The seasons are changing and with the warmer weather the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic in Thailand have been seeing a variety of cases. There was quite a variety of cases in March, including two births just a few days apart. Unfortunately, one calf was also taken to hospital to be treated for EEHV and the region experienced one of the worst earthquakes in recent memory. Thankfully, the CMU team can keep treating elephants with concerns of all kinds thanks to donors like you!
The veterinarian from a camp in Hang Dong contacted the team to request laser therapy for a female elephant. She explained that the elephant had experienced sensitive skin for many years. Last year, she developed a burn and skin erosion on her back, which resulted in an open wound. After careful wound cleaning and treatment, the injury had significantly improved and was nearly healed. To accelerate the healing process, the veterinarian requested laser therapy. Consequently, a treatment plan was established, scheduling laser therapy sessions once a week. After three weeks the wound was much improved.
Vets perform laser therapy on erosion wound
In another case, the veterinary team was contacted to examine an elephant that had been experiencing leg stiffness for three weeks. Upon examination, there was no visible swelling or wound on her right front leg. The mahout mentioned that the elephant had been pricked by a small nail, but it had not resulted in an open wound. Upon further assessment of the cow’s gait, she exhibited a stiff gait with noticeable leg swinging. A thermo-scan camera was also used to detect inflammation, revealing a slightly warmer area at the site where the mahout had reported the nail incident. However, the temperature difference was minimal compared to the surrounding areas. Given the persistent stiffness, we decided to administer an anti-inflammatory injection and prescribed a course of treatment.
Thermo-scan indicates inflammation with slightly warmer area of leg
One call during the month of March was the same eye patient the CMU team examined last month. She had previously been diagnosed with eye irritation. A close examination of her left eye revealed a small whitish spot on the cornea with mild opacity surrounding the ulcer. She frequently exhibited third eyelid protrusion, likely due to pain and discomfort. A fluorescein stain test was performed, yielding a positive result. The veterinarian thoroughly cleaned the eye and observed the mahout’s eye-washing technique to ensure proper care. The mahout was instructed to continue administering eye drops four times a day along with a painkiller. A follow-up visit one week later showed that while lacrimation (excessive tears) persisted, the elephant appeared more comfortable.
In the afternoon, an elephant camp owner called the CMU Mobile Vet team to report that one of his elephants had given birth on March 29. The newborn was her second calf, a female. According to the owner, the pregnant elephant was feeding with tourists around 2 p.m. when she suddenly expelled a large amount of fluid. The mahout team gently guided her into the stall, and shortly afterward, she delivered a healthy female calf. Fortunately, as an experienced mother, she nursed her newborn without any complications. The placenta was expelled five hours later. Although she had milk and cared for her baby well, she refused to eat or drink throughout the afternoon. The team was called to help when she continued to exhibit signs of pain and discomfort into the evening. To relieve her discomfort, the vet administered a painkiller. Within 15 minutes, she appeared more at ease and started eating corn stalks and drinking water.
New mom receives pain killers to aid with post delivery comfort
Our partners at the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic also reported on the aftermath of the Myanmar based earthquake in Thailand. “All of the staff are safe. Many people working with elephants mentioned that the elephants could feel the tremors, too. They responded by trumpeting loudly, but thankfully, no elephants were harmed by the disaster.”
We are so grateful for the continuing efforts of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic Team! Help AES continue to support them as they strive to make a better future for Thai elephants, by donating TODAY at www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate