Evaluation of human-induced surgical injuries to animals: A retrospective study

OpenAlex İngilizce

This retrospective study evaluated surgical cases occurring in animals due to human errors that were admitted to the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University over six years (2012-2018). A total of 4239 animals were examined and diagnosed with surgical problems caused by humans according to our clinical records. Among these, 462 (294 large ruminants, 147 carnivores, 18 horses and 3 small ruminants) were included in the study. The animals were subjected to harms during interventions for dystocia (n=189), road traffic accidents (n=143), injection failures (n=73), gunshot injuries (n=24), cutting and penetrating injuries (n=22) and other problems (n=11). Recovery was recorded in 420 of treated cases; 18 were euthanized, 14 died, 7 underwent amputation and 3 were slaughtered. Human-induced surgical injuries are worth noting in these cases. Although the majority of the animals were treated, issues such as treatment expenses, weight loss in farm animals during the treatment period and property damages due to road traffic accidents cause serious economic losses. Therefore, owners should be made aware of human errors that generate vital and economic costs. Practices without adequate knowledge or experience should be prevented in the field and veterinarians should supervise their personnel and owners regarding postoperative care and other treatment procedures.