CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates April 2025

April’s report from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic comes full of both success and sadness. Happily, there were fewer cases requiring treatment last month, however one of those cases was the loss of a 1.5-year-old calf to EEHV. The loss is a sad reminder that EEHV is still an ever-present threat to elephants around the world. The team did relay happy news that a calf near Surin, Thailand was treated for EEHV 4 and survived; a first in Thailand for that strain. With fewer calls to cases, education and workshops continued the CMU team’s mission.

Following the unfortunate death of a juvenile elephant due to EEHV type 1 infection, the camp owner requested the CMU team provide training and raise awareness about EEHV among the camp staff. Although the camp is managed by experienced personnel and mahouts, some team members, including mahouts, guides and housekeepers, were relatively new and unfamiliar with this serious disease. One of the key concerns in the case was the delayed notification. To address this, the educational session focused on the importance of early detection and immediate reporting of any abnormal signs in young elephants. The vets were concerned to discover that many staff members had limited or no prior knowledge of EEHV. However, the session was well-received and helped enhance understanding of the disease and its impact. The CMU team plans to organize similar awareness programs for other elephant camps in the region to strengthen early intervention and improve the survival chances of young elephants at risk of EEHV.

Vets present on EEHV for about an hour at a camp in Mae Wang

On April 21, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, organized a training and workshop focused on the use of dart guns for remote drug delivery. One of the primary objectives of the training was to demonstrate techniques for the safe immobilization of wild animals and elephants, especially during high-risk situations such as musth in bulls. A highlight of the event was a special lecture on the topic of “Safe Immobilization and Elephant Control,” delivered by Dr. Khajohnpat from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC), who generously shared his valuable experience. The workshop was well-attended by elephant veterinarians, chief mahouts, and other stakeholders from across Chiang Mai.

Dr. Khajohnpat from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) presents on immobilization and drug administration

A camp owner in Mae Wang recently rescued and relocated a geriatric bull elephant from another province. She requested a health check from the veterinary team. Upon examination, the bull was found to be slightly underweight, with noticeable abscesses on both elbows, likely caused by pressure while laying down. The veterinarian recommended a 14-day quarantine period for the new arrival to monitor his condition and prevent the potential spread of disease. The mahout was instructed on proper wound cleaning procedures to manage the abscesses. The owner also shared plans to construct a treatment stall to facilitate further medical care for the elephant in the coming weeks.

The older bull who was rescued seemed slightly underweight but on his way to recovery

In another case the veterinary team was contacted regarding a mother elephant who had developed wounds at her vestibule and the tip of her tail. The issue began approximately two days prior, and the mahout observed that the elephant frequently struck her vestibular area with her tail. Additionally, worms were reportedly present in the wounds. Upon examination, the veterinarian found lesions with necrotic tissue and pus in the vestibular area, with visible maggots (myiasis). A large number of worms were also found burrowed into the wound at the tip of the tail, likely causing significant discomfort and prompting the tail-hitting behavior. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed with chlorhexidine and rinsed with diluted povidone-iodine. The vet manually removed as many maggots as possible and applied a topical antibiotic ointment to both areas. The mahout was advised to continue cleaning the wounds daily to prevent reinfestation and promote healing.

Cow’s tail with infected wound near the end

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

CMU Mobile Vet Clinics Updates

November was a very busy month for the CMU Mobile Vet team. There were over a dozen cases with several of them requiring follow-up visits. From the typical cases dealing with wounds and gastrointestinal issues to support for musth bull management and pregnant females.

Early in the month, the team was called to treat a 21-month-old calf with gastrointestinal discomfort and parasites in her fecals. To be safe, the calf was tested for EEHV. Gratefully, after a negative test result, the administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, an anti-parasitic medication, and a three-day course of deworming medication the calf’s condition improved and her feces returned to normal. Later in the month, the vets received a call regarding a 52-year-old cow with digestive discomfort. The mahout reported that she hadn’t defecated yet, had laid down twice, and refused to eat. A full history showed she had a history of digestive issues, including the discovery of a small piece of tooth, and her feces had been consistently large and coarse. After fluids, transrectal palpation, and plenty of supportive care the cow was feeling better. The vets instructed the mahout on food management, suggesting chopped grass mixed with pellets, and the cow ate well.

Elder cow feeding happily on chopped grass and pellets

On two separate occasions, the CMU Mobile Vets were called to help support the relocation of two musthy bulls. While each case was different, both bulls needed to be sedated to assist in their safe transfer to areas better equipped to manage each bull during their musth season for their safety, as well as, the safety of the mahouts and other elephants. Musth bulls can be extremely challenging and dangerous to work with. Thankfully, the CMU Mobile Vets were able to aid mahouts for good outcomes!

Vets prepping sedative darts for musth bull management

Several of the cases over the course of the month involved the ups and downs of pregnancy in elephants. The CMU Mobile Clinic vets were called in to assist in ultrasounds on two cows. The team could not visualize the calf in one case, probably due to mom’s large size. In the other instance, the vets were able to assess the condition of a cow experiencing dystocia. They were able to visualize the rib cage of the fetus, but were unable to detect a heartbeat. The mother had labored on and off for a couple days and had made no progress; she passed the deceased fetus a week later. Happily, at the end of the month the vets were called to a remote area in Mae Wang to check on a mom and her newborn calf who had been born early that morning at 3 am. All was well with mom and baby. The little girl was strong and already nursing well.

Vet detecting the ribs of baby during dystocia

Healthy, happy newborn and mom

Help AES continue to support the efforts of the CMU vet team in caring for Thai elephants, by donating TODAY at www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates November 2024

In early October, heavy rains caused significant water flow from remote areas into the Mae Tang River, leading to a sharp rise in the river’s water level. Many elephant camps, located near the river, experienced flooding. Most camps were prepared and had moved elephants from high-risk areas to higher ground for safety. October 4 marked the peak of the flooding, when access to Mae Tang was cut off, and only boats could navigate through. Fortunately, the water level began to recede the next day, allowing cars to pass, though the routes remained challenging due to mud.

Numerous organizations, including the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC), the Department of National Parks (DNP), and various government and private sectors, provided assistance to the affected elephant camps. The Chiang Mai University (CMU) vet team collaborated with DLD, DNP, and TECC veterinarians to conduct a population count in a large camp where elephants had been dispersed due to the flooding. They also advised on essential plans for proper management and care for the elephants during the flooding event.

The team provided counts and check-ups on relocated elephants after the flood

During the post-disaster recovery period, the CMU vet team and the TECC veterinary team provided targeted veterinary services for elephants in Mae Tang. The visit aimed to monitor elephant health, collect samples for testing flooding-related diseases (such as leptospirosis and parasitic infections), and administer deworming medication. From their field visits, the team observed that each camp was undergoing reconstruction. Most elephants were safe and food supplies were largely unaffected, thanks to the support from various organizations and individuals who provided elephant food and supplements.

Help AES continue to support the CMU vet team to assist with natural disasters, just like the recent flooding, by donating TODAY at www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate

Updates from Chiang Mai University Mobile Clinic - October 2024

Cases for the Mobile Clinic Vet Team were relatively tame during September; cracked nails requiring attention, cloudy eyes, abscesses and sores requiring treatment, and even a lice infestation. The team also hosted an educational workshop for mahouts.

The Chiang Mai University (CMU) veterinary team organized a 3-day workshop titled “Elephant Vet Assistant Course in Mae Win.” The workshop focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of mahouts, who have the potential to become key individuals in providing health care and monitoring the health of elephants.

CMU vet instructs at mahout workshop

The workshop covered everything from elephant anatomy and physiology, how to observe elephant health, conducting physical examinations, performing nail and foot care, reproductive management, and elephant welfare. All participants were given the opportunity to practice physical examinations, basic veterinary procedures, and nail trimming. At the end of the workshop, all participants received a medical kit for their camp.

One of the eye cases was a deep corneal ulcer. After several treatments including pain relief medication and applying eye drops four times a day the affected eye became cloudier, appearing more severe and painful. In response, the vet switched to a stronger eye drop and began administering intravenous antibiotics. Those treatments still did not work so the team considered a new method of treatment. Stem cell therapy has recently gained popularity as a treatment for deep corneal ulcers in elephants. Treating eye ulcers in elephants is a long and challenging process, with risks of infection and slow healing that can lead to persistent scarring. However, it has been reported that stem cell therapy promotes faster and more effective healing.

Deep corneal ulcer suffered by male elephant

There were several cases in September regarding sores that required treatment. One specific case was a male elephant with a suspected abscess that CMU Mobile Vets were set to drain. However, when the vet began the procedure and cut into the abscess, she found that the material inside suggested something different instead. The material coming from the sore suggested a lipoma, instead. The vet was able to remove all the material, clean the area, and stitch it up.

Lipoma removal and treatment

Thank you to the CMU Veterinary Team for their outstanding commitment to Thailand’s elephants! And thank YOU to all who help support their work through AES!
CLICK HERE to donate and support the work of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic.

Updates from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic

Lots of cases during the month of August kept the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic in Northern Thailand busy. There were multiple calls for wounds, eye issues, gastrointestinal upsets, and lameness. Thankfully, none of the cases this month resulted in an elephant hospitalization.

Two of the cases this month were eye related. An elderly cow was experiencing issues with a chronic but healing superficial corneal ulcer.  The vets provided guidance on the correct method of eye care, access to shade, and provided eye rinse solutions and eye drops. At another stop two more elephants were experiencing eye issues. From previous experience, the team knew that the camp kept a light bulb on every night, which attracted a large number of insects to the resting area. The vet prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, provided eye rinsing solutions, and recommended turning off the lights at night. The following week, the elephants had all returned to normal!

Small whitish spot on the cornea indicating ulcer

August also had several cases of lameness and wounds, six, all together. The first case of lameness resolved itself easily with the aid of anti-inflammatory drugs and a warm herbal massage. Another case of lameness, later in the month, was feared to be the result of an accident, but upon examination the vets found a small puncture wound that seemed to be the cause of the leg’s inflammation and limp. The vet performed laser therapy on the wound to help diminish the swelling and pus found at the site. 

This small puncture caused major inflammation and pain

Abscess at the base of the nail causing lameness

In addition, an elderly elephant was suffering from a spontaneously protruding abscess at the base of her nail. The team cleaned the wound multiple times before administering laser therapy directly to the affected area. Laser therapy was also applied along the length of the leg to stimulate blood circulation; it was expected to decrease swelling. And finally, the team visited a young tusker male who had suffered a puncture wound all the way through his trunk from front to back. A vet assistant in the area had performed very good wound care to control bleeding and the CMU team was able to use laser therapy to help decrease swelling and promote healing. Therapy for this bull will continue once a week for several weeks to ensure the wound completely closes up on both sides.

Vet performs laser therapy on trunk puncture wound

 On August 26-27, the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, co-hosted the National Elephant Conference with the theme “Collaboration Without Borders” at the National Elephant Institute. International speakers from India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Laos were invited to share insights into the cultural role elephants play in their respective countries. One of the most important topics focused on cross-country and global collaborations for the conservation of Asian elephants and our very own president, Linda Reifschneider, was invited to speak. Overall, the conference was a great success, offering a comprehensive summary of the ongoing global efforts to protect and preserve this majestic and intelligent species.

Linda and the Thai National Elephant Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thank you to the CMU Veterinary Team for their outstanding commitment to Thailand’s elephants! And thank YOU to all who help support their work through AES!
CLICK HERE to donate and support the work of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic.

Updates from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic

The CMU Mobile Vet team stayed busy in July collaborating with others across the region to provide support for a standing sedation to test a 60-year-old elephant for tuberculosis, provide advice and discuss elephant health topics at a local camp, conduct a training course for Long Island University students with the TECC team, and assisted in the annual health check program for elephants in the Mae Wang region.

Elephant after her annual health check up

 Thankfully, there was only a small number of additional, relatively minor, cases that needed their attention as well in July. Among the cases the CMU team visited were a minor mouth injury that, while not very pretty, seemed to cause no issues or pain for the patient and so the vets recommended no major actions and observations to make sure it doesn’t worsen. There was also a case of GI upset in a 40-year-old that had resolved with advice to hydrate more often and a suggested uphill hike with her mahout. And a tall, handsome bull presented with a chronic abscess on his left forelimb. The vet cleaned and removed the dirt outside with chlorhexidine scrub, rinsed with saline irrigation, then drained the abscess revealing the narrow tract. Finally, they dried it with a cotton swab and gauze then put bacitracin ointment on it.

Bull with abscess being treated

There were also a few cases involving young elephants this month. The first was a 13-year-old who presented with right forelimb stiffness. When the vets observed her gait, they found that she could not flex her elbow joint. After a course of painkillers, topical treatments, and a daily warm massage regimen she showed improvement. The next case was a young 5-month-old calf experiencing mild lameness with a slightly swollen left hind leg. The CMU vets examined the leg and foot pad, both of which presented nothing abnormal. The little bull was also bright, alert, and acting normal otherwise. After a round of anti-inflammatory meds and a topical treatment the calf showed great improvement.

Bright, attentive little bull with mild lameness

The most challenging case of the month was a first-time mother with a tiny calf. The newborn was reportedly lethargic and caretakers were worried she was unable to nurse appropriately. Several different groups came to help assess mother and calf. They determined that mom and calf were stuck in a cycle, because baby wasn’t nursing mom wasn’t producing the hormones required to produce milk, without the milk production baby couldn’t nurse even if she could reach, and so on.  Eventually, the solution was to give the mom domperidone to stimulate prolactin secretion for milk production, build a ramp for the calf to stand on in order to nurse, and to avoid undue stress on mom the mahout would bring them back to the ramp every couple of hours to ensure baby had the opportunity to nurse often. The calf was finally able to nurse and mahouts will keep a close eye on the two for the next weeks and months.

Tiny calf nursing during examination from the vet

Thank you to the CMU Veterinary Team for their outstanding commitment to Thailand’s elephants! And thank YOU to all who help support their work through AES!
CLICK HERE to donate and support the work of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic.

Updates from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic

June for the Chiang Mai University (CMU) Mobile Vet Team was another month of tending to some of Thailand’s most vulnerable elephants, calves. This month in addition to the adults with gastrointestinal issues, eye irritation, and tetanus vaccinations there were several cases concerning calves. One calf was unable to nurse from its mother. A naughty little calf presented with a steel rod stuck in her throat. And, unfortunately, EEHV claimed the life of yet another young calf from a camp already impacted by EEHV just a month earlier.

An owner called to consult about a mother and a calf living in Mae Tang with a case of Agalactia. (Agalactia is a condition of decreased or the absence of the production of breast milk). She said that the baby often cried, had decreased feces, and attempted to suckle for milk but he preferred only the left side mammary gland. His mother had quite a bit of shrinkage of the left mammary gland while the right was still enlarged. The owner was so worried about the lack of milk consumption she started milking the right-side mammary teat of the mother and was able to bottle-feed the baby. When the vets arrived, they examined mom and calf, recommended restricting the access of the baby to only nurse from the right side so he could nurse efficiently, and prescribed Domperidone to stimulate the secretion of the hormone prolactin to help with mom’s milk production.

Calf attempting to nurse on mom’s left side

Late in the afternoon on another day, the vets got an emergency call from the owner of a 16-month-old elephant. The owner said that there was a rod of steel obstructing the young elephant’s mouth. The team rushed to aid the calf, considering the very likely possibility of having to sedate the calf.  Thankfully, the baby could eat and drink throughout the morning until the afternoon she presented signs of vomiting but she wasn’t depressed. When a stick of sugarcane fell out of her mouth the mahout noticed a 5.5-inch-long steel rod stuck sideways in her mouth. Fortunately, the little calf didn’t swallow it. The mahout was able to remove the rod before the CMU team arrived and, once they were there, the vet did a thorough exam to make sure the calf had no internal injuries to the mouth and throat or bleeding.

Naughty calf with her junior caretaker and steel rod compared to a ballpoint pen

Unfortunately, EEHV reared its head again in Mae Wang when the CMU team was called to see a 4-year-old elephant when the mahout noticed that she was depressed. One young elephant from this camp got sick from an EEHV type 1 infection in April, was treated at the TECC hospital, and went back home in May. The vet performed a physical examination and found the calf already had petechial hemorrhage starting to present on her tongue, mild facial swelling, and a high fever, so the calf was immediately referred to the TECC hospital.

Calf receiving treatment for EEHV

Before the 3-hour trip from Mae Wang to the hospital in Lampang, the calf received antipyretics, Vitamin C, and antiviral drugs. A blood sample was also collected for hematology and EEHV diagnosis. When the truck arrived at the hospital the TECC vet team stood by to start the intensive treatment for her. The next day, results from CMU EEHV lab revealed that she was infected with both EEHV type 1 and 4. Sadly, despite all their efforts, she could not overcome the infection and passed away at 7 p.m.

Thank you to the CMU Veterinary Team for their outstanding commitment to Thailand’s elephants! And thank YOU to all who help support their work through AES!
CLICK HERE to donate and support the work of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic.

Updates from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic

Sad news this month from Thailand. In the afternoon of May 16, the chief mahout of camp in Mae Wang called our vet about a 3-year-old calf who got facial swelling.  A mahout had noticed that the young male calf presented mild swelling on his jaw but was still acting normally; eating well, sleeping, urinating, and defecating. The CMU team immediately asked the mahout to send pictures and some videos for evaluation. The team rushed to see the calf for a physical evaluation and referred the calf to the TECC hospital for emergency treatment. The calf was depressed. He had mild to moderate facial swelling, especially at both jaws and the area above the eyes. His tongue presented the purple spots consistent with hemorrhaging. He also had a fever and a mild watery diarrhea with quite a bad smell. Many EEHV symptoms were present. At the same time the TECC team was working hard to find suitable blood donors to immediately start a blood transfusion when the calf arrived.

Calf was lethargic upon the team’s arrival

The veterinarians gave an antiviral drug and vitamin C to the elephant. The calf also received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the fever from infection and the inflammatory process. At the hospital he got a platelet-rich plasma transfusion that night. The next day he got a second blood transfusion. The TECC team provided extreme treatment against EEHV. The EEHV test from CMU showed that the calf tested positive for type 1 and 4 co-infection. Unfortunately, he couldn't be saved. He passed away on day 3 of the intensive care.

Veterinarian draws blood to match for plasma donation

This case reminds us just how important our work is and how much fundraisers like Pizza for Pachyderms can help impact the care of elephants in Asia. This little calf’s treatment was funded in part through AES and donations from people like you. We are extremely grateful to the teams from the CMU mobile vet unit and thee TECC for their efforts to treat this calf and others affected by EEHV.

  Thank you to the CMU Veterinary Team for their outstanding commitment to Thailand’s elephants! And thank YOU to all who help support their work through AES!
CLICK HERE to donate and support the work of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic.

Updates from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic - April 2024

April was a busy month for the CMU Mobile Vet team! In addition to routine health checks and blood draws there seemed to be many calls concerning wounds of all types this month along with some musculoskeletal concerns.
 
Early in the month the team checked in on two geriatric cows who had not been seen by vets in a couple years. At 50 and 60 years old, both cows were deemed to be in good health and body condition. They received parasite control, tetanus vaccines, and blood work all showed normal conditions. The vets also visited three other elephants for blood work a few days later. And later in the month, the vets visited a small, 5 member herd with a new owner who wanted to ensure the health of all including a 1.5 month old calf. All seemed happy and healthy and the team educated the owner and mahout on preventative care and EEHV. 

Geriatric cow getting a check up

Newest member of the small herd to get a check up

There were several wounds that seemed to be the result of minor interactions. One cow had a small wound with swelling under the eye after being hit inadvertently by her young son’s small tusk, which healed well a few days later. Another case presented an elephant who had knife wounds in the right shoulder area and right rear leg. The vets were able to flush necrotic tissue from the area, removed pus, dressed the wound with instructions on how to continue cleaning and dressing for the mahout. She also received antibiotic treatment and pain medication. On her second follow up they found the wound had dried and closed up. In one wound case, a young elephant at a festival managed to slice her tongue and lip on broken glass. The mahout was able to stem the bleeding and vets later cleaned the wound, administered pain medications and a tetanus shot upon assessing the wound condition. The little cow was still able to eat well and healed up nicely.  

Mom with swollen eye

Elephant from festival getting tetanus vaccine

In several of the cases involving wound or musculoskeletal issues the vet team was able to use laser therapy to help with inflammation. One 30-year-old female presenting with stiffness in her forelimbs received laser therapy after the CMU team was able to utilize a thermo-scanning camera in order to detect the area of inflammation. In addition to the laser treatment, she also received painkillers and a prescribed hot oil massage. Laser treatment was also used in another case. This female had a history of nail rot and during a recent foot care session 2 new fistula wounds had occurred under the nail. The vets swabbed the wound for bacterial culture and then were able to apply laser therapy using the stick laser probe which was inserted into the holes in the nail.

Using the camera to find inflammation on a thermal scan

Inserting laser probe into nail to treat wound

Thank you to the CMU Veterinary Team for their outstanding commitment to Thailand’s elephants! And thank YOU to all who help support their work through AES!

Orphaned Calves Update

In 2022, we told you about a calf in Myanmar, born to a mother that was unable to produce milk. Thankfully, another mother elephant had just given birth the month prior and she allowed the new calf to nurse from her along with her own calf. Nursing two calves at once is a feat and a request for assistance was made by the staff at Life in Oozie Village Ecohut (LOVE) to help provide supplemental food for both babies and the nursing mother. AES was quickly able to respond to the request and send the necessary funds to provide milk and other fodder.

For over a year, your contributions were critical to the survival of these two calves (Moe Moe & Phyo Phyo) and the mother caring for them. At the same time, there was another calf in another part of Myanmar that would need help.

On May 14, 2023, there was a strong cyclone, named Mocha, in western Myanmar. A little orphan calf was found that day and thus named after the cyclone. The Elephant Emergency Response Units (EERU) of Aveyrwady Division, where wild elephants reside, found the body of a female elephant, estimated at 25-30 years old, apparently killed by a poison dart. This tiny calf, less than one month old, was found near the female's body and was initially cared for by the EERU team in this area.

Ten days later she was well enough to travel. The EERU Team came to Yangon for a workshop funded by Asian Elephant Support and brought along Mocha.  The little girl made the 5-hour trip in good condition under the EERU team's care. She is now being cared for at that same elephant camp in Yangon, Life in Oozie Village Ecohut (LOVE).
 

Now, little Mocha is a year old. She is continuing to thrive, but she needs your help more than ever. As the surrounding area continues to experience hardship, Mocha and the other calves cared for at LOVE still need supplemental formula and fodder to keep them growing strong and thriving. We are proud to support the EERU Teams, veterinarians, and other field staff in Myanmar who always have the care and future of Asian elephants as their first priority. 

Mocha today, strong and thriving

Updates from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic - February 2024

As always, February was a busy month for the CMU Mobile Veterinary Clinic Team. There were a variety of cases to keep the vets on their toes. From very young calves to older individuals and from tummies to toes, there were plenty issues that required the veterinary expertise of the CMU vets.

Early in the month, the team responded to a very young (5 day old) calf with a swollen navel. During the examination by the veterinarian, it was observed that the calf would often use its hindleg to scratch at its navel and that the floor was quite wet from cleanings. Thankfully, the navel was already closed up and so treatment was prescribed along with a recommendation to dry out the ground on which mother and baby were standing. After 5 days, the baby’s navel was doing much better.

Vet trying to examine baby’s navel

There were three different cases with gastrointestinal symptoms. One adult female was colicky and was eventually made comfortable. A younger, 13-year-old cow presented as anxious, thin, and eating soil. She was discovered to be infected with parasites. The day after treatment she was better. And an older, 38-year-old female was depressed and sleepy looking. Only slight improvement after treatment prompted the vets to suggest she be taken to the hospital for closer treatment options.

Physical exam of colicky female

A 2.5-year-old calf required quick examination after presenting with symptoms that could be consistent with EEHV. The vets took blood for testing, provided preventative treatments, and suggested keeping the calf away from the other mother and calf living with the sick calf. The following morning the owner reported the calf was much improved and so EEHV was no longer suspected.

Blood testing to rule out EEHV

Finally, there were also a couple of musculoskeletal cases. One was a 50-year-old cow with the entire hind limb swollen, unable to bend, and stiff upon walking. The team treated her with laser acupuncture therapy and soaks. Over a period of 20 days there was improvement but she was still not fully able to bend the knee. There were also a couple cases of nail splits. A young calf had a split nail that the vets attempted to trim up, but due to the calf’s young age did not stand well for the process. She was given meds for inflammation and pain. The last case was an abscess which developed behind the nail of an older female. The foot was thoroughly cleaned and the surrounding nail and cuticle was trimmed to allow the foot to heal. Further foot care will be required to fully heal the injury.

Thank you to the CMU Veterinary Team for their outstanding commitment to Thailand’s elephants! And thank YOU to all who help support their work through AES!

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates - January

January kept the veterinary team of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic busy, as usual. With the help of three other agencies, they completed the annual census of elephants in the Chiang Mai region (nearly 850 elephants). During the census the teams also collected blood, monitored for diseases, and administered de-worming medications as needed.

The census teams assessing elephants and collecting blood

Throughout the month acute cases also required the attention of the CMU vet team. There was a sudden elephant death requiring investigation, a couple of musculoskeletal issues, some parasitic cases and vaccinations, and an irritated eye.

Vets getting measurements on a calf with abnormal gait issues

Have you ever wondered what goes into the reports we get from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic? Now you can read the whole thing! Written by the veterinarians on the ground in the Chiang Mai region of Thailand each report details the activities and cases the Mobile Vet Clinic participates in each month. 

CLICK HERE to read the full CMU Report for the month of January!

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates December

December was a busy month. Not only did the CMU vets stay busy with cases, but there was also lots of collaboration with other groups. From the 10th – 13th of the month Dr. Paan along with Associate Professor Dr. Chatchote Thitaram, the Director, and Dr. Janine Brown of the Smithsonian Institute visited the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Sayaboury, Lao PDR. They observed two sets of mothers with their calves along with a male bachelor group and were also able to help support glaucoma care for an ECC patient in addition to seeing their management and target training. It was a valuable exchange of time and resources.

Then from the 21st-22nd the CMU vets along with the staff from the TECC hosted veterinary students from Ohio State University. They discussed management and treatment of geriatric elephants, tourism elephants, musth elephants, and free roaming elephants.  They also got to practice exams and medical treatments on elephants at the TECC under the supervision of professional veterinarians.

Elephant cases for the month had a variety of causes and symptoms. A bull with his tusk cracked got x-rays. The vets followed up on a cow who had been receiving a series of laser light treatments for lameness. They found her gait had corrected and there was no neurological impairment. The vets rushed immediately to a two-month-old calf who had a swollen cheek and resided in an area near where another calf was lost to EEHV recently. Upon arriving the veterinarian found the calf alert and the mahout reported that the calf had fallen and hit its head the day before. The calf was prescribed a steroid cream to help with inflammation and edema. Another adult female was treated with laser therapy for lameness in both forelimbs and is recovering. There was a follow-up tetanus vaccination and, finally, a 35-year-old female with a split toe nail who was seen by vets with her 10-month old calf clinging to her side. Due to an old injury on one front foot, the cow spent all her time with the majority of her weight resting on the other foot. This caused the malformation of her nails which then were cracked and overgrown and, eventually, infected. She was treated to a nail trimming and rasping along with a series of foot soaks and her own tetanus shot.

Bull group at ECC playing together

Veterinary students learn about tourism

Bull getting tusk x-ray

Foot soak prep for mom’s nail and pad trimming

19th International Elephant Conservation and Research Symposium

Quite possibly the biggest elephant event since the beginning of the pandemic, the 19th International Elephant Conservation and Research Symposium, was held at the Empress Convention Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand November 14th-17th, 2023. This massive convention hosted by the Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health Chiang Mai University in collaboration with the International Elephant Foundation, Kasetsart University, and the National Elephant Institute was also supported in part by Asian Elephant Support. 

Opening ceremony for the 19th International Conservation and Research Symposium, Chiang Mai 2023

More than 205 participants representing over 20 different countries from around the world traveled to Chiang Mai to attend the symposium. Nearly 113 oral presentation titles were presented speaking on a variety of studies and research associated with both African and Asian elephant conservation. There were a number of topics consisting of the Care for elephants, Elephant Behavior, Management of Elephants in Human Care, Elephant Genetics, EEHV, Wild Elephant Populations, Habitat and Human Development, Elephant Protection Initiatives, Human-Elephant Conflict, Elephant Nutrition, and Elephant Physiology and Veterinary Management.

(Left) Asian Elephant Support director, Lindsey Eagan, presenting

(Right) AES director and President, Linda Eagan and Linda Reifschneider

AES’s own president, Linda Reifschneider, and director, Lindsey Eagan, traveled to Chiang Mai to present on the diversity of projects supported over the last few years and to express our gratitude to the elephant community at large for their efforts in the field, in the laboratory, and in conservation. We were proud to be able to sponsor the travel of several attendees in order to present their own papers and to have the opportunity to make connections with other global elephant professionals. Sponsored travel was made possible for Dr. Bhupen Sarma (India), Rengasamy Marimuthu (India), Lauren Howard (USA), Dr. Firdaus (Sumatra), Dr. Zaw Min Oo (Myanmar), Dr. B. Vijitha Perera (Sri Lanka), and Chandima Fernando (Sri Lanka). 

Pictured above with AES (from Left to Right): Dr. Bhupen Sarma (India), Ashok Kumar Ram (Nepal) with Rengasamy Marimuthu (India), Lauren Howard (USA), and Dr. Sayuti with Dr. Stremme &  Dr. Firdaus (Sumatra).

Pictured above with AES (from Left to Right): Dr. Zaw Min Oo (Myanmar), Dr. B. Vijitha Perera (Sri Lanka), and Chinthaka Weerasinghe with Ravi Corea & Chandima Fernando (Sri Lanka).

And, of course, the symposium offered the opportunity for AES to connect with other project partners and friends from near and far. We were thrilled to share a week full of greetings, new and old connections, stories, laughter, smiles, hugs, and even a few tears with such a wonderful global community! Thank you to the International Elephant Foundation for another lovely event! 

Pictured above with AES (from Left to Right): Gilles Mauer (Lao PDR), Lisa Abegglen- Maura Davis- Lauren Howard- Natalie Rourke- Lindsey Eagan- Rachel Emory- Christine Holter- Linda Reifschneider- Amber Alink (USA),
Sabie Iwin (Myanmar)

Pictured below with AES (from Left to Right): Ekkaxay Inthalacsa (Lao PDR), Dr. Janine Brown & Dr. Sharon Glaeser with Amber Alink (USA) and A.I. (bull-TECC), and Khounboli

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates November 2023

November was a very busy month for the CMU Team. It was a month of excitement, highs, and sadly, some hard lows. It’s months like these that exemplify exactly why the CMU veterinarians and the Mobile Vet program are so invaluable to the elephants and surrounding communities.

In addition to all their usual responsibilities the CMU team was also quite involved in preparations for and hosting of the 5th Asian EEHV Working Group Meeting and the 19th International Elephant Conservation and Research Symposium. The meeting and symposium ran back-to-back over five days in the middle of the month and was a huge success!

The November cases consisted of several cases involving youngsters. One little 7-month-old female presented with lameness in her front right leg which she was dragging as she walked. The vet team tentatively diagnosed her a radial nerve injury which could have caused the dragging. They then gave her analgesia, anti-inflammatory meds, laser therapy, and recommended acupuncture to help with her neuromuscular movement.

Calf receiving laser therapy on her stiff leg

Two other young calves presented with eye issues during the month. At the beginning of the month a 7-month-old little bull had swollen eyes with a laceration. After the vets were able to examine the calf and observed flies gathering near his eyes and the calf itching them repeatedly, they were able to rule out EEHV as a cause and suspected allergies. It took a couple follow-up visits throughout the month to discover a bacterial infection in the laceration that might have been contributing. The owners were instructed on how to rinse his eyes and apply antibiotic treatment. Later in the month, an 18-month-old calf also in the Mae Wang region was seen for lacrimation (excessive tears). The vets recommended an eye rinse for her one to two times a day to help wash away dust, dirt, and other possible irritants.

(Left) Calf with blepharitis (inflammation of eyelids) in both eyes

(Right) Other calf had lacrimation (excessive tears) in both eyes

Unfortunately, November also brought some difficult cases. On the morning of November 9th, a Mae Tang camp owner called for help concerning 8 elephants with colic ranging from moderate to severe. They had all eaten from the same plot of grasses. Another vet from the TEAA was asked to aid in the emergency response. They started fluid therapy in 5 elephants and provided supportive drugs including an anti-inflammatory, opioid, anti-gastric acid secretion, and vitamins. Two elephants were considered severe and transported to the hospital for more intensive care. The elephants at the camp continued treatment through the night and some got better, but the following morning two of them were sent to the team at the hospital at the TECC. In the end most of the elephants recovered with the constant care and intensive treatments, but two elephants died, one from intestinal torsion and the other from sepsis.

Obvious bulging sides of cow experiencing colic

The vets were called out for the necropsy and sample collection of a six-year-old calf in Mae Tang who had been depressed and not eating just the day before and died suddenly that morning of the 22nd. His death was attributed to EEHV 4 and is the first of the season in that region. The vets visited the rest of the young calves in the camp and all non-pregnant and weaned calves were given antihelminth and vitamin C. The veterinarian gave suggestions for management to the owner and the mahouts were educated about the importance of vigilant observation (especially of the young calves) for the detection of EEHV.
 
To wrap the month up Dr. Paan teamed up with several other vets to collect whole blood that was to be donated by a healthy female elephant. Thanks to the Mae Tang Elephant Camp the team of vets were able to collect 19 bags of 450mL of whole blood from a cow named Kam Noi. Whole blood donations are a very important component of treating seriously ill elephant patients with a myriad of conditions, including EEHV. These bags of donated blood can be spun down into plasma and then kept cold for the next several months and ready to use in the next critical case.

The veterinarian team for blood collection including: vets from CMU, a vet from Mae Tang camp, a vet from TEAA and a vet from Lao PDR (internship) along with donor Kam Noi

To support the work of the CMU Veterinary Team as they
provide life-saving health care to Northern Thailand’s elephants, please visit www.asianelephantsupport.org to make a donation. 

AES Attends the 5th Asian EEHV Working Group Meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Presenters and attendees at 5th Asian EEHV working group meeting

The 5th Asian EEHV Working Group Meeting 2023, was held at Chiang Mai University, on November 13. This event gathered around 70 people from many countries around the world. Sixteen presenters were country representatives who updated attendees about the EEHV situation in each region with the number of cases, the availability of laboratory spaces and equipment, and the gaps and needs of their region’s efforts to combat EEHV. Some of them still need a budget to set up their laboratories. However, this event was a great opportunity for connection and collaboration among EEHV researchers and practitioners. In addition, there were interesting presentations from subject matter experts updating on diagnosis and treatment, updates on immune response, and advancements in vaccine development (which many participants were eager to hear about). In addition to the individual presentations, there was a group session for brainstorming on the topics of diagnosis, treatment, and research in order to exchange knowledge and share discoveries. AES is grateful that the elephant community had such a wonderful opportunity for participants to meet with each other to collaborate against EEHV, a devastating obstacle in the way of elephant conservation.

Presenter, Lauren Howard, giving update for North American EEHV cases and treatments

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates - October 2023

Dr. Paan and the team were busy during October again, visiting elephants in Mae Wang, Mae Tang, Mae Rim and Hang Dong districts of Northern Thailand. October’s cases were mainly made up of wound care, mild lameness, lameness caused by a wound, and a dental visit thrown in to mix things up. 
 
A female elephant in Mae Wang had a pre-existing tail injury which the doctors returned to check on in October. Upon examination, it was noted that the tail was not healing as well as could be hoped. The tip of the tail had become necrotic and as the tissue was being cleaned away a piece of bone was visible through the tissue and pus present. The necrotic tip had to be removed all together. Two weeks later at her follow up appointment, the cow’s tail had recovered quite nicely with no more pu

A piece of tailbone protruded from the wound

Another highlight was the CMU vets visiting a male elephant in Mae Tang who was stiff on his right front leg. The vet at the camp where the tusker resided had requested the CMU team bring their laser therapy equipment, which they did on October 10. About a week earlier, the mahout had noticed a small swollen nodule on that leg, and now the elephant was stiff. The vets determined that this nodule would eventually turn into an abscess, so quick treatment was necessary. Using the thermal scanner, the team was able to determine where other areas of swelling and inflammation were located on the leg. Luckily, there weren’t any other areas of inflammation found on that leg, so the vets decided to start laser therapy on the nodule to
stimulate the cells and  relieve some pain for the elephant. Another laser treatment was done a week later, but by that time the abscess had burst. However, after the second round of laser therapy, the elephant was walking normally, and seemed to be in less pain.

Dr. Paan applying laser therapy to an abscess causing pain and lameness

 Later in the month, the team went to Mae Rim to perform some traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, on an eight-year-old female elephant that the vets were following up with who was suffering from lameness. The team couldn’t perform the acupuncture with needles, since the elephant
wouldn’t stand still, so they went to plan B and used laser acupuncture. Due to the high power and heat coming from the acupuncture machine, the elephant was a little frustrated, however, the vets finished the procedure within 5-10  minutes. Laser therapy was also performed on the lame area for further treatment. The team will perform the laser acupuncture 1 time per week for a total of 6 weeks. 

CMU vet applying laser acupuncture technique with help of guests expert

 To support Dr. Paan and the CMU Veterinary Team as they provide life-saving health care to Northern Thailand’s elephants, please visit www.asianelephantsupport.org to make a donation. 

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates - September 2023

Dr. Eye and the CMU team were back at it again throughout September. The first week of the month saw the vets joining forces with Thai Elephant Alliance and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) to conduct health checks for elephants in the Mae Chaem and Mae Wang areas. Twenty elephants from four different villages were seen by the vets. These checks were a part of the annual National Elephant Institute elephant health service initiative.

Elephants in the Mae Wang region turn out for vet check ups

During their time in Mae Wang, they also treated a 15-year-old pregnant elephant who was suffering from diarrhea. The vets were able to determine the cause and prescribed de-worming medication. After learning the mahout and owner’s concern for the unborn calf was the reason they had ceased to give the cow antiparasitic drugs, they were able to educate the owners explaining they are safe to use and better for mom and baby in the long run. The pregnant elephant started recovering within 24 hours.

CMU mobile unit with vets from CMU, TECC, TEA and a private vet

 Later in the month, the team visited a 21-year-old male elephant in San Kham Pang who was presenting with colic and hadn’t passed a fecal since the previous day. The owner of the elephant told the vet team that the male elephant was acting lethargic, standing still, and lifting his hindlimbs, which is a sign of abdominal discomfort. He also was not eating or drinking well. The team started the male on GI stimulating medications and administering fluids, and eventually administered a rectal enema and walked the elephant to stimulate better movement in the intestinal muscles. Treatments were stopped in the evening of that day, to let the team and the elephant rest. Unfortunately, no feces were produced, and treatments resumed the following morning. After 48 hours of no fecal production, it was feared there was something more serious than colic that was affecting the elephant. The elephant owners decided to send the elephant to TECC. Fortunately, the elephant was able to finally pass feces, and started eating and drinking normally after a day at the hospital. After a week stay at the hospital, he was cleared to return home.

Bull receiving enema treatment for severe colic

Heading back to Mae Wang, Dr. Eye’s team visited a 34-year-old female elephant who was stiff in her hind legs. Upon examination, the vet decided to administer an anti-inflammatory shot. However, due to the elephant being obese, it was hard for the team to determine where the stiffness was originating. The team then decided to use the thermal camera to pinpoint if there was a lesion and where it was located. The camera revealed there was a lesion on her left hind limb, and it was recommended that the owner let the elephant rest while she heals. Furthermore, they suggested warm water treatments, topical pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thermal imaging helps diagnose injury on hind leg

To support Dr. Eye and her CMU veterinary team as they provide life-saving health care to Northern Thailand’s elephants, please visit www.asianelephantsupport.org to make a donation. 

Update from the Mobile Vet Clinic - August 2023

CMU Vet Staff at the National Elephant Conference

The Chiang Mai University mobile veterinary unit had a busy month in August! The vet team was able to attend the 2023 National Elephant Conference in Lampang. Elephant nutrition, the EEHV situation in Thailand, how to care for orphaned baby elephants, and blood donation in elephants were among the topics covered in lectures and informational sessions for elephant health by veterinarians.

 
The Center recently depleted their blood plasma collection due to recent cases of EEHV. Blood plasma is very beneficial to have on hand for elephants who have low blood protein (hypoproteinemia), low blood albumin (hypoalbuminemia), ascites, loss of protein from any other issues, and blood loss (like in the case of EEHV). So, the search was on for an elephant donor! Thankfully, the Baan Chang Elephant Park
gave permission to collect the blood from an elephant donor named ParnWaad. This elephant reached all the criteria for an ideal blood donor. The team was able to collect 12 bags of blood that was then separated into plasma. Unfortunately, that afternoon they received a call for use of these plasma bags on a current patient with liver problems, severe low blood protein, and low albumin.

ParnWaad the elephant, donating blood

The CMU team received a call about a two month-old calf who fell down a hill and refused to take her medicine! They had to improvise to combine topical painkillers, walking restrictions, and laser therapy to minimize the inflammation. The calf was difficult to treat with laser therapy since she couldn’t stay still for very long. The calf’s symptoms were substantially better and almost back to normal after 1 week of
treatments.

The two-month old calf

Later in the month, they received a call from an owner to see an elephant that presented chin and ventral edema. The vet performed a physical examination and mild ventral chin swelling was found. But, the ventral abdominal swelling was not obviously seen. They collected blood to check and to rule out the problem of hypoproteinemia (low levels of blood protein). The blood result was in normal range. The mahout was instructed to make a hot herbal pressure for the area. She was getting better and then recovered in a week!

Chin Edema

In total, the CMU Mobile Veterinary Unit received about 11 cases in the month of August spanning from musculoskeletal issues to wound care.

YOU can help support the CMU Mobile Veterinary Clinic to continue supporting elephants in need of medical care by donating to Asian Elephant Support at:
www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate or via Venmo @asianelephantsupport.

Update from the Mobile Vet Clinic

The Chiang Mai University (CMU) Mobile Vet Clinic answered a call regarding a young female elephant with a broken tush (in female Asian elephants, their small tusks are referred to as a tush or tushes). The owner explained that the elephant likes to use her tushes to strip off tree bark. Upon examination, the veterinary team noticed a bad smell coming from the tush area with some swelling. They also noticed that the remaining part of her broken tush was pointy which was rubbing the soft tissue of her tusk cavity (or sulcus), which was the reason behind the swelling. The veterinary team flushed the sulcus with hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with saline, and administered pain medication. The veterinarians also filed down the remaining tush so that it was not as sharp anymore. The team came back to visit three days later to make sure the elephant was improving. They were happy to see that the swelling had gone down!

ParnWaad the elephant, donating blood

YOU can help support the CMU Mobile Veterinary Clinic to continue supporting elephants in need of medical care, just like this young female with a broken tusk, by donating to Asian Elephant Support at: www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate or via Venmo @asianelephantsupport.