Evaluation of Perioperative Fluid Therapy Practices in Ruminant Surgery at the University of Maiduguri Veterinary Hospital

Perioperative fluid therapy is essential for maintaining hemodynamic stability and supporting organ function in ruminants undergoing surgical procedures, yet its rational application in Nigerian veterinary teaching hospitals requires critical evaluation. This study evaluates perioperative fluid therapy practices in cattle, sheep, and goats undergoing surgical procedures at the University of Maiduguri Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Borno State, from July 2022 to June 2024. A prospective observational study design was employed, documenting fluid type, volume, infusion rate, clinical indicators for fluid selection, and perioperative clinical outcomes in 96 ruminant surgical cases. Normal saline and Ringer's lactate solution were the most frequently administered fluids, utilized in 71% and 21% of cases respectively. Fluid volumes and rates were based primarily on estimated body weight in 83% of cases, with only 17% incorporating clinical dehydration scoring. Intraoperative hypotension was documented in 28% of cases and was associated with inadequate preoperative fluid loading. Postoperative renal dysfunction markers were elevated in 14% of cases, mostly associated with suboptimal fluid management. Standardized fluid therapy protocols were absent in the majority of documented procedures. The study recommends the adoption of evidence-based perioperative fluid management guidelines tailored to ruminant species and the integration of clinical dehydration assessment into preoperative surgical checklists at the University of Maiduguri and comparable North Eastern Nigerian veterinary hospitals. Keywords: perioperative fluid therapy, ruminant surgery, intraoperative monitoring, Maiduguri, veterinary anesthesia.