Retrospective Study on Food Animal Surgery in Selected States of South–East Nigeria from 2010-2017

Abstract

Surgery in food animals is influenced by a lot of factors. This study retrospectively analysed the practice of carrying out surgery in food animals in some states of South-East Nigeria (Abia, Imo, and Ebonyi) over a period of eight years (2010-2017). All existing records and reports in the Government-owned veterinary clinics in the capital cities covering the period of study were analysed. Data obtained were supported by oral interviews with staff. Results showed that there were significantly (p<0.05) more surgeries performed in the last two years (2016 and 2017) than in the previous six years. Over the eight-year period, the peak ‘season’ for surgery was around February and September. Musculoskeletal and reproductive surgeries accounted for almost 90 % of surgeries recorded over the period. Bovine (42 %) and caprine (25 %) were the predominant food animal species presented for surgery in the study region. Unfortunately, the level of documentation of records of surgeries on food animals leaves a lot to be desired. It is true that surgery on food animals may not be as popular in this part of the world as it is for companion animals and other classes of animals; however, for economic purposes including management decisions, policy making, and research, it is highly recommended that record keeping of surgeries on food animals be greatly improved.