A microchip reader used to identify elephants during a large-scale health check on 400 elephants
In late August the team from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic partnered with the National Elephant Health Service and Research Institute to conduct health checks on over 400 elephants in the Mae Tang region of Northern Thailand.
Interestingly, as part of the regular checks, elephants are first identified by checking microchips similar to the ones we may use for the pets in our own homes.
Earlier in the month, the veterinarians were called out to a case in the Mae Wang area where a young calf was reported to be lethargic and not eating.
A report of an issue in an elephant this young can cause a great deal of concern, as the caretakers and vet team worry about possibility that this might be a case of EEHV – Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus – a deadly disease affecting elephants generally between one to twelve years of age. The team immediately took samples to test for the often-fatal illness. With further examination however, the veterinarians discovered an abscess causing facial swelling that they believed to be the root of the problems. Anti-inflammatory medications were given and the calf started showing signs of improvement within two days. And the sample that was taken earlier…came back negative for EEHV!
Also, in Mae Wang, the CMU van was called out for an elephant that had an abnormal gait due to a puncture in her foot. With the help of thermal imaging, the vet staff was able to see the injury site. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications along with a tetanus vaccine were administered to stop a potential infection.
Thermal-photography can be used with elephants to identify the location of infections, arthritis and other injuries, such as this puncture wound
While conducting health checks with the Department of Livestock Development in Mae Tang, the CMU team treated an elephant suffering from inflammation of the tissue surrounding the elephant’s tush (the term used for tusks in female elephants).
The area was painful and there was movement in the tush itself. In this case, the veterinarians prescribed antibiotics, pain relievers and additional supplements. Follow-up care was scheduled with the veterinarian in charge of this area after the CMU team provided her the immediate help she required.
The Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic can respond to a variety of cases every single month, as called upon because of the generous support that AES donors provide.
We encourage you to lend a hand by clicking here to donate. We also have a small supply of Chang Vet Aid 2021 t-shirts still available for sale. Don’t miss out on this limited-edition shirt - sales of which benefit the work of the Thai veterinarians! To purchase a shirt and support the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic, click here!
