Global Equine Imaging Services Market Size, Trend & Opportunity Analysis Report, by Service Type (Computed Tomography (CT), X-ray, Ultrasound, Endoscopy, MRI, Others), and Forecast, 2024–2035

Market Definition and Introduction

The global equine imaging services market was valued at USD 814.05 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 1822.16 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period (2024–2035). As equine-related advances in veterinary diagnostics and rehabilitation continue to develop, the advanced imaging services are being redefined based on the clinical requirements, but also regulatory expectations around animal welfare. The equine landscape has changed dramatically, whereby three decades ago, imaging was still regarded as a luxury, but now is considered a diagnostic cornerstone with regard to lameness management, musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, and horse performance enhancement. With the increasing awareness, increasing disposable income available to horse owners, and equine sports insurance coverage, high-definition imaging modalities like MRI and CT have gone beyond elite equestrian centres and into mainstream veterinary practices.

At the same time, the advent of digital X-ray systems and portable ultrasound equipment has opened field conditions for equitable access to diagnostic imaging so that veterinarians can discern subtle injuries very early and reduce rehabilitation costs. Treatment pathways can be informed by being able to visualise internal structures with accuracy, promote preventative care, and enhance prognosis for both performance and pleasure horses. Along with contemporary technological advancement, new modalities such as standing MRI systems or compact CT scanners are being brought closer to equine physiology to diminish anaesthesia risks and diagnostic safety.

On the supply side, manufacturers and service providers are investing in research collaborations, AI-driven diagnostic platforms, and custom imaging protocols to address specialised veterinary needs. Concurrently, the regulatory momentum directing high welfare standards and biosecurity within equine sports is fast-tracking the adoption. The convergence of the two pressures of clinical precision by demand from owners for preventive diagnostics is leading to a strategic transformation of the equine imaging services market, reorienting investment priorities, veterinary practice, and the very definition of contemporary equine care.

Recent Developments in the Industry

Hallmarq broadens standing MRI services for equine lameness detection.

Launched in April 2024, Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging's upgraded standing MRI system for equine practices will lessen anaesthetic complications and deliver high-quality musculoskeletal scans.

GE Healthcare collaborates with veterinary hospitals for AI equine diagnostics.

In February 2024, GE Healthcare announced a partnership with the North American veterinary hospitals to integrate AI diagnostic tools in equine imaging platforms to improve accuracy in early injury detection.

Siemens Healthineers invests in portable CT for equine field diagnostics.

A small, portable CT scanner for horses to cater to diagnostics at horse events and rural vet practice was revealed by Siemens Healthineers in October 2023.

Esaote SpA presents equine-specific ultrasound solutions with mobility enhancement.

In June 2024, Esaote SpA launched a series of handheld, wireless ultrasound units for equine abdominal and reproductive diagnostics, allowing veterinarians to extend their service further.

Canon Medical Systems launches the 3D imaging platform for equine X-ray imaging.

In May 2024, Canon Medical Systems launched cutting-edge digital radiography solutions, which can reconstruct 3D skeletal models to help in the planning of equine orthopaedic surgeries.

Market Dynamics

Increases in advanced imaging modalities are expected to trigger a change in equine healthcare.

Worldwide demand for equine imaging services is literally going up due to the increasing burden of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic disorders in horses and the growing number of equestrian sports. The pressing demand for precision in diagnostics in injury management and performance enhancement is forcing veterinary practitioners to embrace advanced modalities such as MRI, CT, and digital radiography. In addition, portable ultrasound with X-ray units is increasing accessibility by ensuring early intervention even in far-off equine practices.

High equipment costs and service affordability challenges are restraints for the market on a larger scale.

Such are the high capital costs that, in some measure, small clinics, not to mention clinics involved exclusively in equine work, are restrained from accessing advanced imaging modalities for growing demand. MRI and CT systems fitted to equine physiology are major investments, and thus, their adoption is restricted mainly to well-capitalised equine hospitals or referral centres. Regarding service affordability for the horse owner, constraints on the market capture prospect exist due to issues such as factors related to insurance coverage and willingness to pay differential for diagnostics across regions. This remains a permanent financial hurdle on the pathway to scaling market penetration.

Technology innovations and AI-centred platforms create an opportunity like never before

AI-enabled image interpretation, cloud-enabled veterinary records, and enhanced portable imaging systems remain gigantic opportunities for the domain. Not only do these entertain low diagnostic errors, but they also reduce service turnaround times and thereby foster rapid treatment decisions. Standing MRI and portable CT systems are liberating equine diagnostics from risks while giving convenience: a new frontier for growth for service providers and manufacturers.

Increasing equine sports and welfare regulations are accelerating imaging demand.

With global equestrian events intensifying, increased attention is given to areas such as early injury detection, welfare considerations, and biosecurity compliance by regulatory authorities and sporting bodies. This has a direct impact on the demand for routine imaging services as preventive measures, particularly in Europe and North America. The wider equine community, including leisure horse owners, is also now starting to embrace diagnostic imaging as part of routine veterinary care, further diversifying the demand base.

Supply chain and training limitations present industry bottlenecks

The veterinary imaging market is challenged by a lack of radiologists and technicians trained in equine imaging-based practice, especially in developing economies. In parallel, the supply chain for high-end imaging equipment is highly variable, influencing timely installation and upgrades. All of these challenges confirm the growing need for collaborations towards service delivery, training initiatives, and massive investment into infrastructure to support the diagnostic ecosystem.

Attractive Opportunities in the Market

AI-powered diagnostics – AI platforms enhance imaging interpretation accuracy, supporting faster equine clinical decisions.
Portable imaging growth – Compact ultrasound and CT expand service access in remote equine practices.
Insurance-driven demand – Coverage for diagnostic services boosts adoption among equestrian sports horses.
Standing MRI solutions – Reduced anaesthesia requirements drive safe and routine musculoskeletal imaging.
Sports medicine expansion – Equestrian event monitoring creates new avenues for rapid field diagnostics.
Regulatory compliance edge – Welfare-driven guidelines propel adoption of advanced imaging modalities worldwide.
Tele-radiology platforms – Cloud-enabled image sharing broadens veterinary collaboration and consultation opportunities.
Hybrid service models – Partnerships between clinics and mobile providers extend high-end imaging to wider regions.
3D imaging adoption – Advanced X-ray and CT aid orthopaedic planning and post-operative monitoring in horses.
Emerging market demand – Asia-Pacific and Latin America present untapped potential in veterinary diagnostics.

Report Segmentation

By Service Type: Computed Tomography (CT), X-ray, Ultrasound, Endoscopy, MRI, Others

By Region: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), Africa Rest of Latin America)

Key Market Players

Sound Technologies, Esaote SpA, Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Carestream Health, Agfa-Gevaert Group, and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.

Report Aspects

Base Year: 2024
Historic Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Forecast Period: 2024-2035
Report Pages: 293

Dominating Segments

MRI is unrivalled in its specificity in the field of equine imaging by musculoskeletal and neurological standards.

As the most advanced segment of equine imaging services, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) stands firm, capturing in detail soft tissue anatomy and functionality under all imaginable angles, making it a sine qua non for diagnosing ligament and tendon injuries as well as subtle neurological conditions. Whereas both X-ray and ultrasound give virtually complete three-dimensional visualisations through MRI, they offers veterinarians the advanced arsenal they need in developing an almost accurate treatment plan. Furthermore, the advent of standing MRI systems is enhancing accessibility to this modality while reducing anaesthesia risks associated with equine diagnostics and turning them into routine procedures for horses.

X-ray-the leader among diagnostic imaging modalities for cost and skeletal imaging

X-rays comprise very large parts of the equine imaging market; such market characteristics are brought to bear by low prices, wide incidences, and effective use in the diagnosis of fractures and bone diseases, as well as to conditions in a joint. The switch towards digital radiography has led to improved clarity of image and lower doses of radiation, as well as quick results. Radiography is not as excellent as MRI or CT, but remains the number one imaging modality in equine practices, quite generally and in mobile veterinary services.

Ultrasound is the emerging trend for use as a portable yet versatile diagnostic tool.

Ultrasound imaging has gained popularity due to its portability, cost-effectiveness, and value for soft tissue, abdominal, and reproductive diagnostics. Increasingly, veterinarians rely on ultrasound for field examinations, especially in areas related to reproductive management, evaluation of tendon injuries, and abdominal screenings. Real-time imaging makes it an invaluable tool for continuous monitoring of equine health.

CT gains popularity in the orthopaedic and dental fields.

This technique of imaging is not alien to most horse owners, especially for their orthopaedic assessment, evaluation of complicated fractures, and equine dental diagnosis. The advent of mobile CT scanners designed especially for horses has broadened the reach, especially during equestrian events and rural veterinary services. The cost of installation is still too high; otherwise, CT imaging is losing its culture because of its importance in complementing MRI in most complex diagnostic scenarios.

Endoscopy remains a key player in assessing respiratory and non-respiratory gastroenteric disorders.

Endoscopy is a critical modality in diagnosing diseases of the upper respiratory tract, blockage of the gastrointestinal tract, and various other disease conditions within the animal. The performance of equines has much to do with equine respiratory health. Consequently, there is a constant demand for endoscopy services on the part of racehorses and sport horses. More accurate diagnosis and ease of use are to come from advancements in video endoscopy, along with flexible fibre-optic systems for their performance in practice.

Emerging imaging innovations and hybrid systems continue expanding the 'Others' category.

The 'Others' category continues to grow with thermography, nuclear scintigraphy, and other new imaging innovations that veterinary practices undergo. Though these methods may be niche in their application, they offer additional diagnostic value for conditions that fail to fall under conventional imaging methods in broad terms and add diversity and expansion potential within the equine imaging services market.

Key Takeaways

MRI supremacy grows – Standing MRI drives safer musculoskeletal diagnostics with minimal anaesthesia requirements.
X-ray remains essential – Affordable and effective skeletal imaging sustains dominance in general equine practices.
Ultrasound expansion – Portable systems fuel growth in reproductive and tendon diagnostics in equine medicine.
CT adoption increases – Portable CT solutions enhance field diagnostics for orthopaedic and dental evaluations.
Endoscopy relevance strong – Respiratory and gastrointestinal imaging sustains demand in sport and racehorse care.
AI diagnostic advances – Integration of AI platforms accelerates accuracy and efficiency in veterinary imaging.
Insurance-driven adoption – Coverage expansion stimulates demand for advanced diagnostic modalities in equine sports.
Regional expansion trend – Asia-Pacific and LAMEA regions emerge as high-growth hubs for equine imaging uptake.
Hybrid models emerge – Mobile and in-clinic partnerships improve accessibility to high-end imaging services.
Regulatory alignment critical – Welfare-focused legislation drives innovation and compliance across veterinary imaging.

Regional Insights

An advanced infrastructure in veterinary medicine and increased equine ownership guarantee North America of superior leadership.

North America is the largest equine imaging services market, driven by a robust culture in several equestrian activities, high ownership rates, and advanced infrastructure in veterinary medicine. The United States leads in MRI, CT, and digital radiography; enhanced by equine sports insurance coverage and a well-established investment portfolio in veterinary r&d, with both Canada and Mexico also showing growth propelled by increasing participation in equestrian sports and growing welfare-based regulations.

Europe continues to announce through the regulatory standards and innovations in equine health care.

Europe maintains its strong presence in the equine imaging services market, largely due to stringent animal welfare regulations and significant investments in green veterinary technologies. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are key hubs, with well-established equine clinics adopting advanced modalities. The region's pool of leadership in standing MRI and equine endoscopy innovations testifies to its role in setting global trends in equine healthcare.

Asia-Pacific is opening as the fastest-growing market with increasing modernisation in veterinary practice.

Asia-Pacific will be the fast-growing region, boosted by advancing veterinary infrastructure in China, India, and Australia. Demand for advanced imaging methods will increase due to horse ownership, the growing popularity of equestrian sports, and increasing awareness about preventive measures in health care. Further government initiatives for investments in animal health, combined with local clinic partnerships with global imaging providers, will accelerate technology absorption in this area.

LAMEA is progressing steadily with the support of the equestrian sports and tourism industries.

The steady growth of equine imaging services is being witnessed in the LAMEA region because of the flourishing equestrian sports industry in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. Coupled with veterinary modernisation efforts are increasing investments in equine health for tourism and cultural events, thereby widening the scope of services offered by diagnostic services. Areas such as limited infrastructure, however, remain challenges; the region's gradual move toward portable imaging and tele-radiology solutions will, however, ensure growth in the long run.

Core Strategic Questions Answered in This Report

What is the expected growth trajectory of the equine imaging services market from 2024 to 2035?

The global equine imaging services market is projected to grow from USD 814.05 million in 2024 to USD 1822.16 million by 2035, registering a CAGR of 7.6%. This growth is driven by rising demand for precision diagnostics, adoption of advanced imaging modalities, and expanding equestrian sports worldwide.

Which key factors are fuelling the growth of the equine imaging services market?

Several key factors are propelling market growth:

Expanding equestrian sports and horse ownership globally
Rising demand for advanced diagnostics such as MRI and CT
Insurance-driven adoption of veterinary imaging services
Technological innovations in portable and AI-driven imaging platforms
Stringent welfare regulations mandating preventive care in equestrian sports

What are the primary challenges hindering the growth of the equine imaging services market?

Major challenges include:

High equipment and installation costs limit widespread adoption
Affordability barriers among horse owners in developing economies
Shortage of veterinary radiologists trained in equine imaging
Supply chain disruptions affecting high-value imaging devices
Uneven insurance coverage and regional disparities in adoption

Which regions currently lead the equine imaging services market in terms of market share?

North America currently leads the equine imaging services market due to strong veterinary infrastructure and widespread adoption of advanced modalities. Europe closely follows, driven by stringent regulatory frameworks, innovative standing MRI technologies, and a rich equestrian tradition.

What emerging opportunities are anticipated in the equine imaging services market?

The market is ripe with new opportunities, including:

AI-assisted diagnostics improving speed and accuracy
Expansion of portable CT and ultrasound services in field conditions
Rising demand in Asia-Pacific equestrian hubs
Tele-radiology and cloud-enabled diagnostic collaboration
Standing MRI solutions reducing risk and boosting routine adoption

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

The report offers a quantitative assessment of market segments, emerging trends, projections, and market dynamics for the period 2024 to 2035.
The report presents comprehensive market research, including insights into key growth drivers, challenges, and potential opportunities.
Porter's Five Forces analysis evaluates the influence of buyers and suppliers, helping stakeholders make strategic, profit-driven decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer relationships.
A detailed examination of market segmentation helps identify existing and emerging opportunities.
Key countries within each region are analysed based on their revenue contributions to the overall market.
The positioning of market players enables effective benchmarking and provides clarity on their current standing within the industry.
The report covers regional and global market trends, major players, key segments, application areas, and strategies for market expansion. Show more