Gastroenteritis Diagnosed at Necropsy: A Review of Cases Spanning a Decade

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we conducted a retrospective survey of gastroenteritis diagnosed in carcasses, from 2013 to 2023, at the Necropsy Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the record book, entered into Microsoft Excel sheet, analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, v.27). Results: Results revealed that gastroenteritis was diagnosed in 20.5% of the 1052 carcasses. Yearly distribution analysis revealed fluctuations in prevalence, with peaks in 2017 (16.7%), 2018 (14.4%), and 2019 (13.0%). Species distribution analysis indicated higher proportions in canines (46.3%), caprines (31.5%), and ovines (8.3%). Sex-based analysis revealed varied proportions between males and females across different species, with no significant (p>0.05) association found between sex and species. Age distribution analysis revealed higher proportions in younger animals (<1 year) and older animals (>3 years) within specific species, and there was significant (p<0.05) association between age and species. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the burden of gastroenteritis in animals, thus, highlighting its temporal variations, species-, sex-, and age-specific differences. This study, therefore, contributes to the advancement of veterinary pathology, and the promotion of animal health and welfare, by improving our understanding of gastroenteritis epidemiology, and informing evidence-based veterinary practices. There is need for veterinary pathologists to develop and implement species-specific diagnostic protocols, and targeted disease management strategies to effectively mitigate the prevalence and impact of gastroenteritis in animal populations.