Retrospective Analysis of Large Animal Surgical Cases at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (1995-2024)

This retrospective study analysed large animal surgical cases at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1995 to 2024. While surgical treatments play a key role in large animal care, there is still limited data on surgical trends and outcomes in Nigerian veterinary hospitals. The study aimed to examine the pattern, distribution, and outcomes of large animal surgical cases over this 30-year period. Clinical records of 721 large animal cases were reviewed. Data included species, breed, surgical conditions, surgical procedures, anaesthesia used, outcomes, and patient demographics. Cases involved ovine, caprine, bovine, equine, and porcine species. Diagnoses were made using case history, physical examination, clinical signs, and laboratory tests. Surgical cases accounted for 11.7% of large animal cases, with ovine species making up the majority of cases (51.2%), followed by caprine (38.1%), bovine (7.1%), equine (2.4%), and porcine (1.2%). West African Dwarf breeds were the most common in ovine and caprine cases. Female animals slightly outnumbered males (52.4% against 47.6%). Common surgical conditions included fractures (32.1%), dystocia (28.6%), and hernias (20.2%). Caesarean sections were the most frequent procedure (34.5%), followed by debridement/suturing (21.4%) and castration (16.7%). Local anaesthesia, mainly using lignocaine/lidocaine, was the most common choice (59.5%). Most surgical cases involve sheep and goats, with fractures, dystocia, and hernias being the most common issues. More training on surgical procedures in sheep and goats, especially caesarean sections and fracture management, is recommended.