Professional Management of Perioperative Hypothermia in Small Animal Surgery at Federal Capital Territory Clinics

Perioperative hypothermia is a common and frequently underappreciated complication of small animal surgery that negatively affects anesthetic recovery, wound healing, coagulation, and immune function. This study evaluates the awareness, monitoring practices, and preventive strategies employed by veterinary surgeons managing perioperative hypothermia in dogs and cats at registered veterinary clinics in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. A structured questionnaire was administered to 39 veterinary surgeons and clinical staff, and direct observational monitoring of 62 small animal surgical procedures was conducted between March and November 2023. Rectal temperature was monitored intraoperatively in only 42% of surgical cases. Active warming measures were applied during surgery in 35% of observed procedures, with circulating warm water blankets and reflective foil being the most available warming modalities. Pediatric patients and exotic breeds were at highest risk of developing clinically significant hypothermia defined as core temperature below 37 degrees Celsius. Anesthetic recovery periods were significantly prolonged in hypothermic patients. Awareness of evidence-based hypothermia prevention guidelines was limited among practitioners, particularly those in solo or small group practices. The study recommends integration of perioperative temperature monitoring protocols into continuing professional development programs for veterinary surgeons in the Federal Capital Territory, and the standardization of warming equipment as part of basic surgical suite requirements in all Nigerian veterinary facilities. Keywords: perioperative hypothermia, small animal surgery, anesthetic monitoring, Abuja, body temperature.