Health Care for Pets

When you look at your dog or cat you look at it as that nice part of the family that brings everyone together. The truth of the matter is that dogs, cats, and pets, in general, have become a major part of our lives. The more time we have pets the more we tend to invest in them. From collars to baths, to even clothes, pets are spoiled as a result of our love. So does diagnostic imaging fit into this equation?  The answer to that question is a resounding yes.

Health care for pets has become a big business that runs the gamut from health care to actual treatment. Today the office of a veterinarian looks more and more like the office of a clinician specializing in cardiology or neurology. The investment in our four-legged friends has led to an unexpected and yet not completely surprising opening in the imaging market. Right now veterinarians are investing in everything from CT scanners to MRI scanners.

This is a new opening that has definitely made a major impact in the US since pets have taken a far stronger place in our lives. A diagnostic imaging procedure for a pet may cost anywhere between 1,200 to 2,000 dollars and chances are that pet health insurance will cover it. It’s interesting how people will pay that amount for a pet’s health and will complain about the same amount for themselves.

This development in the market brings a couple of things forward. In some countries, overseas animals are not held in that high of a regard. Will this kind of market opening develop as well? When you take into consideration the fact that a lot of animals are used primarily for reasons of work as opposed to reasons of companionship, the market and demand for this equipment to be used may not be as great.