Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 8, No. 1, 2026
Pages 26-40
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/6202.80.0130
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breeding Soundness Examination in Dogs among Veterinarians, Dog Owners and Breeders in Southeast Nigeria
Nneka Victoria Ani1*, Ebere Obiageli Odirichukwu1, Uchebuchi Ike Osuagwuh1 Ebube Glory Ekeleme2, Adaeze Priscillar Onyemesim1, Chioma Martha Egu1, Okezie Samuel Ekere3
1Department of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
2Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
3Department of Veterinary Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
ABSTRACT
Breeding soundness examination (BSE) is a systematic veterinary assessment of reproductive potential in dogs, yet its adoption in developing countries remains poorly documented. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE among veterinarians, dog owners, and breeders in southeast Nigeria. A cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey was conducted among 407 respondents (50.1% dog owners, 32.2% veterinarians, 17.7% dog breeders) across five states (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo) using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression (p<0.05). The study revealed that while 77.1% of respondents had heard of BSE and 81.8% considered it very important before breeding, only 32.7% had ever conducted BSE. Overall, 58.0% had good KAP scores (mean 14.07±3.64). Veterinarians demonstrated the highest good KAP (92.4%), followed by dog breeders (77.8%) and dog owners (28.9%). Females were 2.7 times more likely to have good KAP than males (Odds ratio: OR, 2.68, 95% Confidence interval: CI, 1.68-4.27). The major challenges identified were lack of access to veterinary professionals (80.8%) and inadequate awareness combined with insufficient trained veterinarians (63.3%). Encouragingly, 59.7% planned to include BSE in future breeding activities, and 91.9% recommended awareness campaigns as the primary intervention. This study reveals a significant knowledge-practice gap in canine BSE in southeast Nigeria, with good knowledge and attitudes failing to translate into adequate practice. Addressing structural barriers including veterinary access and awareness through targeted educational interventions is essential to improve BSE adoption, enhance reproductive outcomes, and promote responsible dog breeding in the region.
Keywords: Breeding soundness examination, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Southeast Nigeria