Evaluation of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Practices in Elective Veterinary Surgery in Delta State

Surgical site infections remain a significant complication of veterinary elective procedures, and appropriate perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis is a cornerstone of surgical infection prevention. This study evaluates the practices, timing, agent selection, and duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis in elective veterinary surgeries performed at both public and private veterinary facilities in Delta State, South South Nigeria, between January 2023 and January 2024. A prospective observational study design was employed, during which 89 elective surgical procedures in dogs, cats, and small ruminants were monitored. Structured interviews with 33 participating veterinary surgeons collected data on prophylaxis rationale, guideline familiarity, and prescribing decision factors. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered in 74% of observed procedures. Ampicillin was the most commonly selected prophylactic agent in 46% of cases, followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate. Prophylaxis was administered at the correct preoperative window of 30 to 60 minutes before incision in only 28% of cases. Prolonged postoperative antimicrobial courses exceeding five days were prescribed in 52% of procedures, deviating substantially from evidence-based guidelines. Practitioners cited client pressure and habit as primary drivers of extended prescribing. The study identifies significant antimicrobial stewardship deficits in elective veterinary surgical settings in Delta State and recommends the development and distribution of species-specific surgical prophylaxis guidelines, practitioner training programs, and monitoring frameworks to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use. Keywords: antimicrobial prophylaxis, elective surgery, surgical site infection, Delta State, antimicrobial stewardship.