Professional Review of Canine Castration Techniques and Complication Management in Kwara State Veterinary Practice

Canine castration remains one of the most commonly performed elective surgical procedures in small animal veterinary practice and is a critical component of companion animal population control programs in Nigeria. This study professionally reviews the techniques employed, complication rates, and complication management approaches in canine castration procedures performed at veterinary facilities in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, between April 2022 and March 2024. A prospective study design enrolled 104 canine castration cases across eight facilities. Surgical technique, pre-scrotal versus scrotal approach, anesthetic protocol, suture material selection, and postoperative complication rates were systematically documented. The pre-scrotal open castration technique was employed in 82% of cases. Postoperative complications were recorded in 14.4% of operated dogs, with wound infection, seroma formation, and self-trauma accounting for 73% of all complications. Elizabethan collar use was prescribed in only 61% of cases and contributed to higher self-trauma complication rates where absent. Complete ligation of spermatic cord vessels was confirmed by the operating surgeon in 91% of cases, correlating with no postoperative hemorrhagic complications in that group. Owner compliance with postoperative care instructions was identified as the strongest modifiable determinant of complication outcome. The study recommends standardized written postoperative care instructions for clients, mandatory Elizabethan collar prescription post-castration, and regular peer-led case review sessions among practitioners in Kwara State. Keywords: canine castration, orchiectomy, surgical complications, Kwara State, companion animal surgery.