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 Clinic Updates

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 discomfort

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

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic Updates

For a short month, the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic was busy with several cases. Interestingly, 45% of the cases last month were due to eye concerns. There were also a handful of wounds which needed tending, a couple of foot injuries and a nursing issue.

Upon arrival at their first case, the team found the elephant standing calmly in front of tourists, eating, and appearing generally fine. However, her left eye exhibited excessive tearing and squinting. A visible wooden stick was embedded at the outer corner of the eye, and the third eyelid was swollen and protruding, obscuring the eyeball. To the vet’s surprise, the stick was larger and longer than expected. Fortunately, there was no bleeding after extraction. The eye was rinsed with a saline solution and treated with antibiotic eye drops. Once the pain subsided, a hole-like wound was observed. Given the risk of deeper injury, the cow was transferred to hospital for further diagnostic imaging and intensive care. Thankfully, the eye globe structure remained unharmed, and her vision was preserved.

The surprisingly large stick removed from the elephant’s eye

At the second case, the mahout reported an adult female elephant experiencing excessive tearing for a couple of days and noted that she had been playing in the dirt frequently. In response, they began cleaning her eye with clean water more frequently. Upon examination, the veterinarian observed a whitish spot on the cornea, diagnosing a superficial corneal ulcer. After demonstrating the proper application of topical eye drops to the mahout, recommending administration four times daily, and an anti-inflammatory drug was provided for three consecutive days the team also advised keeping the elephant in the shade to enhance her comfort and support healing. At the follow-up visit two weeks later, her eye had cleared completely.

Eye with white corneal ulcer

The other two cases of lacrimation (excessive tearing) were similar cases in two very different patients. One case was that of an adult female and the other a two-month-old calf. In both cases, fluorescein staining was performed, and both results were negative, confirming no corneal damage and mahouts at both locations were instructed in methods to help rinse and clean the eyes of their elephants, especially after playing in the mud and dirt.

The young calf tearing consistently

In addition to the other cases the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic was requested to conduct a health examination, with a focus on foot care, for an adult male tusker elephant who had sustained injuries from a mine explosion 10 years ago. He had chronic wounds on both hind limbs and was recently rescued and transported from a border area to a camp in Mae Rim. In terms of gait analysis, he was able to bear weight on all four limbs. The mahout led him into the river for a bath before the examination. During the assessment, they found a severely open wound on the left hind footpad. The right hind foot had an open wound on the footpad and an abscess at the nail base, which extended deep into the foot. Both wounds emitted a strong odor. Due to the lack of appropriate facilities for foot trimming and intensive foot care, and since the elephant was still in the process of training and familiarizing himself with the mahout, the team focused on wound management and trained the mahout team on proper wound care techniques suitable for the current situation. The wound care process involved cleaning the affected areas with a chlorhexidine solution, brushing out debris and dirt, and repeatedly rinsing with saline and povidone-iodine solution. After drying the wounds with gauze, an antibiotic ointment was then applied.

Tusker favoring his right rear foot

Abscesses on the rear feet of the tusker with old mine wounds

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 Clinic Updates

Each year, organizations responsible for elephant health conduct a population census and provide health services for all elephants in human care in Chiang Mai. The 2025 event took place over the last two weeks of January and involved collaboration between the Center of Elephant Research and Health Service under the Division of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service of the Department of Livestock Development, the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC), and the Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health at Chiang Mai University. The event focused on conducting a population census, performing health checks, providing antiparasitic treatments, vitamins, and basic medical supplies to the elephants.

During the census, the team did not finalize a summary of the total number of elephants in Chiang Mai yet, but the estimate seems to be approximately same as last year, around 830-870. Most of the elephants were in good body condition. A few had minor health issues, for which the team provided recommendations and guidance to their owners and mahouts. Most of the health issues noted were dry eyes and skin. This year, the team was excited to also meet many newborn elephants in both Mae Wang and Mae Tang areas.

Two “naughty” one-year-old calves run around camp during health checks

The few cases during the beginning of the month were on the milder side. There were a couple of gastrointestinal discomfort cases, an eye irritation case, and a couple of wounds requiring therapy and care.

The owner of a middle-aged female elephant who was presenting with excessive tears from her eyes contacted the CMU Mobile Vet Team. She said that she had tried to clean the eyes and apply eye drops for a week but it was not better. Upon the examination, the elephant’s face was covered with the red dirt and excessive tears showed on both eyes. The right eye was found to have a cloudy scar on the cornea, whereas the left eye showed mild cloudy and more excessive tear. The vets cleaned the eyes then, fluorescein staining was done to ensure there were no obvious ulcers. It was suggested the elephant be kept in a shaded area, the eye rinsed several times, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug applied.

The vets using stain to check for ulcers in the eye

One of the wounds being cared for was an older wound from last month that was still requiring treatment. While the wound showed significant improvement, it had not yet fully healed, so laser treatment remained ongoing.

Visiting vet student learning to use the laser for wound treatment

The second wound was a ruptured mass on the elephant’s left elbow. The owner was unsure about wound care. The mass was large, firm, and had a thin, ruptured center. The wound was cleaned with saline and an antiseptic solution, followed by alcohol and povidone-iodine applications. Then the wound was widened with a small incision to improve drainage and cleaning. Given the risk of infection, the vet advised the owner and mahout to clean the wound regularly and apply antibiotic ointment until it healed.

The third wound was a mother elephant with bleeding at her teat. Her 1.5-month-old calf had started teething and unintentionally injured her nipple while nursing. Upon examination, a fresh wound on her right nipple was found, but the bleeding had stopped, and milk flow remained unaffected. The mother did not resist nursing on either side. The mahout was advised to clean the wound only with saline, drying it with a clean cloth, and avoiding any medication to ensure safe nursing for the calf.

Mom with teething calf

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 Clinic Updates

New beginnings for the new year seems like the perfect theme for this update from Thailand. So, what better way to start the new year than with news from the Chiang Mai University (CMU) Mobile Vet Clinic team than to talk about babies and the future elephant vets of the world? The roster of the month also included some of the more typical calls like gastrointestinal upset, stiffness, abscesses, and wound care which kept the team busy. Thanks to the team with the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic for all they are doing to improve the lives of elephants now and into the future.

The vet staff of the center and the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) welcomed and facilitated vet students from Ohio State University in a short training program about elephant medicine at TECC on December 19-20. They discussed topics of management and welfare in 4 groups of elephants. The students got to practice a full physical examination of elephants, and they also learned and practiced medical treatment with cases at the elephant hospital under the supervision of a professional veterinarian as well. This program provided a good opportunity for experiencing to vet students about Asian elephants.

Ohio State University veterinary students at TECC

On December 10, the veterinarian received a call at 3 AM about a new mother elephant showing signs of labor. She gave birth to a healthy male calf at 5:50 AM. Although the calf was strong, the new mother reacted aggressively toward him. The team quickly stepped in to assist, restraining the mother and gradually introducing the calf to her. The placenta had not yet been expelled, and the mother was still agitated when the team attempted to bring the baby to nurse. After 4 hours, the veterinarian administered an oxytocin injection to help the mother expel the placenta and stimulate milk letdown. The team and the vets tried introducing the calf to mom over and over every 30 minutes to 1 hour all day long without much luck. They even started manually milking mom when presenting the calf. Fortunately, by the next morning, nearly 24 hours after birth, the mother had learned to accept the calf and allow him to nurse. The following day when the vets followed up on the calf, they found that he was staying close to his mother and successfully nursing.

(Left) Attempting to introduce the calf to mom in order to nurse

(Right) Calf finally nursing at vet follow-up visit

The veterinarian examined a calf born in November whose mother had a mammary teat defect. The left teat was atrophied, while the right teat was abnormally shaped, making it difficult for the calf to nurse. A few days later, the mother showed signs of agalactia (reduced milk production and letdown). Both the mother and calf were sent to the foundation hospital in Lampang for care. After two weeks, they returned to the camp. The camp vet and the owner requested the CMU mobile vet team to monitor the calf’s health. Upon arrival, they found the calf walking at the forest’s edge with his mother and the herd. The calf was alert, but was very small and thin. It was recommended to keep them in an enclosure to allow the calf to nurse more frequently and get adequate rest.

The calf was active and alert, but thin

The owner of an elephant in Mae Wang contacted the CMU mobile vet regarding a newborn calf, which was born on December 10 at 5:35 PM. By the following morning, the calf had not been able to nurse. While the mother elephant did not harm the baby, the calf was unable to find the teat. Due to the lack of sucking or stimulation, the mother’s milk production was reduced. The veterinarian examined both the mother and calf, and they were both healthy. The vet administered the oxytocin to the mother to promote the milk letdown. In addition, the vet recommended that the calf be brought to the mother for milking at least once every hour. After nearly a full day, the mahout reported that the calf still could not nurse. They sought advice on hand-rearing the calf to prevent starvation and weakness. Happily, after 2-3 days the calf was able to nurse on his own.

The new mom with her little boy who was named Maoi

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

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

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.

Update from the Mobile Vet Clinic - July 2023

Beginning in 2020, Asian Elephant Support committed funds to support the ongoing work of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic. This unit travels throughout northern Thailand to provide both preventative and emergency care for elephants in need. The staff from the unit regularly participates in educational opportunities to exchange knowledge with colleagues working to care for Asian elephants. We hope you continue to enjoy the updates we receive from our partners from the Mobile Vet Clinic and their work to uphold our mission to care for and conserve elephants in Thailand and across Asia. 

The Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic, including Dr. Eye and other veterinary staff were on the move as usual during the month of July.

The veterinary staff from various organizations conducting the health checks for the elephants of Chiang Mai.

The crew worked with the Chiang Rai Provincial Livestock Office and the Thai Elephant Alliance to perform health checks on 42 elephants in five camps in the Chiang Rai province. Of the 42 elephants, all were reported to have excellent body condition, due to a seasonal abundance of food. The team did take additional time to treat several elephants, including a bull with a damaged tusk and infection. In this region, there are veterinarians from the Department of Livestock Development that will be able to provide follow-up care as prescribed. 

Veterinarians & mahouts work together to treat an elephant with a tusk infection

 This trip was followed by more health checks on a group of 11 elephants living in the Hauy Pak Kood village of the Mae Jam district.

All of the elephants were found to be in excellent health and the veterinary team only needed to provide preventative treatments for deworming and supplemental vitamins. While there, the team was excited to find a very cute surprise - a one-month old elephant calf!

One month old elephant at Hauy Pak Kood Village

During the first week in July, the CMU Mobile Clinic team followed up with a few elephants in the Mae Wang area that they treated back in June. The two elephants who were treated, one for an abscess on the trunk and the other for a wound on the belly, were both completely healed. After the follow up exam, the crew went to check on an elephant in the Mae Tang area that was suffering from lameness in her left front leg for one to two months. A thermal camera was used to look for areas of inflammation, which was found around the metacarpal (wrist) joint. The veterinarians performed laser therapy to the area and herbal massage, which is an effective traditional treatment. 

Laser therapy being performed to help reduce inflammation & lameness for this elephant in Mae Tang

Later in the month, the veterinary team traveled to treat an elephant in Mae Wang displaying symptoms of abdominal pain. For four days, the owner said that the elephant’s feces had been smaller than usual, and the elephant was open mouth breathing and consistently standing up and sitting down. Upon examination, the doctor heard stomach sounds consistent with gastrointestinal issues, and the elephant was dehydrated.

Fluids were given as well as a pain reliever, vitamins and an enema. After an enema and examining the feces, the team suggested the elephant go directly to the hospital due to the hard dry fecal matter that was produced. They were concerned that the elephant couldn’t chew its fodder well and were afraid the hard feces was blocking the intestinal tract, which can be life-threatening and require continuous care and treatment. This is the fourth time she has experienced these issues. The prognosis for this elephant is guarded, but with the expert support of this veterinary team, we know they will do all they can to care for her.

An enema is performed at the elephant hospital to remove impacted feces in an effort to relieve pain & potentially save this elephant's life 

The CMU Mobile Vet Clinic wrapped up July by visiting a four-year old elephant calf in Mae Wang district who was suffering from diarrhea and not eating hay. The team was initially concerned these symptoms were indicative of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) a deadly disease that impacts one in five young Asian elephants and can take their life within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Thankfully upon examination, the calf was not lethargic, nor did she have a fever or any hemorrhagic signs of EEHV. There were internal parasites seen in the feces, and the calf was interested in eating bamboo and drinking water. The veterinary team administered pain relievers and Vitamins B and C to stimulate her immune response. The following day, the calf’s mahout reported the elephant was feeling better!

As the year rolls on, so does the crew of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic, tirelessly providing life saving care to northern Thailand’s elephants. To show your support for this team, please donate so they can continue their invaluable work at www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate or via Venmo @asianelephantsupport. Thank you.

CMU Mobile Vet Clinic -June 2023 Update

The Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic crew collaborated with the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) several times throughout the month of June. The first was on June 10th when Dr. Eye and other Mobile Vet Clinic staff once again teamed up with the veterinarians from the TECC to put a cast on an elephant whom they casted about two weeks prior to mend a left limb broken in an elephant attack. The exposed wound was worsening since the first cast, and the team administered additional antibiotic medication. Sadly, despite all efforts, the elephant passed away from her injuries. A necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed to determine the cause of her passing.  

TECC and CMU veterinary teams working on casting procedure

Later in the month, Chiang Mai University hosted a group of students from the Long Island University taking an elephant medicine and welfare course. The students were able to take a tour of the Pang La geriatric elephant care center in order to learn more about older elephant care and bulls in musth. They were able to tour the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang to learn more about elephant medicine and perform an independent procedure. The students were also able to visit a large elephant camp in the Mae Taeng district where the students learned more about elephant nutrition, health and environment. 

Long Island University students doing a physical exam

The cases that were seen by the Mobile Vet Clinic in June were mainly located in Mae Wang and Mae Taeng districts. They tended to elephants with ailments ranging from eye problems, skin problems, gastrointestinal distress and foot wounds. 
 
On June 14th, the team visited a young elephant, following up on an eye wound that they had started treating a month earlier. The CMU Team was thrilled to find that the owner had done a great job treating the wound, finding no evidence of lesions. The veterinarians depend highly on elephant owners and mahouts to treat and medicate their young elephants, since they are more difficult to treat due to their activity level. 

Young elephant with a healthy eye

Following the eye exam, the Team was then called to an elephant who had stepped on a nail the previous day. The owner of the female elephant had pulled the nail out of the foot pad upon finding it, but he wanted the veterinarians to administer a tetanus vaccine to prevent infection. The Team examined and cleaned the area, flushing the foot pad with hydrogen peroxide, iodine and saline, and left a foot soak solution of potassium permanganate for the owner to perform foot soaks. Overall, the elephant had no swelling around the nail wound, and she was walking normally.

Elephant’s foot pad where nail was found

Next, the Mobile Vet Clinic answered a call regarding a young female elephant with a right tusk that had been broken about four days prior. According to the owner, the elephant likes to use that tusk to strip trees of bark. Upon examination, the veterinary team noticed a foul smell at the tusk site and discovered that the remaining pointed section of tusk was rubbing the soft tissue of the tusk cavity. The cavity was flushed with hydrogen peroxide, washed with saline, and then the elephant was given pain medication. The veterinarians also worked to reduce the sharpness of the remaining tusk fragment. The team followed up three days later and the elephant was doing well, with the swelling down.

Dr. Eye treating the broken tusk of a female elephant

Finally, the team visited an owner who called them for his female elephant with an abscess on her trunk. The abscess is about 1.5 inches in diameter and had ruptured, producing discharge. The veterinarians couldn’t express all the purulent material, so they cleaned the wound and provided topical antibiotic medications to the site. The veterinary team left additional medication with the owner and instructed him to continue treating the wound. They expect the elephant to make a full recovery.

CMU vet treating female elephant’s trunk abscess

To ensure that Dr. Eye and the rest of the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic can continue their life saving efforts around Northern Thailand, please make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor by visiting our donor page or “Venmoing” us @AsianElephantSupport. We appreciate your contribution!

Chiang Mai University's Mobile Vet Clinic - April 2023

At the start of April, the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic teamed up with the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC), the Asian Elephant Foundation of Thailand and the Department of Livestock Development to head to the areas of Tak and Omkoi to do elephant health checks on elephants that were returning with their owners to the area.

Each year in April, elephants from the region make their way home to Tak for the ritual of Rub Kwong Chang, known for helping the elephants and the Karen people live happy and prosperous lives, free from disease. The teams visited elephants in four districts of Tak and one district of Chiang Mai checking microchip numbers, administering anti-parasitic drugs and delivering other medical supplies, as well as giving advice on care and welfare to the mahouts. 

Female elephant, with her calf by her side, receivers an exam and anti-parasitic medication from Dr. Eye with the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic

The remainder of the month was spent in the areas of Mae Tang and Mae Wang visiting a number of elephants with a variety of ailments ranging from foot to gastrointestinal to eye problems.
 
On April 19, the team made a follow up visit to a bull elephant with a corneal abrasion and conjunctivitis in his right eye they had seen the previous month.

Bull elephant diagnosed with cataracts (or clouding of the eye lens) in his right eye has received ongoing care from the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic

At the last visit, the veterinarians had discovered damage to the elephant’s optic nerve, not rendering him blind, but still unable to see normally. Treatment for his condition included eye drops and vitamin B complex to maintain the bull’s nervous system. At this visit, the veterinarians discovered cataracts in his right eye. Since surgery is not an option, they suggested continuing the vitamin B and avoiding being out of the sun.
 
Next, the Mobile Clinic traveled to make another follow up visit to a female elephant in Mae Wang whom they had treated for a jaw abscess in March. The abscess is healing with proper cleaning being done by the mahout. However, since it is a large abscess below the skin it will take longer to heal. The wound remains open, allowing for discharge to continue to drain, and the elephant is otherwise healthy. The veterinarians administered a tetanus injection and advised the mahout to continue with wound care.  
 
To wrap up the month, the team visited an elephant who was suffering from a back ache for about two days. The veterinarians noted warm areas on the caudal (rear) region of the female’s back and she had a pain response during the physical examination.

The CMU team used thermal imaging to diagnose and laser therapy to assist with pain relief for this elephant in Northern Thailand

The thermal camera was used in order to confirm the areas of inflammation. Treatment included laser therapy to the areas of swelling, in addition to massage oil and anti-inflammatory medication. 
 
To show your support for the tireless work of the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic and to celebrate World Veterinary Day, please visit our website to make a contribution.