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!
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