Assessment of Anesthetic Protocols Used in Equine Field Surgery in Kebbi State

Field anesthesia in horses presents unique challenges in resource-limited settings, particularly in Nigeria's North West region where specialist equipment and trained personnel are often unavailable. This study assesses the anesthetic protocols employed in equine field surgical procedures carried out in Kebbi State over an 18-month period from July 2022 to December 2023. A structured questionnaire was administered to 38 veterinary practitioners and para-veterinary personnel conducting field surgeries, and direct observation of 27 procedures was undertaken. Data collected included anesthetic agents used, monitoring parameters, intraoperative complications, and recovery quality. Xylazine-ketamine combinations were the most frequently administered induction protocol, used in 74% of field procedures. Castration and wound debridement constituted 68% of all field surgeries recorded. Intraoperative complications including hypoxia, hypotension, and prolonged recovery were documented in 33% of procedures, largely attributed to absence of intraoperative monitoring equipment. Only 21% of practitioners used a structured anesthetic monitoring checklist. The findings indicate a significant gap in anesthetic safety practices and monitoring standards for equine field surgery in North Western Nigeria. Recommendations include the development of standardized field anesthetic guidelines, the provision of portable monitoring equipment for field veterinarians, and structured continuing professional development programs focused on equine anesthesia safety. Keywords: equine field anesthesia, xylazine-ketamine, castration, Kebbi State, anesthetic monitoring.