Unilateral phacoemulsification in a captive African elephant (Loxodonta africana).

Background: The following case reports describe the clinical presentation, surgical protocol, post-operative care, and long-term follow-up of an African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) presenting with a unilateral cataract. Case description: A 42-year-old female African elephant presented for the assessment of ocular discomfort and visual deterioration in the left eye. Pre-surgical treatment included topical anti-inflammatory medication for 20 days prior to surgery. On the day of surgery, following anesthetic induction, a two-handed phacoemulsification technique was performed in the left eye. She was left aphakic post-operatively. Nine days post-operatively, the patient had an intact menace response, dazzle reflex, and direct pupillary light reflex. Fundoscopy at that stage was unremarkable. Follow-up information was available for 5 years, from the time of surgery to the present day. Conclusion: Despite remaining aphakic, this case presents a successful visual outcome. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no other published report of phacoemulsification in a captive elephant.

Laparoscopic vasectomy in African elephants (Loxodonta africana).

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique for, and outcome after, laparoscopic vasectomy of free-ranging elephants. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: African elephants (Loxodonta africana; n = 14). METHODS: Male elephants (12-35 years old) were anesthetized with etorphine and supported in a sling in a modified standing position, and positive pressure ventilated with oxygen. Anesthesia was maintained with IV etorphine. Vasectomy was performed under field conditions by bilateral, open-approach, flank laparoscopy with the abdomen insufflated with filtered ambient air. A 4-cm segment of each ductus deferens was excised. Behavior and incision healing were recorded for 8 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Successful bilateral vasectomy (surgical time, 57-125 minutes) was confirmed by histologic examination of excised tissue. Recovery was uneventful without signs of abnormal behavior. Large intestine lacerations (3 elephants; 1 full and 2 partial thickness) were sutured extracorporeally. One elephant found dead at 6 weeks, had no prior abnormal signs. Skin incisions healed without complication. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic vasectomy can be performed in African elephants in their natural environment.

Laparoscopic vasectomy in African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana); surgical technique and results.

Several small, enclosed reserves in southern Africa are experiencing significant elephant population growth, which has resulted in associated environmental damage and changes in biodiversity. Although several techniques exist to control elephant populations, e.g., culling, relocation, and immunocontraception, the technique of laparoscopic vasectomy of free-ranging bull elephants was investigated. Bilateral vasectomies were performed in 45 elephants. Of these elephants, one died within 24 hr of recovery and two had complications during surgery but recovered uneventfully. Histologic examination confirmed the resected tissue as ductus deferens in all the bulls. Most animals recovered uneventfully and showed no abnormal behavior after surgery. Complications recorded included incisional dehiscence, 1 full-thickness and 2 partial-thickness lacerations of the large intestine, and initial sling-associated complications, for example, deep radial nerve paresis. One bull was found dead 6 weeks after surgery without showing any prior abnormal signs. Vasectomy in free-ranging African bull elephants may be effectively performed in their normal environment. The surgical procedure can be used as a realistic population management tool in free-ranging elephants without major anesthetic, surgical, or postoperative complications.

Facilitation of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) standing immobilization and anesthesia with a sling.

An Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) required general anesthesia for orthopedic foot surgery. The elephant was unable to lie down, so it was placed in a custom-made sling, administered i.m. etorphine hydrochloride in the standing position, and lowered to lateral recumbency. General anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane administered through an endotracheal tube. After surgery, the isoflurane anesthesia was terminated, with immobilization maintained with additional i.v. etorphine. The elephant was lifted to the vertical position, and the immobilizing effects of etorphine were reversed with naltrexone. The suspension system and hoist for the sling were designed specifically for the elephant house.

Surgical removal of infected phalanges from an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

A 40-yr-old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) developed cellulitis and became lame in her left front leg. A draining tract behind the lateral nail of her left front foot was discovered. This lesion was treated by aggressive irrigation using a variety of disinfectant solutions. Radiographically, there was degeneration and fragmentation of the distal phalanx of the fifth digit and patterns suggestive of osteomyelitis of the second (middle) phalanx. The fragments of the distal phalanx and the affected portion of the second phalanx were removed surgically. Six months after surgery the incision had healed but a fistulous tract remained on the palmar surface of the foot. The tract extended to the second phalanx, and there was radiographic evidence of osteomyelitis in the second phalanx and the distal portion of the proximal phalanx. The remainder of the second phalanx and the distal portion of the proximal phalanx were surgically removed. Aggressive aftercare allowed complete wound closure by second intention.

Excitement in an elephant after intravenous administration of atropine.

A 28-year-old Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) was anesthetized for cesarean section to remove a dead calf. The elephant was sedated with azaperone, and atropine was administered IV 90 minutes later in preparation for induction of anesthesia with etorphine HCl. Within 1 minute of injection of atropine, the elephant began swaying, kicking, and moving in an agitated manner around the stall. There is considerable variation among species in the toxicity of atropine, although development of toxicosis usually is associated with overdosage.