Prevalence of surgical affections of sheep in Mymensingh division of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of surgical conditions in sheep and analyze their distribution based on age, sex, sheep, and seasonal variation. Methods: Retrospective data on surgical conditions in sheep were compiled from Upazila Livestock Offices and Veterinary Hospitals within Mymensingh division between January 2021 and December 2021. Simple descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 788 surgical cases in sheep were documented. The predominant surgical conditions observed in sheep included wounds (29.18%), myiasis (15.10%), bloat (14.08%), subcutaneous cysts (12.56%), and foot rot (8.24%). In addition, there were instances of abscesses (6.47%), horn fractures (4.56%), atresia ani (3.93%), dermoid cysts (1.64%), dog bites (1.90%), overgrown hooves (1.52%), and gangrenous mastitis (0.63%). Surgical affections were more prevalent in adult sheep (73.35%) compared to young ones (26.64%). Among adult sheep, myiasis, bloat, subcutaneous cysts, and foot rot showed higher prevalences. In females, myiasis, subcutaneous cysts, bloat, and abscesses occurred more frequently than in male sheep. The occurrence of surgical affections was relatively higher in adult sheep during the rainy season, followed by summer, autumn, and winter during the rainy season followed by summer, autumn, and winter. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the variable demographic distribution of surgical affections in sheep. The observed patterns suggest that the surgical disorders pose a substantial threat to sheep rearing in the study areas.