The Vetalytix Report
VETERINARY PRACTICE DATA POINTS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2018
The first quarter of 2018 proved to be challenging for many veterinarians around the country. With record cold and snow event after snow event, pet owners had little reason to leave their homes in the first few months of 2018.
But how significant were these challenges to veterinary practices in the first quarter? Let’s take a look using product consumption data made available through our partnership with Animalytix and their new platform, Vetalytix.com.
Mid-Atlantic
Overall veterinary business metrics for the Mid-Atlantic States were below average for the first quarter of 2018 as many states were hit especially hard with prolonged winter weather.
Clinical volume was -1.7% compared to the first quarter of 2017, and compared to the national average of 1.3%. Canine and feline core vaccine volumes were both negative compared to prior year and below the national averages as well. Even canine influenza volumes, up significantly from the first quarter of 2017, still trailed significantly behind the national averages.
Procedural volume was off from 2017, although less impacted than the effects observed nationally.
Less surprising, the data suggests that the extended winter months stalled preventive medicine, with flea & tick dose volumes down 11.4% from prior year.
| Middle Atlantic | Q1 2018 | Q1 2018 National |
| Vet Consumption Index (Overall Clinical Volume) |
-1.7% | 1.3% |
| Canine Core Vacc Doses | -7.5% | 0.0% |
| Canine Flu Vacc Doses | 39.3% | 144.0% |
| Feline Core Vacc Doses | -5.3% | -2.5% |
| Advanced Procedural Volume (Inhalant Anesth. Dynamics) | -14.8% | -17.6% |
| Flea Tick Doses | -11.4% | -6.4% |
Great Lakes
Veterinary business metrics for the East North Central states (Great Lakes) were consistent with broader national trends suggesting less disruption to the local markets.
Overall clinical volume was flat compared to the first quarter of 2017, compared to the national average of +1.3%. Canine and feline core vaccine volumes were both mildly negative compared to prior year. Canine influenza dose utilization was markedly increased vs. prior year, consistent to the broader adoption of this antigen as a critical component of vaccination protocols.
Procedural volume and flea & tick dose volume were both off from 2017, but no less impacted than the effects observed nationally.
| East North Central (Great Lakes) |
Q1 2018 | Q1 2018 National |
| Vet Consumption Index (Overall Clinical Volume) |
-0.3% | 1.3% |
| Canine Core Vacc Doses | -0.9% | 0.0% |
| Canine Flu Vacc Doses | 45.4% | 144.0% |
| Feline Core Vacc Doses | -4.5% | -2.5% |
| Advanced Procedural Volume (Inhalant Anesth. Dynamics) | -17.2% | -17.6% |
| Flea Tick Doses | -5.8% | -6.4% |
Mountain States
Overall veterinary business metrics for the Mountain States were positive compared to broader national trends.
Overall clinical volume was up almost 4% compared to the first quarter of 2017, one of only a few regions with higher than average clinical dynamics compared to the national average. Canine and feline core vaccine volumes were mixed with canine core doses slightly below 2017 values but feline doses showing positive growth at almost 3%. Canine influenza volume showed tremendous growth, far outpacing the national averages by 2X.
Procedural volume, although negative, was less impacted than other areas of the country compared to 2017.
The only area in which significant underperformance was observed was in the area of flea & tick dose volume, where volumes were down 13.6% compared to the prior year.
| Mountain | Q1 2018 | Q1 2018 National |
| Vet Consumption Index (Overall Clinical Volume) |
3.8% | 1.3% |
| Canine Core Vacc Doses | -2.1% | 0.0% |
| Canine Flu Vacc Doses | >200% | 144.0% |
| Feline Core Vacc Doses | 2.7% | -2.5% |
| Advanced Procedural Volume (Inhalant Anesth. Dynamics) | -10.7% | -17.6% |
| Flea Tick Doses | -13.6% | -6.4% |
Pacific
In the first quarter of 2018, the Pacific states observed significantly better business metrics compared to other parts of the country.
Overall clinical volume was up almost 5% compared to the first quarter of 2017, outpacing the national average. Canine and feline core vaccine volumes, while flat compared to prior year, were both relatively stronger than the significant decreases in dose volumes observed in other geographies. Canine influenza utilization appears to be exploding, up significantly from the first quarter of 2017, and far outpacing adoption rates on a national scale.
Procedural volume, although negative, was less impacted than other areas of the country compared to 2017.
Flea & tick dose volume was off from Q1 2017, but not significantly less impacted than the effects observed nationally.
| Pacific | Q1 2018 | Q1 2018 National |
| Vet Consumption Index (Overall Clinical Volume) |
4.8% | 1.3% |
| Canine Core Vacc Doses | 0.4% | 0.0% |
| Canine Flu Vacc Doses | >200% | 144.0% |
| Feline Core Vacc Doses | -0.4% | -2.5% |
| Advanced Procedural Volume (Inhalant Anesth. Dynamics) | -14.9% | -17.6% |
| Flea Tick Doses | -7.5% | -6.4% |
Summary
The markets (and market dynamics) for veterinary medicine are very different depending on what part of the country you’re in. As a result, veterinary practices, and the challenges they face, are just as diverse.
Data from the first quarter of 2018 suggests a tepid start to the new year in many areas of clinical practice. But there’s no doubt that some areas have significantly more challenges to face while others have positive dynamics to build off of for the remainder of 2018. Understanding these dynamics, and the role they play in your market, can provide insight into better meeting the needs of your veterinary practice customers.
About Vetalytix
Vetalytix is the industry’s largest repository of localized economic insight, regulatory compliance resources and pharmacy support tools, all of which are designed to help the stand alone veterinary practice compete in today’s challenging economy. Sponsored by numerous stakeholders of animal health distribution and manufacturing, Vetalytix is an open community for all veterinarians and their teams to access.
Vetalytix pairs aggregated companion animal sales information with an active practice owner to uncover insights to change the way they operate. Ultimately, practice ownership is small business ownership, and the more access an owner has to the market around them, the better they can meet the needs of their clients and patients.
To see more detailed information related to your local market, please go to www.vetalytix.com to learn more.
