Veterinary Renal Disease Market Size Analysis:

Veterinary Renal Disease Market Size was valued at USD 15.8 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 26.04 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.72% over the forecast period 2024-2032.

This report offers statistics on the Veterinary Renal Disease Market along with some prominent statistics for the aspects of disease incidence, treatment adoption, and market dynamics. pipeline analysis This section of the report focuses on multiple analysis segments, which provide information on prevalent drugs, drug types, drug targets, and routes of administration. This is shown through incidence and prevalence data across species and regions, and increased rates of renal disease in companion animals. Prescribing patterns investigate the variation in treatment options used such as phosphate binders and renal diets regionally. Drug volume analysis provides information related to the manufacture and usage of veterinary renal pharmaceuticals. Healthcare spending trends analyze who pays for pet care owners, insurers, and even government programs. Furthermore, the report analyzes market trends for diagnostics and devices and explores regional market growth and the introduction of new therapies like stem cell strategies and renal replacement techniques impacting the future of the industry.

A major factor contributing to the growth of the veterinary renal disease market is the increasing incidence of renal disorders in animals and the expanding discovery and treatment protocols. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 0.5–1% of dogs and 1–3% of cats, and the prevalence increases to 80% in geriatric cats as of 2023, according to the International Renal Interest Society. The U.S. Veterinary Renal Disease Market has shown a steady CAGR of 5.58%, with market size expected to reach USD 8.04 billion by 2032 over the forecast period, owing to a well-established veterinary healthcare system and a rise in pet ownership in this region. The American Pet Products Association found that in 2023–24, 65.1 million U.S. households had pets, a trend that also reflected greater awareness and spending on animal health. Driven by these factors, along with the increasing use of advanced diagnostic tools like imaging and urinalysis, the market is poised for growth. Veterinary renal diseases include kidney disorders in companion animals and livestock, including structural defects, inflammation, or kidney failure. Factors like the growing pet population, innovative diagnostics such as blood tests and ultrasounds, and therapeutic diets for renal conditions are propelling the market.

Veterinary Renal Disease Market Dynamics

Drivers

• The increasing prevalence of renal disorders, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD), in aging pet populations is a significant market driver. ​

The increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in pets is especially evident in aging populations and acts as a considerable driver of the veterinary renal disease market. CKD is particularly common amongst geriatric cats; investigations show that around 30% of cats over the age of nine years have increased blood nitrogen levels, indicative of kidney failure. In dogs, the incidence of CKD is 0.5% to 1.0% and increases with aging. Increasing cases of CKD in companion animals have increased the need for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic products. Through imaging techniques, such as radiographs and abdominal ultrasounds, veterinarians can rely on blood tests and urinalysis to understand kidney function. These developments allow for early identification and treatment of kidney diseases, leading to better outcomes for affected patients. The rising incidence of CKD in pets drives demand for veterinary nephrology, stimulating growth in the veterinary renal disease market.

Restraint

• The high cost of advanced diagnostic and treatment options limits accessibility for some pet owners, hindering market growth. ​

The high cost of advanced diagnostics and treatment, directly associated with renal diseases, greatly limits the number of patients that these latest treatments and diagnostics will reach, causing a major restraint for the market. For example, Americans spent about $38.3 billion on veterinary care in 2023, indicating a heavy burden on owners of all these pets. As a result, pet owners are often left with a choice and those who look to wellness plans or pet insurance to manage expenses during these times often find similar challenges due to the high costs involved with treatment. Nevertheless, they are not likely to extend adequately for more specialized cases, such as kidney disorders, and have forced difficult decisions on how to pay for optimal treatment. The economic burden is exacerbated in areas where insurance coverage is sparse and out-of-pocket costs can be substantial. As a result, the high-cost barrier can lead to deferred or avoided treatments, negatively impacting pet health outcomes and hampering the overall growth of the veterinary renal disease market.

Opportunity

• The development of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as AI-powered tools, enables early detection and management of renal diseases in pets, presenting a substantial opportunity for market expansion.

With advancements in diagnostic technologies, especially with artificial intelligence (AI), there is a unique opportunity to better recognize and manage renal diseases in veterinary practice. Recent data highlights the growing adoption and impact of AI tools in this field. According to a 2024 survey from Digital with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 39.2% of veterinary professionals now use AI tools in their practice. Of these users, 69.5% said they used AI technologies, either daily or weekly. AI is most often applied to imaging and radiology, administrative tasks, and voice-to-text transcription, driving especially beneficial outcomes in the form of higher productivity, time savings, and better diagnostic and treatment efficiency. Recent developments regarding AI-based diagnostic tools have achieved extraordinary figures of accuracy. AI-led imaging diagnosis in veterinary medicine has an accuracy of up to 95% accuracy, making the process an important factor in the early detection of multiple conditions. On top of that, AI algorithms can accurately analyze blood samples 90% of the time as well as detect skin cancer in horses with a 91% accuracy rate. In veterinary pathology, AI has contributed to a 40% reduction in diagnostic errors.

The utilization of such high-end technologies is quite indicative of the rising trends of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in pets. Using data from UK veterinary practices, one study estimated the actual prevalence of CKD in dogs as around 0.37%, noting that advancing age was a strong risk factor. Early detection facilitated by AI-driven diagnostics can enable timely interventions, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for affected animals. Moreover, digital imaging powered by AI has 60% faster diagnosis and saves other resources in terms of patient management in veterinary clinics.

Challenge

• The practice of "off-label" use of drugs in veterinary treatment can prove to be challenging and may hamper market growth.

One of the major challenges in veterinary medicine is off-label drug usage, where medicines are administered for conditions beyond their approved indications. In a study conducted in Serbia, it was determined that 50% of human drugs authorized by veterinarians for dog usage were antimicrobials, and out of these beta-lactams constituted 38.6% of all prescriptions. This practice was often performed without bacterial culture and susceptibility testing which were essential for efficacy and safety. In the United States, the FDA allows extra-label use of drugs under certain circumstances, including when the health of an animal is threatened and no approved solution is available. Veterinarians are required to follow strict record-keeping and labeling requirements to ensure responsible prescribing. The absence of drugs specific to renal disease is a common reason for clinicians needing to prescribe drugs off-label, with an associated risk of adverse drug event (ADE) formation. Prescribing drugs off-label was found by a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine to be associated with a higher incidence of ADEs when used outside of strong scientific evidence, stressing the importance of caution.

Off-label prescribing is prevalent in India due to the lack of approved drugs for certain indications. This practice is a key area of concern surrounding patient safety and emphasizes the need for regulatory oversight and evidence-based guidelines to ensure effective and safe treatments. It is crucial to tackle these issues by designing animal-specific medicines, establishing strict regulatory guidelines, and encouraging the use of evidence-based practices to guarantee the safety and efficacy of renal disease treatments in animals.

Veterinary Renal Disease Market Segment Analysis

By Type

In 2023, the treatment segment dominated the veterinary renal disease market in terms of revenue, accounted 67% of the global share. However, thanks to the many therapeutic options available for treating conditions such as CKD, including specific medications like diuretics, antibiotics, and NSAIDs, as well as specially formulated therapeutic diets, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other renal diseases have a great prospect. The growing incidence of CKD in pets, particularly senior-aged cats and dogs fuelled demand for long-term treatment options. Moreover, government programs promoting veterinary healthcare have further contributed to the growth of this segment. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to fund veterinary research and develop programs that help create treatments for renal diseases in animals. Increased awareness regarding the management of chronic conditions is leading to the high adoption of advanced treatment by pet owners. Therapeutic diet interventions for nutritional management have become highly popular, as evidence from several study groups demonstrates that they slow disease progression and enhance the quality of life in affected animals.

By Animal Type

In 2023, the feline segment had the highest market share and contributed 46% to the global market. This prevalence can all be attributed to the primary recording of CKD amongst aging cats, with studies showing that up to 80% of geriatric cats suffer from the disease. Due to their unique physiology and dietary habits, cats are especially affected by renal diseases, requiring specialized approaches to diagnostics and treatment. The increased rate of global pet ownership has only added to the growth of this segment. Feline CKD is estimated to affect 2%–20% of cats overall but is far more common in older cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The growing availability of feline-specific diagnostic tools and treatments has also fueled market growth. In addition, the increasing pet humanization among pet owners has resulted in the growing expenditure on cat healthcare which contributes towards the growth of this segment.

By Route of Administration

The oral segment was the dominant administration route in 2023, owing its position to its convenience and effectiveness. For the treatment of renal diseases, oral medications like antibiotics, diuretics, and supplements are most characterized in the guidebooks, owing to their simplicity of administration and efficiency in regards to funds, in comparison to even injectables. Palatable forms have additionally stimulated compliance and oral therapies are a popular form. Most CKD and related conditions are managed with oral medications because they are less invasive than many other routes and readily available. The growth of this segment has also been aided by government-backed initiatives promoting affordable veterinary care. For instance, initiatives to subsidize critical drugs have made oral therapies more affordable in developing areas. Moreover, the reformulation of existing drugs for companion animals has led to improved treatment outcomes, thereby reinforcing this segment's dominance.

By Indication

Renal cystitis was the most prominent segment in the veterinary renal disease market in 2023 with a revenue share of about 28%. This is primarily attributable to the high rates of incidence in common companion animals, including cats and dogs. One of the most commonly diagnosed kidney problems in pets is renal cystitis, which typically needs advanced diagnostic tools such as urinalysis and imaging for confirmation. The growing interest of pet owners in urinary tract health has increased the uptake of therapies for renal cystitis. Government statistics highlight that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the leading causes of veterinary visits globally, further driving demand for effective solutions in this segment. The incidence and prevalence of renal cystitis, along with the availability of targeted therapies as well as advanced diagnostic technologies, have drastically improved early detection rates and treatment outcomes for renal cystitis; this has to a greater extent, increased its market share.

By Distribution Channel

Veterinary hospitals and clinics held the largest distribution channel segment in 2023 accounting for over 42% of the market share. These facilities offer a complete range of care, from advanced diagnostics like ultrasounds and X-rays to skilled staff with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating renal diseases. Rising investments made in veterinary infrastructure globally are promoting the availability of services in such facilities, contributing towards their dominant position in the market. For example, North America has a sophisticated veterinary healthcare infrastructure, which has been crucial in driving growth in this segment. Veterinary hospitals can also be great hubs for educating owners daily about how to manage their pet's chronic conditions such as CKD through proper medication and diet plans. Furthermore, as the number of veterinary clinic's global ascent was being formed, there were also more potential service animals so that specialized care could also be available.

Veterinary Renal Disease Market Regional Insights

North America dominated the global veterinary renal disease market in 2023 with a market share 41%, driven by high pet ownership rates and advanced healthcare infrastructure. Some 65 million U.S. households owned pets in 2023–24, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), a trend that has seen increased animal health service spending. The region benefits from well-established veterinary care facilities equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as imaging technologies and blood analysis systems.

Asia-Pacific region has the potential to witness the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast years. This situation is primarily attributed to the increased rate of pet adoption in numerous countries particularly, China and India along with the rapidly spreading awareness about animal health issues. For example, in 2023, China disclosed an estimated 66.5 million pet cats, thus the growing attention on care extended to cats in this continent. Along with government initiatives to develop a veterinary care infrastructure in the region, all of these are contributing to the rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific market.

Veterinary Renal Disease Market Key Players

• IDEXX Laboratories (SediVue Dx Urine Sediment Analyzer, Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer)

• Vetoquinol (Ipakitine, Azodyl)

• Royal Canin (Renal Feline Special, Renal Canine)

• Virbac (Pronefra, VeggieDent FR3SH)

• Hill's Pet Nutrition (Prescription Diet k/d, Prescription Diet k/d Early Support)

• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (NF Kidney Function, Hydra Care)

• Dechra Pharmaceuticals (Specific Kidney Support, Phycox HA)

• Elanco Animal Health (Semintra, Reconcile)

• Zoetis (RenalTech, Benazepril Hydrochloride Tablets)

• Boehringer Ingelheim (Benazecare Flavour Tablets, Semintra)

• Medi-Cal (Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal MP, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Liquid)

• Waltham Petcare Science Institute (Advance Veterinary Diets Renal, Advance Veterinary Diets Renal Liquid)

• Eukanuba Veterinary Diets (Renal Formula, Restricted Calorie Formula)

• Bayer Animal Health (Renalof, Baytril)

• Ceva Santé Animale (Amodip, Prilactone)

• Novartis Animal Health (Fortekor, Semintra)

• Merial (Renalzin, Pronefra)

• NephroTech (Renal K+, Azodyl)

• VetPlus (Renate, Samylin)

• Animed Direct (Kidney Support Gold, Kidney Support Silver)

Recent Developments in the Veterinary Renal Disease Market

• In October 2023, Zoetis introduced Vetscan Imagyst, an AI-enabled renal diagnostic platform for pets in Asia-Pacific markets.

• In March 2024 IDEXX Laboratories launched new imaging technologies designed to enhance renal disease diagnostics.

• In September 2024, Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced therapeutic diets specifically formulated for CKD management.