An elephant showing signs of colic lays down to try to relieve pain associated with abdominal distention
Gastrointestinal issues, sometimes called colic, can be common but also life-threatening in elephants. In July the team with the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Unit had several such cases that required their immediate assistance.
Fluid therapy and pain relief is typically the first approach to helping with these issues, but in two of the cases that presented in July, more assistance was required. Enemas had to be performed by the vet team to remove the dry rough feces that was causing a blockage in the elephants. Skilled handling of the elephants by their mahouts allows for the doctors and nurses to safely perform this procedure on an elephant that is already in a lot of discomfort.
Fluid therapy and pain medication being provided.
Enema being performed for an elephant in Mae Wang
An elephant experiencing these issues can cause mahouts and veterinarians a lot of worry and distress. One incident in Mae Chaem proved especially worrisome. A vet nurse, under the direction of veterinarians, was deployed to assist in a bad case of colic. On the first day, fluids and pain medications were injected. The second day the elephant was observed eating and drinking a little.
Example of an over-sized fecal bolus passed by an elephant in Mae Wang
But by the third day the attending vet nurse reported the elephant still hadn’t passed any feces and concern over the elephant’s condition was growing. Two doctors from CMU and staff from the Thai Elephant Alliance Association (TEAA) set out immediately. As they were on the road, thankfully they received a call telling them that the elephant had finally passed a bolus of fecal matter. According to Dr. Khajohnpat – “After that voice ended, everyone calmed down. Our whole team of doctor, vet nurse and the owner of the elephant including the elephant itself, who should feel more comfortable.”
In these cases, the CMU Mobile Vet Unit always follows up to check in and advises on dietary changes that might help prevent these issues in the future. We are grateful for the care that the CMU Team and TEAA provides to elephants in need and to you for your support of their work to save elephant lives.