Animal Wound Care Market

Animal Wound Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Animal wound care is an essential aspect of veterinary medicine. It is the process of treating and managing injuries in animals, ranging from minor abrasions to severe lacerations. Wounds can occur in different ways, such as from fights with other animals, accidents, or surgical procedures. Regardless of the cause, prompt and effective wound care is crucial for the animal's overall health and well-being.

Types of Wounds in Animals

There are different types of wounds that animals can sustain. These include:

• Abrasions: These are shallow injuries that affect the skin's surface. They are usually caused by scraping or rubbing against rough surfaces.
• Lacerations: These are deep cuts or tears in the skin and underlying tissues. They can result from sharp objects or traumatic injuries.
• Punctures: These are small holes in the skin caused by sharp objects like nails, teeth, or thorns. Puncture wounds can be dangerous as they can lead to infections.
• Avulsions: These are injuries that involve tearing away of the skin or tissues from the body. Avulsions can result from accidents or animal attacks.

Wound Care Basics

Proper wound care involves the following steps:

• Assess the wound: The first step in wound care is to assess the extent of the injury. This involves examining the wound to determine its size, depth, and severity.
• Stop bleeding: If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure using a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, seek veterinary help immediately.
• Clean the wound: Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound with warm water and a mild antiseptic solution. This helps to remove any dirt or debris from the wound.
• Apply a dressing: After cleaning the wound, apply a sterile dressing to keep the wound clean and protect it from further injury.
• Monitor the wound: It is essential to monitor the wound's progress and ensure that it is healing properly. Check the wound regularly for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

Treatment Options

The treatment for animal wounds depends on the severity and type of injury. Some common treatment options include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent or treat infections that can occur in open wounds.
• Pain relief: Pain relief medications may be prescribed to ease the animal's discomfort during wound healing.
• Wound debridement: This is the process of removing dead tissue or debris from the wound. It is done to prevent infection and promote faster healing.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially for deep or complicated wounds.

Prevention

Preventing wounds in animals is essential. Some measures that can be taken to prevent wounds include:

• Regular veterinary check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups can help to identify any underlying health conditions that may increase the animal's risk of injury.
• Proper housing: Providing a safe and secure environment for the animal can prevent accidents and injuries.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can keep animals healthy and reduce the risk of obesity, which can increase the risk of injuries.

Animal wound care is a vital aspect of veterinary medicine. Proper wound care involves assessing the wound, stopping bleeding, cleaning the wound, applying a dressing, and monitoring the wound's progress. Treatment options include antibiotics, pain relief, wound debridement, and surgery. Preventing wounds in animals is crucial, and measures such as regular veterinary check-ups, proper housing, and exercise can reduce the risk of injuries. With proper wound care, animals can heal quickly and regain their health and well-being.

Animal Wound Care Market Global Dynamics

Drivers in Animal Wound Care Market

The global animal wound care market is influenced by various factors, and one of the significant drivers is the growing population of companion animals worldwide. There has been a surge in the number of companion animals being adopted, and it is associated with numerous health benefits, such as reduced cardiac arrhythmia, normal blood pressure, decreased anxiety, greater psychological stability, and improved well-being. Urbanization is also a contributing factor as people living in cities tend to spend more on animal health per capita.

The willingness of companion animal owners to spend extra money on animal health, coupled with increasing animal health awareness and advanced veterinary services, is also creating a demand for various animal wound care products. As the pet population continues to grow, there is an expected increase in demand for pet care products and services, which will support the growth of the animal wound care market and its dependent markets.

The animal wound care market is primarily driven by the rising adoption of companion animals, increasing demand for veterinary surgeries, and growing cases of animal injuries. For example, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over one million animals die each year due to road accidents, and several million more animals are injured. Additionally, the increasing number of veterinary visits and the rising adoption of pet insurance are contributing to the growth of the animal wound care market.

Pet healthcare spending, which includes expenses for pet food, veterinary care, over-the-counter medications, pet insurance policies, and companion animal diagnostic services, has been on the rise in recent years. This trend is particularly evident in major markets across North America and Europe, where pet owners are increasingly investing in pet insurance policies due to the significant growth in pet care expenditure.

While the pet insurance industry is still in its infancy in emerging markets like India and China, the number of people opting for pet insurance is expected to grow as disposable incomes rise and pet expenditure increases. This is anticipated to stimulate the adoption of pet insurance policies, providing support for the veterinary health industry and fueling the growth of related products such as disposables, monitoring and treatment equipment, diagnostics, and services.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the pet health insurance sector in the US and Canada generated a combined gross premium of USD 1.99 billion in 2020, up from USD 1.56 billion in 2019, representing a 27.5% increase. In 2021, the total premium volume in the US alone amounted to USD 2.6 billion, marking a 30.4% annual increase over 2020. In Canada, the premium volume totaled USD 249.2 million (313.4 million CAD), an increase of 28.1% over the previous year. At the end of 2020, the total number of insured pets in North America had risen to 3.45 million from 2.82 million in 2019. Furthermore, in the US, the insurance payouts for pet wellness diagnostics, accidents, and illnesses in dogs and cats amounted to USD 1.855 billion in 2020.

The developed economies have seen a significant rise in the number of veterinary practitioners, which has contributed to an increase in private clinical practices and hospitals. This trend is particularly evident in countries such as the US, where the number of veterinary professionals increased from 117,735 in 2017 to 118,624 in 2020, and Australia and New Zealand, where the number of veterinarians is growing at a rate of more than 3-4% per year. As a result, the demand for veterinary monitoring and treatment equipment and disposables is expected to rise in these countries in the coming years.

The pet insurance industry has also seen growth in recent years, with Trupanion, a leading pet insurance company, reporting 1.3 million pet insurance enrollments as of June 2022, with a 32% growth in the second quarter of 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the veterinary industry, with many small- and medium-sized veterinary businesses facing financial difficulties due to the postponement and cancellation of elective surgeries and a decline in postoperative wound cases resulting from nationwide lockdowns. This has led to an overall slowdown in the growth of the animal wound care market during the pandemic.

Restraints in Animal Wound Care Market

One of the major restraints of the animal wound care market is the rising cost of pet care. Over the past decade, the cost of pet care has significantly increased, with veterinary care being the second-highest source of spending in the pet care community, according to the APPA 2021 report. The US alone spent over USD 31.4 billion in 2020 and USD 34.3 billion in 2021 on veterinary care and related product sales. Low-to-medium pet care costs have also increased, ranging from USD 250 to USD 4,500 in veterinary practices, with high-end procedures costing anywhere between USD 5,000 and USD 20,000, as reported by PetMD.

Advanced monitoring, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures in veterinary practices are effective but come with high price tags, resulting in an increase in the annual veterinary cost per pet. For example, in Germany, the annual veterinary cost is around USD 162.9 (EUR 140) per dog and USD 75.61 (EUR 65) per cat, while in Japan, pet owners spend around USD 2,000–3,000 (JPY 200,000–300,000) annually on pet health. Although advanced products and procedures play a significant role in treatments, the cost of materials and equipment used in these procedures is very high.

Additionally, the revenue for veterinary healthcare declined by 50% in various European countries, as reported by sources. However, the industry has shown a quick recovery from the last quarter of 2020 and from 2021, owing to the resumption of veterinary clinic admissions and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The increasing demand for animal protein and advancement in livestock wound care products are other factors contributing to the growth of the industry.

Animals such as dogs are prone to injuries, and one of the most common injury cases reported is trauma caused by accidents. Road accidents are a frequent cause of major trauma, including bone fractures, internal and external injuries, bleeding and organ trauma, joint dislocations, head trauma, and skin wounds. In various scenarios, animals can suffer severe injuries that require immediate veterinary wound care, such as stitches and infection prevention. With the increasing adoption and population of pets globally, the animal wound care market is expected to witness significant growth despite the rising pet care costs.

The surgical wound care products segment was the largest contributor to the veterinary care industry in 2022, with a share of over 40.40% of total revenue. Surgical wound care products include sutures, staplers, tissue adhesives, sealants, and glues. Skin staplers, which offer several benefits such as ease of use, shorter surgical times, and simple removal, are becoming increasingly popular. Surgical sutures and suture cassettes are commonly used in various veterinary procedures like cardiovascular, orthopedic, and neurological surgeries. Major companies providing these devices include Surgical Holdings, DRE Veterinary, and Medtronic.

Traditional wound care, which involves the use of tapes, dressings, bandages, and absorbents, is also a popular treatment in veterinary centers. Wet-to-dry dressings are often used as the first step in traditional therapy. The ownership of companion animals has been rising significantly worldwide, especially in emerging markets like Asia Pacific and Latin America, due to increasing urbanization and disposable incomes. This has expanded access to animal healthcare and enabled owners to spend more on pet care.

Emerging countries like India and China have robust livestock markets. India is the top milk producer globally, contributing to 23% of global milk production, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.2% from 2014-15 to 2020-21. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, China is the fourth-largest beef producer in the world, with an estimated beef production of 6.7 million metric tons in 2020. China is also the world's largest hog producer and pork consumer, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Emerging markets like Brazil and Argentina, located in Latin America, are major competitors to the US export market for beef and poultry meat. The large livestock population in emerging markets like China, India, and Brazil indicates opportunities for players in the veterinary care market.

In emerging markets, the adoption of veterinary equipment and supplies has historically been lower than that in developed markets, such as the US and some European countries. However, the number of veterinarians in these regions is increasing, and many veterinary practices are now adopting technologically advanced solutions used by veterinarians in developed economies. The rising population of companion and livestock animals, coupled with the growing demand for veterinary services from the livestock industry and increasing animal health expenditure, are expected to create significant growth opportunities for emerging countries in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions.

The companion animal segment dominated the global animal wound care industry in 2022, accounting for over 63.85% of the overall revenue. The growth of this segment is being propelled by rising pet healthcare costs, especially in developed regions, and the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries. Modern procedures offer several benefits, such as smaller incisions and fewer stitches, which encourage pet owners to opt for cutting-edge, minimally invasive technologies.

Domestic animals are prone to developing wounds from accidents, animal or insect bites, barbed wire injuries while grazing, and fights. Wounds can cause complications such as infection, abscesses, necrosis, and slough, which can spread to nearby tissues or the bloodstream. Therefore, wound care is essential to prevent the spread of infection and promote healing. These factors are contributing to the growth of the companion animal segment in the animal wound care industry.

Challenges in Animal Wound Care Market

One of the challenges faced in emerging countries such as India, China, Brazil, and Southeast Asian countries is the lack of awareness regarding animal healthcare services. Despite having a large population of companion and farm animals, the animal health expenditure in these countries is lower compared to developed countries in North America and Europe due to limited animal treatment infrastructure and lack of awareness among pet owners and veterinarians. The farm animals segment in these markets focuses only on therapeutics for severe diseases and does not utilize animal wound care products widely.

Manufacturers of animal wound care products tend to focus more on developed markets due to the wider acceptance of animal products and higher animal health expenditure. Although some global players have taken initiatives to increase awareness, the uptake of products in these markets is not expected to grow significantly in the near future. The veterinary hospitals and clinics segment currently dominates the industry due to faster diagnosis, easy availability of treatments, and improved wound care procedures. The homecare segment is projected to have the fastest growth rate over the forecast period due to increased awareness among pet parents and the convenience of treating minor pet wounds at home.

Additionally, the homecare segment is expected to grow due to frequent minor wounds suffered by pets, especially dogs, and the difficulty of frequent hospital visits for pet owners. The nationwide lockdowns have also helped pet parents become more aware and trained in their pet's health. The animal welfare groups have issued guidelines for safety practices and regulations to be adopted in veterinary hospitals and clinics, which is another key factor driving the growth of the veterinary hospitals and clinics segment.

The animal wound care market has been categorized into five regions: North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2021, North America accounted for the largest share of the market. China is projected to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period, while the Asia Pacific region is expected to offer significant growth opportunities for players in the animal wound care market. This is due to the increasing healthcare expenditure and initiatives to promote the use of advanced animal wound care products in the region.

Veterinary hospitals and clinics dominated the animal wound care market in 2022, accounting for more than 45% of the overall revenue. These facilities provide urgent medical treatment to animals and strive to offer better primary care services for a faster recovery. In addition, clinics offer advice to pet owners about pet food and medicine benefits, which helps to ensure more efficient animal wound care management and control. The e-commerce segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

North America is the largest market for animal wound care, accounting for over 32% of the overall revenue in 2022. Major players in the market are making efforts to advance their product portfolios by guaranteeing high-quality standards, which is expected to drive regional market growth. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many government authorities recommended avoiding elective surgeries in animals, resulting in a decline in postoperative wound cases. For instance, the CDC recommended veterinarians and veterinary staff attend only to emergency visits and procedures during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key companies profiled in Animal Wound Care Market

• ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH
• 3M COMPANY
• MEDTRONIC PLC
• B. BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG
• VIRBAC
• NEOGEN CORPORATION
• JØRGEN KRUUSE A/S
• SONOMA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
• ETHICON (A SUBSIDIARY OF JOHNSON & JOHNSON)
• DECHRA PHARMACEUTICALS
• JAZZ MEDICAL, LLC
• SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
• KERICURE INC.
• ADVANCIS VETERINARY
• CARE-TECH LABORATORIES, INC.
• ROBINSON HEALTHCARE
• MILA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
• SENTRX ANIMAL CARE
• MCCORD RESEARCH, INC.
• PRIMAVET, INC.
• INNOVACYN, INC.
• INDIAN IMMUNOLOGICALS LTD.
• SILVERGLIDE
• VERNACARE
• VETOQUINOL INDIA ANIMAL HEALTH PVT. LTD

Recent Developments in Animal Wound Care Market

The animal wound care market has witnessed recent developments, including the launch of a new animal health company called BiomEdit by Elanco and Ginkgo Bioworks in April 2022. The company is set to leverage microbiome technology to enhance animal health outcomes.

In April 2020, Elanco collaborated with VetNOW to expand access to veterinary care and provide relief to animal owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration aimed to ensure that animals receive the necessary care while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. These recent developments demonstrate the industry's commitment to innovation and improving animal health outcomes, even in challenging times.

The animal wound care market has seen significant developments in recent years, with a focus on advanced wound care products and procedures. The market is expected to grow at a steady rate in the coming years, with an increasing number of pet adoptions and rising demand for livestock products. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the market, leading to a decline in revenue for the veterinary healthcare industry in various countries. However, the industry has shown a quick recovery from the last quarter of 2020, with the resumption of veterinary clinic admissions and the easing of restrictions.

One of the key factors driving the growth of the animal wound care market is the increasing availability of advanced monitoring, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures in veterinary practices. Although effective, these procedures come with high price tags due to the cost of materials and equipment used. The market has seen a rise in the use of products such as topical hydrogel and other advanced wound care products for cattle, offered by companies such as Santa Cruz Animal Health.

However, emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil face challenges due to a lack of animal healthcare awareness, limited animal treatment infrastructure, and low animal health expenditure. Animal wound care products are not widely utilized in large animal practices in these countries as traditional methods are followed by owners on companion as well as livestock animals. This has led to a higher focus of animal wound care product manufacturers on developed markets in North America and Europe, where animal health expenditure is higher.

The veterinary hospitals and clinics segment dominates the animal wound care market, accounting for over 40% of overall revenue due to faster diagnosis and easy availability of treatments. However, the homecare segment is projected to register the fastest growth rate in the coming years, driven by nationwide lockdowns leading to pet owners being more aware and trained about their pet's health, and the convenience of treating minor pet wounds at home.

Overall, the animal wound care market continues to evolve with a focus on innovation and expanding product offerings, with companies investing in research and development to meet the growing demand for effective and affordable animal wound care products.