animals. Thus, the high numbers of livestock are expected to impact the market positively. Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany's animal health division, is also found to generate new solutions, research, and develop specific technologies for pain therapies in pets. Thus, this type of research activities, innovation, and new advanced solutions for veterinary care may propel market growth. Hence, these factors propel the market growth over the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific is the third largest region. The Chinese veterinary pain management market has grown rapidly over the past few years and is undergoing several transformations. Over recent years, China witnessed a significant increase in the adoption of pet dogs and cats, as they are the most favored companions of human beings. Moreover, movements toward animal welfare and animal rights have been expanding in China, which is expected to augment market growth. In 2019, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) collaborated with ACTAsia, a non-profit organization that provides veterinary training in China, to promote animal welfare. The collaboration supports the development of veterinary-related professions in China. Therefore, increasing the number of animals and raising awareness about animal health to contribute to the growing demand for diversified forms of companion animal pain management products.

Segmental Analysis

The global veterinary pain management market is segmented by product, application, animal type, end user and region.

By Product Analysis

Based on product, the global market is segmented into drugs and devices. The drug segment is divided into NSAIDs, anesthetics, opioids, and other drugs. The devices segment is further divided into laser therapy and electromagnetic therapy. The drugs segment accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Within the drug segment, NSAIDs accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Approved veterinary NSAIDs are used in companion and farm animal medicine to treat dogs, horses, and other animals with osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation. A few NSAIDs for animals have been authorized to treat postoperative pain in cats and dogs. Some well-established companies offering NSAIDS are Zoetis Inc., which provides Rimadyl, and Elanco Inc., which offers Grapiprant. Moreover, highly developed and well-established animal healthcare companies providing NSAIDs have fuelled the growth.

Depending on the application, the global veterinary pain management market is segmented into osteoarthritis and joint pain, postoperative pain, cancer, and other applications. The osteoarthritis and joint pain segment accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Osteoarthritis and joint pain is also correlated with the obese condition in animals. Studies have shown that most osteoarthritis animals are overweight. For example, according to American Animal Hospital Association 2020, obese dogs are 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis, while dogs with osteoarthritis are 1.7 times more likely to be overweight. Moreover, according to Banfield Pet Hospital Report, 2019, one out of three dogs and cats in the United States is overweight. Thus, the diseases associated with weight, such as osteoarthritis and joint pain, have also been on the rise. In addition to the same source, 52% of dogs and 41% of cats with osteoarthritis are overweight in the United States. Over the past ten years, there has been a 66% increase in dogs' osteoarthritis and a 150% increase in cats' osteoarthritis. Thus, it is evident that the prevalence of osteoarthritis is increasing with the growing obese population, thus, triggering overall market growth.

By Animal Type Analysis

Based on animal type, the global market is segmented into companion and livestock. The companion segment accounted for the largest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Companion animals provide companionship to human beings. Some companion animals include dogs, cats, birds, and horses. The rising pain conditions among companion animals and increasing companion animal ownership drive market growth. Osteoarthritis is a severe condition observed in most companion animals. As per Banfield's report 2019, the prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs was higher in the United States. Thus, the increasing prevalence of pain disorders leads to the demand for diagnosis and increasing market growth.

By End User Analysis

By end user, the global market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, retail outlets, and others. The hospitals and clinics segment dominated the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Hospitals and clinics consume most drugs and devices associated with pain management. Licensed veterinary professionals must administer many drugs (anesthetics) and devices. The presence of skilled veterinarians is also a key factor influencing this segment.  Many studies have found that veterinarians are highly aware of the pain experienced by animals and the need to manage it. For instance, as per the study reported in the International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, 2019, pain assessment in animals of different species gained importance among veterinary hospitals and clinics. Hence, the rising importance of pain management among veterinarians is expected to augment the demand for products. According to the Federal Trade Commission data, several pet medication manufacturers that include pain-related products prefer distributing products through veterinary practices. Traditionally, veterinarians have been the primary source of providing medicines to consumers. Therefore, the presence of skilled professionals and the increasing importance of assessing pain among them are expected to fuel market growth.

Recent Developments

• July 2022 - Recently, Assisi Animal Health LLC's assets were bought mainly by Zomedica Corp. (NYSE American: ZOM), a veterinarian health firm that provides diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for companion animals ("Assisi").
• September 2022 - Boehringer Ingelheim announced that Cowtribe is the first recipient of investment and non-financial support from the Boehringer Ingelheim Social Engagement (BI SE) initiative. This program aims to close a critical financing gap for social businesses in vulnerable communities.