A retrospective study of the prevalence of canine surgical cases in Delta State, Nigeria

Introduction: A retrospective analysis of clinical records of dogs presented to veterinary clinics in Delta State, Nigeria, was undertaken to analyse prevalence and pattern of surgical cases for a period of 10 years. The implications of the data to regional and national planning, awareness and preparedness of veterinarians in practice were discussed. Methods: Case records held at five (5) government veterinary clinics in Delta State, Nigeria, between January 2006 and December 2016 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria for study were based on random sampling of veterinary clinics in busy urban centres across the state and dogs presented for surgical management. Results: A total of 3,212 case files were reviewed. The records on sex, breed and type of surgical intervention were evaluated. Wounds/trauma cases were highest (29.6%) and tumours were least (1.7%) among surgical cases managed during the period. Among the four hundred and fifteen (n=415) dogs presented for surgical management, the local breed (Mongrel) had the highest prevalence (52.3%) of surgical conditions, while the Lhasa Apso (1%), and the Samoyed (1%) had the least occurrence. Male dogs (70.8%) were presented more for surgery than females (29.2%). Significance: Data on animal population that assess veterinary medical facilities are vital tools for local, state, national, or global health strategic planning.