Assessment of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Utilization Patterns in Bauchi State Public Veterinary Facilities

The rational use of diagnostic imaging is central to effective clinical decision-making in veterinary surgery and internal medicine. Yet access to and appropriate utilization of imaging technologies in public veterinary facilities across northern Nigeria remains poorly documented. This study assesses diagnostic imaging utilization patterns, available equipment, and indications for imaging at public veterinary facilities in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria, between January and December 2023. A facility audit and clinician survey were conducted across 19 public veterinary facilities including veterinary hospitals, zonal offices, and teaching clinics. Data on imaging modalities available, frequency of use, indications, referral practices for imaging, and barriers to utilization were collected. Conventional plain film radiography was the only imaging modality available at 12 of 19 surveyed facilities, and only 7 facilities had functional radiographic equipment at the time of assessment. Ultrasound was available at 4 facilities, all of which were urban-based. Computed tomography and MRI were unavailable at all surveyed facilities, with referrals to Abuja or Jos required for advanced imaging. Imaging utilization rates were low, averaging 3.2 imaging cases per facility per month. Primary barriers included equipment downtime, shortage of trained operators, and cost of imaging materials. The study recommends priority investment in diagnostic imaging infrastructure at Bauchi State public veterinary facilities, capacity building for imaging operators, and the establishment of a zonal veterinary imaging referral network across North Eastern Nigeria. Keywords: veterinary diagnostic imaging, radiology utilization, Bauchi State, public veterinary facilities, equipment access.