From Dr. Eye, comes the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic’s September update. She and her team spent the month in the areas of Mae Tang and Mae Wang, along with providing some other updates.
As reported last month, staff from the Chiang Mai University teamed up with the Thai Elephant Alliance Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand in August to organize a training seminar for Thai elephant tourism professionals. This group included elephant camp owners, guides and professors. During the conference, these they were able to discuss what tourists are asking and share information and ideas among one another. Dr. Eye provided some photographs from this successful event.
Dedicated staff from the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic providing fluid therapy
Chiang Mai University Assistant Professor, Dr. Chaleamchat presenting topics to help inform tourists in Thailand
The start of September saw the Mobile Vet Clinic team heading to the Mae Tang area to follow up on a case of an older female who has been suffering from bedsores and chronic lameness in her left knee. During earlier checks, Dr. Eye was able to see inflammation in the knee area by using an infrared camera, however the inflammation had subsided from the previous visit. The team also found bedsores on her right hip, knee and cheek, which prompted them to do laser therapy in those areas. The following week, a veterinarian came to check on this female again, and found no inflammation, and the elephant almost fully recovered. The team did suggest using massage oil on her right side bedsore areas due to her affinity for sleeping on that particular side of her body.
On September 14, Dr. Eye, still in the Mae Tang area, followed up again with a young elephant who has been in need of nail trims since their first visit in August. With some training to raise his legs, and the building of a foot bar for the elephant to rest his foot upon, the intense nail trimming began.
Before nail trimming. Overgrown nails and foot pads can lead to musculoskeletal problems and infections.
After photo shows the significant improvement achieved by the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic.
Dr. Siripat, who you might remember as the former lead veterinarian for the Mobile Vet Clinic, helped with this nail trimming procedure, which ended up taking about two hours due to rain. No infections were found in the nails, and the elephant is walking comfortably following the extensive work. Before leaving, the Team educated the elephant’s owner on regular, healthy foot and nail maintenance.
Dr. Siripat trimming bull elephant's feet at a specially constructed bar to aid in access and safety during the foot work
Finishing up in Mae Tang, the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic visited a male elephant with masses on both sides of his abdomen. The vets diagnosed this male with a hernia and an abscess. The next step will be to perform an ultrasound to get a better look. More to come on this case.
The last week of September was spent in the Mae Wang area seeing elephants with gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal ailments. The elephant with a gastrointestinal issue was diagnosed with colic, having an enlarged abdomen and large feces. After two days of treatment consisting of a carminative (gas-relieving) drug, fluids and an enema, the elephant started improving, eating and drinking. The team deduced that the elephant was having these symptoms due to ingesting dry grass and dehydration. They instructed the owner to start feeding this elephant chopped grass.
Lastly, the elephant with musculoskeletal issues had slipped, resulting in lameness in her right hind limb and occasionally not being able to bear weight on it. Upon examination, the vet discovered warmth and swelling in the area, and gave her an analgesic and oil massage. Dr. Eye has asked the owner to restrict this elephant’s walking area until she is fully healed.
To support Dr. Eye and the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic team in making these life saving visits to elephants all over Northern Thailand, please visit www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate to make a one-time donation or make a monthly pledge.