Professional Assessment of Emergency Surgical Preparedness at Veterinary Facilities in Niger State

Emergency surgical preparedness in veterinary facilities encompasses the availability of essential surgical equipment, drugs, personnel training, and protocols required to manage life-threatening surgical conditions in animals. This study assesses the emergency surgical preparedness of veterinary facilities in Niger State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional facility assessment involving 22 registered veterinary facilities in Minna and surrounding areas was conducted between April and November 2023. Structured assessment checklists evaluated the availability of emergency surgical instruments, anesthetic equipment, essential medications, sterilization systems, and trained personnel. Key informant interviews with facility managers and senior veterinary practitioners were also conducted. Only 32% of facilities met the minimum threshold for emergency surgical preparedness defined by the study checklist. Essential emergency drugs including atropine, diazepam, and adrenaline were stocked at 68% of facilities, while appropriate endotracheal tubes were available at only 41%. Autoclave sterilization systems were functional at 55% of assessed facilities. A qualified veterinary surgeon was on duty or on-call 24 hours per day at only 18% of facilities. Referral pathways for cases requiring specialist emergency surgery were undefined at 77% of facilities. The study concludes that emergency surgical preparedness in Niger State veterinary facilities is critically insufficient and poses a significant risk to animal health outcomes. Systematic investment in equipment, training, and emergency protocols is urgently recommended, supported by state veterinary authority oversight and professional regulation. Keywords: emergency surgical preparedness, veterinary facilities, Niger State, surgical equipment, animal health.