Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine Market - By Product Type, By Animal Type, By Application, By Route of Administration, By End Use - Global Forecast 2025 - 2034

Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine Market Size

The global veterinary orthopedic medicine market was estimated at USD 3.5 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 3.8 billion in 2025 to USD 7.9 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 8.6%. The market is expanding due to the rising incidence of orthopedic disorders in companion and livestock animals, along with advancements in regenerative therapies, biologics, and non-invasive treatment solutions.
 

As per American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), canine osteoarthritis affects over 20% of adult dogs, with prevalence increasing to 80% in senior dogs. Similarly, joint disorders and laminitis are still the most common problems associated with mobility in horses. These conditions increase the need for advanced pharmaceuticals, biologic therapies, and viscosupplements that aid in pain relief and enhance joint function.
 

Due to faster recovery times and less risk than traditional surgery, treatments such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, and viscosupplementation are gaining popularity. Moreover, chronic orthopedic conditions are being managed more effectively in the long-term with oral NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and regenerative medicine.
 

AI-powered gait analysis systems, wearable mobility monitors, and imaging technologies are changing the paradigm for detecting conditions early and monitoring progress after an intervention. Greater access to veterinary rehabilitation centers is expected to fuel market growth alongside increasing pet owner awareness of orthopedic care. The market for veterinary orthopedic medicine will sustain growth throughout the forecast period as ongoing advancements in biologics, pharmacology, and precision care fuels innovation.
 

The market encompasses medical treatments, and rehabilitation solutions for musculoskeletal disorders such as fractures, and joint diseases in animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.
 

Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine Market Trends

• The market is advancing due to newer developments in regenerative therapies, minimally invasive and precision diagnostic treatments, and greater supply of specialized veterinary orthopedic services.
   
• As a result of increased pet ownership, spending on healthcare for animals and a focus on their health contribute to the orthopedic healthcare market growth. The APPA indicated that in 2023, 66% of U.S. households (around 86.9 million homes) owned pets. This indirectly raised the need for orthopedic treatments.
   
• Moreover, increased spending on companion animal healthcare and a growing focus on animal welfare further fuel market expansion. For instance, as per APPA, Americans spent USD 147.0 billion on their pets in 2023, up from USD 136.8 billion in 2022, with projections indicating a rise to USD 150.6 billion in 2024.
   
• Additionally, the average individual spending in North America on pets also saw a considerable hike from USD 741 in 2022 to USD 876 in 2023. The figure represents an increase of over USD 100 per person. Such increase shows a growing tendency of pet owners towards availing sophisticated veterinary services, specifically advanced orthopedic procedures.
   
• Further, the pet insurance industry is playing a crucial role in increasing access to advanced orthopedic care. For example, according to North American Pet Health Insurance Association, over 5.3 million pets in North America were covered by insurance in 2023, a 23% increase from 2021, with orthopedic treatments being one of the most claimed expenses.
   
• As a result of the growing market for regenerative and biologic therapies, such as stem cell treatments, viscosupplements, and NSAID aimed at improving mobility and reducing inflammation in animals with orthopedic conditions, treatments have been approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Joint disorders are also being actively diagnosed and monitored with the help of mobile gait analysis and AI powered gait analysis technologies.
   
• Other private and government programs have also supported market growth. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in March 2024 announced funding of USD 25.6 million to assist research on musculoskeletal diseases, pain management, and veterinary medicine.
   
• These measures are anticipated to improve the effectiveness of treatments and foster sustained growth in the market.
   

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The tariffs on Chinese imports such as medical equipment and electronic components introduced during the Trump administration are expected to increase the cost of producing overall healthcare products. However, bulk APIs and finished pharmaceutical drugs were largely spared from the tariffs. That said, the U.S. has been actively working to reduce its dependency on China for pharmaceutical raw materials. As a result, the pharmaceutical supply chain may face disruptions in the near future.
   
• In the short term, these adjustments will likely cause challenges such as delays in product availability, higher operational costs due to supplier changes, and potential disruptions in after-sales support for pharmaceuticals.
   

Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine Market Analysis

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into biologics, viscosupplements, and pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical segment is further bifurcated into steroids, NSAIDs, and other pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical segment dominated the market with USD 1.26 billion in 2021, USD 1.35 billion in 2022, and USD 1.45 billion in 2023.
 

• The pharmaceutical segment is important in controlling pain and inflammation in animals with musculoskeletal conditions.  This category contains NSAIDs, steroids, and other pharmaceuticals that are intended to help patients move better and enhance their overall quality of life.
   
• Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as carprofen, meloxicam, and firocoxib are commonly administered for the management of osteoarthritis and post-surgical pain in pets and livestock.
   
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone act to alleviate intense inflammatory activity within a short period of time, whereas some newer disease- modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) also help to slow down cartilage destruction.
   
• Greater occurrences of joint disorders and long-term pain management in geriatric pets are some of the growth drivers in this segment. Additionally, advancements in extended-release formulations and topical pain relief options are further enhancing treatment efficacy and compliance.

Based on animal type, the veterinary orthopedic medicine market is divided into companion animals, and livestock animals. The companion animals segment accounted for a significant market share of 72% in 2024.
 

• The companion animals segment is growing steadily as more pets are diagnosed with orthopedic problems like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and cruciate ligament injuries.
   
• With better veterinary care, pets are living longer, which is leading to a rise in age-related joint issues and a higher demand for advanced orthopedic treatments.
   
• Joint disorders are especially common in dogs, with around 20% of adult dogs affected by osteoarthritis.
   
• Common treatments include NSAIDs, stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and viscosupplementation aimed at easing pain and helping pets move more comfortably.
   
• The market is also benefiting from the wider availability of pet insurance that covers orthopedic care, along with a growing interest in rehab therapies like hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.
   

Based on application, the veterinary orthopedic medicine market is divided into osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, and other applications. The osteoarthritis segment dominated the market in 2024 with USD 2.1 billion.
 

• The osteoarthritis segment is growing rapidly due to the increasing incidence of joint disorders in animals.
   
• Research shows that by the age of 7, about 40% of dogs have radiographic signs of osteoarthritis—even if they don’t show visible symptoms. In cats, more than 90% over the age of 12 have some form of degenerative joint disease.
   
• The U.S. Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey (2022) by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention highlights that obesity affects 56% of dogs and 60% of cats, significantly increasing the need for orthopedic care.
   
• Additionally, new advancements in long-acting analgesics, minimally invasive joint injections, and regenerative therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells are enabling pets to move better and enjoy a more active, comfortable life.
   

Based on route of administration, the veterinary orthopedic medicine market is divided into oral, injectable, and topical. The injectable segment dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2034.
 

• Due to its high bioavailability and rapid onset of action, the injectable route of administration has a major share in the market.
   
• It is commonly practiced in the treatment of acute pain, inflammation, fractures, and in post-operative care, especially in large animals such as horses and livestock.
   
• Corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and bisphosphonates, along with regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments, are included in these injectable formulations. This route is preferred in clinical settings because it guarantees precision and efficacy.
   
• Increasing use of biologics and other techniques such as intra-articular injections is broadening the scope of equine sports medicine and complex orthopedic cases, thereby increasing the demand for innovative long-acting targeted injectable veterinary therapeutics.
   

Based on end use, the veterinary orthopedic medicine market is divided into veterinary hospitals, veterinary clinics, and other end uses. The veterinary hospitals segment dominated the market in 2024 with USD 1.7 billion.     
 

• The rise in demand for sophisticated orthopedic and other surgical procedures is driving the growth of the veterinary hospitals segment.
   
• Some of the services provided by these veterinary hospitals include osteoarthritis diagnoses, surgical management, fracture rehabilitation, and post-operative care for ligament injuries.
   
• With the increase of pet insurance policies, there are more patients seeking orthopedic surgical procedures.
   
• Other factors contributing to the growth of this segment include the presence of specialized veterinary orthopedic surgeons, advanced imaging facilities such as MRIs and CT scans, and veterinary rehabilitation services including hydrotherapy and laser therapy.

North America held the largest share of 40.1% in 2024 in the global veterinary orthopedic medicine market, and it is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% over the forecast period. The U.S. market was valued at USD 1 billion in 2021. The market size was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2022 and reached USD 1.2 billion in 2023.
 

• The high pet ownership and growing awareness about orthopedic problems in animals is driving the growth of veterinary orthopedic medicine in the United States. The number of pet dogs and cats in the U.S. has reached 89 million and 94 million respectively. The aging pet population is increasing joint-related issues, which in turn drives the growth of the veterinary orthopedic medicines market.
   
• Technological advancements in diagnostic imaging methods and genetic screenings, along with increasing spending on pet health, are improving early detection and treatment results. The availability of new rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, further improves recovery.
   
• Moreover, the increasing need for minimally invasive procedures due to new pain management solutions and regenerative medicines is contributing toward market growth.
   

Europe veterinary orthopedic medicine market accounted for USD 978.2 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• The implementation of advanced veterinary medicine in Europe and active policies on animal welfare are improving the market.
   
• According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF)'s survey conducted in 2024, more than 90 million households in Europe have one or more pets.
   
• Also, Europe is home to 129 million cats and 106 million dogs, which increases the need for specialized orthopedic treatments. The number is expected to rise significantly.
   
• Germany, the UK, and France are leading in specialized veterinary care, with growing networks of referral hospitals and orthopedic specialists, which is expected to increase the growth rate in this region.
   

The Germany veterinary orthopedic medicine market is experiencing robust growth in Europe market.
 

• Rapid advancements in pet care, increasing awareness of orthopedic diseases in animals, and rising pet ownership are driving the growth of the market in Germany.
   
• In Germany, the number of pets has reached 34.3 million. Around 45% of German households own at least one pet, and 14% of households have two pets or more. Cats and dogs are the most popular house pets, with 25% of German households owning cats and 21% of households owning dogs, showing an increasing need for new treatment solutions.
   
• German veterinary universities and research institutions are also investing in the development of new orthopedic treatments. Also, growing investments in AI-driven diagnostics are improving treatment outcomes.
   
• With pet owners looking for high-quality veterinary care, the demand for specialized orthopedic services in Germany is expected to grow, making it a key player in Europe's market.
   

The Asia Pacific veterinary orthopedic medicine market witnessed substantial growth of 8.9% during the analysis period.
 

• The adoption of pets, increasing concern for animal welfare, and developing veterinary infrastructure are some of the factors contributing to the growth of the Asia Pacific market.
   
• Countries such as China, Japan, and India are experiencing greater demand for orthopedic treatments due to a rising number of joint diseases and injuries in companion and livestock animals.
   
• The emergence of advanced veterinary practices such as minimally invasive surgeries, biologic therapies, and effective pain management is boosting the growth of the market.
   
• Improving accessibility to treatment due to the increased presence of veterinary specialists and government policy initiatives designed to improve animal health is a positive sign. The expansion of pet insurance and rising disposable incomes are further boosting market development.
   

India veterinary orthopedic medicine market is poised to witness high growth over the analysis period.
 

• India is one of the emerging markets because of a growing pet population with over 31 million dogs and 3.7 million pet cats, which increases the demand for orthopedic treatments.
   
• The growing number of veterinary hospitals and clinics, along with better diagnostic tools, is helping in early detection and treatment.
   
• Also, the livestock sector drives market growth, as better veterinary care for farm animals strengthens India's veterinary orthopedic medicine industry.
   

The Brazil is experiencing robust growth in Latin America veterinary orthopedic medicine market.
 

• The increasing pet ownership, advancements in veterinary care, and rising awareness of animal health are driving growth of market in Brazil.
   
• The increasing demand for orthopedic surgeries due to fracture, arthritis, and hip dysplasia complications faced by both companion and farm animals is also boosting market growth. The market is further supported by improvements in implants, prosthetics, and regenerative therapies.
   
• In addition, government initiatives supporting veterinary healthcare advancements and the digitalization of veterinary services are further fueling market expansion across the country.  
   

The Saudi Arabia veterinary orthopedic medicine market is witnessing substantial growth in Middle East and Africa.
 

• The Saudi Arabia market is expanding because of increased adoption of pets, investment in livestock, and development of veterinary services.
   
• There is a growing need for orthopedic surgery, especially for fracture treatment, joint replacement procedures, and regenerative surgery, in horses, other companion animals, and livestock.
   
• The market growth is supported by government policies aimed at improving veterinary care services and animal welfare. This is further strengthened by the strong demand for horse healthcare arising from the country's active horse racing and breeding industry.
   

Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine Market Share

The top 5 companies in the market - Elanco Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, Ceva Santé Animale, Merck, and Zoetis - account for about 70% of the market share. These companies maintain their strong position through advances in regenerative therapies, orthopedic implants, and AI-powered diagnostics. This helps them meet the growing demand for specialized veterinary orthopedic treatments.
 

Companies are expanding their product lines with stem cell therapy, hyaluronic acid injections, and minimally invasive surgical solutions to help improve mobility and recovery in animals. For instance, Bioiberica and Contipro focus on making joint health supplements, while PetVivo Holdings and VetStem work on regenerative medicine. Companies are also investing in digital imaging, wearable devices, and 3D-printed implants, which drives innovation and competition in the veterinary orthopedic market.
 

Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine Market Companies

Major players operating in the veterinary orthopedic medicine industry are:

• Ardent Animal Health
• Bimeda
• Bioiberica
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Ceva Sante Animale
• Contipro
• Contura Vet US
• Elanco Animal Health
• Hester Biosciences
• MEDREGO
• Merck
• PetVivo Holdings
• T-Cyte Therapeutics
• Vetoquinol
• VetStem
• Virbac
• Zoetis
   
• Merck Animal Health provides orthopedic support through NSAIDs such as Banamine (flunixin meglumine), which is mainly used in large animals for musculoskeletal pain relief. Additionally, Mobic (meloxicam) for cattle helps treat inflammatory joint conditions. Merck enhances its drug portfolio with data-driven health monitoring systems that improve post-operative care and orthopedic condition tracking.
   
• Boehringer Ingelheim specializes in pharmaceutical and regenerative medicine solutions for veterinary orthopedics. Its product Metacam (meloxicam), a leading NSAID, provides effective pain management for osteoarthritis and post-surgical recovery in animals. The company also invests in training veterinary practitioners and offers digital tools to support the best practices in orthopedic pain management.
   
• Zoetis leads the market in orthopedic innovation with products like Librela (bedinvetmab), a first-in-class monoclonal antibody therapy for canine osteoarthritis pain that offers monthly injections with minimal side effects. The company also provides Rimadyl (carprofen), a trusted NSAID for joint inflammation and pain relief. Through its investment in biologics and long-acting injectables, Zoetis delivers targeted, long-lasting orthopedic solutions that reduce daily dosing needs and improve animal quality of life.
   

Veterinary Orthopedic Medicine Industry News

• In February 2025, Zoetis announced a U.S. label update for Librela (bedinvetmab injection), expanding its use to include the control of canine osteoarthritis (OA) pain. This update helps millions of dogs suffering from OA in the U.S. Librela, a once-monthly injectable monoclonal antibody, received FDA approval in May 2023 and launched in the U.S. in October 2023. It has helped treat over one million dogs to date.
   
• In October 2023, Ardent Animal Health LLC licensed Athersys' animal health assets to improve regenerative medicine solutions for veterinary uses. This agreement aims to improve treatments for orthopedic conditions in animals using Athersys' stem cell-based technologies.
   
• In January 2024, Ceva Santé Animale acquired Scout Bio to improve pet therapeutics. This acquisition strengthens Ceva's position in veterinary regenerative medicine, helping develop advanced biologic treatments for orthopedic and other long-term conditions in pets.
   
• In September 2022, Zoetis acquired Jurox, an animal health company that makes veterinary medicines for livestock and companion animals. This acquisition improves Zoetis' portfolio, including orthopedic treatments, and expands its ability to manage pain and provide surgical care for animals.
   

The veterinary orthopedic medicine market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Biologics       
  • Stem cells
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Other biologics
• Viscosupplements    
• Pharmaceuticals      
  • Steroids
  • NSAIDs
  • Other pharmaceuticals

Market, By Animal Type

• Companion animals
• Livestock animals

Market, By Application

• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative joint disease
• Other applications

Market, By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Injectable
• Topical

Market, By End Use

• Veterinary hospitals
• Veterinary clinics
• Other end use

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE