Equine Imaging Services Market - By Imaging Modality, By Application, By End Use - Global Forecast 2025 - 2034

Equine Imaging Services Market Size

The global equine imaging services market size was valued at USD 879.5 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 934 million in 2025 to USD 1.7 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.8%. The growth of the market is attributed to the growing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, ligament injuries, and other disorders in horses.
 

For instance, as reported in research studies, lameness is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders afflicting horses, with incidence spiking in older horses, reaching 77% of those aged 30 and over. This drives the demand for advanced equine imaging services such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound and leads to increased veterinary services appointments and enhances the equine imaging services market. Also, rising horse ownership rates and increasing spendings on equine healthcare have fueled market growth.
 

Advancements in diagnostic imaging technologies including 3D imaging, digital radiography, and portable machines have gained traction in the market. In addition, growth of equine sports, and racing sector is significantly increasing the need for advanced imaging technologies for injury prevention and treatment. Furthermore, increased veterinary research and collaborations aimed at developing innovative imaging technologies are expected to facilitate market growth. The higher acceptance of AI diagnostic tools will also improve efficiency and accuracy of equine imaging.
 

Equine imaging services are diagnostic techniques that enable visualization of a horse’s anatomy to assist with a particular diagnosis or treatment. It includes X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, nuclear imaging, and other modalities that detect musculoskeletal disorders, ligament injuries, and internal abnormalities.
 

Equine Imaging Services Market Trends

Advancements in imaging technologies are boosting the growth of the market that enhance early disease diagnosis, treatment, and planning.
 

• Innovations such as digital radiography (DR), CT, and MRI provide detailed insights into musculoskeletal, fractures and soft tissue or ligament injuries of horses. AI augmentation in imaging interpretation is making the diagnosis faster and minimizing human mistakes.
   
• Also, portable imaging devices and improvement in 3D imaging capabilities further increase the ability to make diagnoses in equine clinics. For instance, in November 2024, Agfa showcased a dedicated set of solutions at 70^th annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) pertaining to equine care that included the Smart Rotate for Equine.
   
• The introduction of an AI-based SmartRotate for Equine aimed to improve workflow efficiency by automatically displaying each X-ray image in the correct orientation to overcome the challenges presented by the traditional equine X-ray examinations which consist of 20 images as each image is difficult and time-consuming to position. This tends to enhance the diagnostic testing workflow capacity expanding the market growth.
   
• Similarly, in June 2023, the University of Missouri (MU) Veterinary Health Center located in Columbia installed an equine standing CT scanner. This fan-beam CT was installed to provide high quality images with low radiation doses with improved resolution imaging for recreational, sport, and western horses. This signified the expansion in the diagnostic service capabilities of the clinic with an aid in diagnosing a wide range of pathology in equine patients.
   

However, the high equipment cost limiting the service capability coupled with the lack of skilled professionals expects to impede the growth of the market. Moreover, stringent regulatory challenges, with restricted access to imaging facilities in rural areas further hindering the market growth.
 

Equine Imaging Services Market Analysis

Based on the imaging modality, the global market is segmented into X-rays, ultrasound, MRI scans, nuclear imaging systems, CT scans, and other imaging modalities. The X-rays segment generated the largest market revenue of USD 355.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 664.1 million by 2034, witnessing its prominence throughout the forecast period at a CAGR of 6.5%.
 

• X-ray is the primary method in diagnosing fractures, joint problems, and musculoskeletal disorders. These are the cost-effective, accessible, and widely available imaging modality that provide rapid diagnostic results making them the preferred method of imaging for equine veterinarians.
   
• Also, the advancement in X-ray machines such as portable X-ray machines have also made it easier to carry out diagnosis on site instead of having to transport the horses to specialized facilities.
   
• For instance, in April 2024, MiREYE Imaging introduced an advanced series of AI-based Veterinary X-ray machines in the U.S. to transform the diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine. The company incorporated AI technology to improve accuracy and efficiency in veterinary imaging. The machine was designed for automatic subject contour determination, thus enabling veterinarians to obtain precise diagnostic images automatically which streamlined the imaging process.
   
• This launch signified changes in the advances of imaging procedures which tend to increase the demand for equine imaging services. Therefore, high demand for X-rays over the expensive modalities is expected to contribute to the spurring demand for X-ray imaging services, thereby reinforcing their prominence in the market.

Based on application, the global equine imaging services market is categorized into orthopedics, oncology, cardiology, neurology, and other applications. The orthopedics segment accounted for the highest market share of 35.9% in 2024.
 

• The high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and joint disorders, most particularly in sport horses, racing horses, and farm horses drives the need for diagnostic imaging.
   
• X-rays and MRI are routinely performed for diagnosis in equine orthopedics, including ligament injuries, fractures, tendons-abnormalities and osteoarthritis. Thus, increasing adoption of advanced imaging technologies for diagnosis and treatment planning will spur the segment expansion.
   
• Furthermore, equine healthcare and investments in diagnostics have been on the rise which in turn expands the orthopedic imaging services, thereby, reinforcing its position in the market.
   

Based on the end use, the global equine imaging services market is categorized into veterinary hospitals & clinics, veterinary diagnostic centers, and academic & research institutes. The veterinary hospitals & clinics segment is expected to hold a prominent position in the market with a growth rate of 6.6%, to reach USD 907.1 million by 2034.
 

• The veterinary hospitals & clinics prominence was asserted due to the widespread availability of advanced diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and other modalities in the facilities. These facilities specialize in their care for equine musculoskeletal, neurological, and internal disorders, making them preference for imaging services.
   
• Also, the increasing expenditure on equine healthcare alongside the growing population of horse owners has propelled the demand for imaging services offered by hospitals and clinics.
   
• Moreover, growing strategic collaborations among the veterinary hospitals and research organizations for advanced diagnostic applications further stimulate the market expansion.

In 2024, the U.S. hold a prominent position in the North American equine imaging services market, reaching a valuation of USD 346.5 million, up from USD 326.6 million in 2023.
 

• U.S. leadership was driven due to its advanced veterinary infrastructure, high equine population, and significant investment in equine healthcare. For instance, according to the American Horse Council. Data, in 2023, the country boasts a population of over 6.7 million horses, of which 129,000 are in Minnesota ranked nineteenth for the largest horse population in the U.S.
   
• The leading states include Florida at 334,900 horses, California at 477,400 horses, with Texas holding the highest with 748,800 horses. This expanding demographic elevated the necessity for veterinary medicine along with the spurring need for diagnostic imaging services.
   
• Also, the presence of specialized equine clinics and hospitals equipped with cutting-edge imaging technologies such as advanced MRI, CT, and digital radiography, and other modalities will foster the country level industry growth.
   
• The market growth is further aided by government support, funding veterinary research coupled with the constant enhancement in technology.
   

Germany is poised to achieve significant growth in the Europe equine imaging services market.
 

• The well-developed veterinary healthcare system and advanced diagnostic technologies along with a developed equine industry contributes to Germany’s dominance in the market in Europe.
   
• The large population of equine who participate in sport and racing in the country increases the need for precise imaging solutions such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds for injury and disease diagnostic imaging.
   
• Further, the country is the home to veterinary research institutions and specialized equine clinics in Germany.
   

The China equine imaging services market is anticipated to witness rapid growth in Asia Pacific market in coming years.
 

• China growth is driven by rising popularity of equestrian sports, and improvement in diagnostic imaging services. The increasing awareness of horse health has led to the growth of the high definition imaging services, thereby boosting the country level market growth.
   
• Government support in developing veterinary infrastructure and modernization further uplifts the market. Growing surge in horse ownership and the use of modern diagnostic imaging methods for diagnosis make a significant contribution to the China market.
   

Saudi Arabia’s equine imaging services market is poised to grow at a considerable growth rate in Middle East and Africa market.
 

• Saudi Arabia's market is anticipated to grow significantly within the Middle East and Africa region due to the country's robust culture of equestrianism, rising funding in veterinary services, and growing adoption of advanced imaging techniques.
   
• The country boasts of hosting elite horse racing events and contests like the Saudi Cup, an international horse race which has led to an increase in the demand for quality diagnostic services.
   
• Government programs for the improvement of veterinary services and for protection also help in the expansion of this market.
   
• Further, the increasing number of technologically advanced specialized equine clinics with MRI and CT scan facilities boosts the development. This trend reinforced Saudi Arabia’s emergence in the equine diagnostic imaging services market
   

Equine Imaging Services Market Share

The top 5 players in the market generated ~15% of the market share. The market is predominantly served by clinics and specialized equine hospitals that possess diagnostic imaging instruments and offer holistic treatment services. The leading key players such as IDEXX Laboratories, IMV Imaging, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Royal Veterinary College's Equine Referral Hospital, Virginia Equine Imaging tend to focus on service quality, technology, and market coverage. While other companies are primarily focused on the cost advantages, AI-powered imaging interpretation services and telemedicine consultations are improving their competitive positioning.
 

Partnerships with organizations involved in equestrian sports or veterinary research further increases market coverage. In addition, there is intense competition among service providers with continuous increases in their investments to support growth in the availability of services and their geographical coverage to address the significant need for early detection of disorders and assessment of the horse performance. As competition in the market is increasing, the need for increased innovation coupled with the integration of technology to strengthen the market presence.
 

Equine Imaging Services Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the equine imaging services industry include:

• Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center
• Chine House Veterinary Hospital
• Daniel Equine Services 
• Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
• IDEXX Laboratories
• IMV Imaging
• Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center
• Moore Equine P.C
• National Research Center on Equines.
• Rainbow Equine Hospital
• Royal Veterinary College's Equine Referral Hospital
• Tennessee Equine Hospital
• VET.CT
• Vets Pets
• Virginia Equine Imaging
   

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers a diverse range of full services for advanced imaging in equine industry including DR, MRI, X-ray, Ultrasound, CT scans, catering to elite the performance of horses. In addition, the company is also focused on advancing the workflow to streamline the service efficiency in the equine healthcare management. For instance, Hagyard implemented GlobalVetLink Compliance Assistant platform that will allow seamless compliance and increased efficiency for veterinarians and hospital staff.
 

IMV Imaging specializes in high-end technologies and portable imaging solutions designed to enhance diagnostic efficiency and improve veterinary care outcomes.
 

IDEXX Laboratories offers a comprehensive range of advanced AI radiology and other diagnostic imaging services tailored to horses, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis and efficient fulfilment of veterinary practitioners’ needs.
 

Equine Imaging Services Industry News

• In October 2024, The Johnson Family Equine Hospital located at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Colorado State University implemented a modern Qalibra CT scanner that will provide several standings, high-quality, 3D, soft tissue examinations of the head and lower limbs of horses, without requiring general anesthesia. For some horses this includes the carpus and hock areas. This installation goal was to enhance the available diagnostic imaging services for horses within the state.
   
• In July 2024, Virginia Equine Imaging, a premiere equine sports medicine clinic acquired a new Asto CT Equina Standing CT Scanner. This technology represented a strategic development by the clinic towards improving the quality of care offered to equine athletes. The installation of such advanced devices aimed to improve the precise diagnostic capabilities and expand the clinic’s scope of services in the field.
   
• In December 2023, Palm Beach Equine Clinic added a Canon Aquilion LB Exceed Dual Energy CT scanner to its line of advanced medical imaging devices. The Palm Beach Equine Clinic is presently the sole South Florida facility that possesses a Canon Aquilion LB Exceed CT scanner that performs six times faster than other CT scanners. This installation was intended to provide incomparable service to horse owners in Florida by making the diagnosis of injuries to every part of a horse’s body accurate, effortless, and rapidly.
   

The equine imaging services market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Imaging Modality

• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• MRI scans
• Nuclear imaging systems
• CT scans
• Other imaging modalities

Market, By Application

• Orthopedics
• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Other applications

Market, By End Use

• Veterinary hospitals & clinics
• Veterinary diagnostic centers
• Academic & research institutes

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
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE