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

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.

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.

Chiang Mai University's Mobile Vet Clinic - March 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 team had another busy month in March. On the ninth and tenth, Drs. Kulnanan and Ueangpaiboon attended the Elephant Acupuncture Workshop organized by the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC). During the workshop attendees were educated on traditional Chinese medicine, how to find and locate acupuncture points and which acupuncture points help. Workshop participants also had the opportunity to practice how to perform acupuncture on elephants.

"Acupuncture is another alternative treatment option for elephants to reduce pain & improve various health functions of the body based on the balance of energy flow or life force in the body." - Drs. Kulnanan and Ueangpaiboon

The CMU team joined in celebrating National Thai Elephant Day on March 13 by participating in a special event designed to raise awareness for elephants. At the event, religious rituals were performed, a feast was prepared for elephants, including grass and fruits, and attending organizations were invited to share their work to help elephants and other animals. For their part, the CMU team shared their work to deliver medication and care to elephants throughout the region, caring for wild elephants, improving the welfare for elephants, and assisting in care for calves with Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV).

Elephants enjoying a feast of grasses and fruits on Chang Thai Day 2023

On the last day of the month, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University held a forum on how to manage cases of elephant calves with suspected EEHV. Over the last year, the CMU team had several cases of EEHV, sadly, in all of the cases the calves succumbed to the disease. This critical forum for veterinarians and students was designed to allow for an exchange of ideas on topics relating to EEHV, including the reporting of symptoms, the importance of assessments and lab work, and the delivery of critical treatments. The forum had over 30 attendees representing over 20 organizations, both in-person and via Zoom.

The forum was lead by experienced elephant veterinarians

Over the course of the month, the medical cases that Drs. Kulnanan and Ueangpaiboon and the team saw were vast. Mostly located in the Mae Wang and Mae Tang districts, they treated elephants with issues ranging from musculoskeletal, dental, eye and gastrointestinal issues.

On March third, the team was called to use their laser therapy unit for two elephants - a male with stiffness in his front leg and a female who had stepped on a nail and needed to have a needle aspiration followed by laser therapy. The CMU veterinary team is fortunately able to use laser technology as an additional treatment in some cases.

Dr. Eye drains & flushes the abscess. A week later the wound was better following the care from the CMU team & the elephant’s dedicated owner

On March 15, the team visited an elephant owner who reported that his elephant had a swollen jaw for several weeks that had now formed an abscess. Upon examination, the veterinarians decided to open the abscess and clean it out with hydrogen peroxide and saline. A tetanus vaccine was also given. With the owner able to clean the wound very easily, one week later, the wound was better with little to no discharge present.

Later in March, the Mobile Vet Clinic visited a male elephant who had foamy discharge coming from his left eye. The owner had been treating the elephant for an eye ulcer for a few weeks already, and it seemed to be improving. However, during examination, the veterinary team found that the eye is now warm and swollen along with the foamy tears. They did a fluorescent stain on the eye to check for ulcers. Ultimately, a bulgy white protrusion about .5 cm in diameter was discovered.

The elephant’s owner was instructed to keep the bull in a shaded area, provide topical antibiotic eye treatments three-four times a day and to keep the eye clean. The elephant was prescribed pain medication along with anti-inflammatory drugs. After a follow-up with this bull on March 30, he was found to be better, with less eye discharge, however the corneal protrusion was still present and follow-up care will likely be in order next month.

Elephants use their long lashes for protection from dust, light, wind and insects

As the care for elephants in northern Thailand continues each month, AES is proud to support the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic and all of their efforts to enhance their skills, share their knowledge and give the elephants of the region the best medical attention. We thank these partners for their service to the community and the species. To lend your support, consider making a donation by visiting our donation page or “Venmoing” @asianelephantsupport. Thank you.

Chiang Mai University's Mobile Vet Clinic - February 2023

February started with the team from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic heading out for an annual field visit to the elephants working and residing at camps in Chiang Mai province, alongside Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development (DLD) and Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) veterinary teams.

An elephant is scanned for a microchip as part of an annual exam & census in the Chiang Mai province

This yearly visit, which occurred from February 3-12, comes with microchip identification, health checks, and providing elephant owners with needed medications and supplies. The teams also conducted a much needed elephant census, following the return of elephants to camps throughout Chiang Mai post-pandemic, and determined that there are 84 elephant camps in operation with 950 elephants. 

While in a camp on these field visits, an elephant owner asked the Mobile Vet Clinic team to look at a 40-year-old female elephant. The elephant had a weepy right eye for about two weeks, and none of the treatments the owner had attempted were working. Upon examination, her cornea had a white spot on it, and her eyelids were warm and swelling, indicating corneal ulcers. The veterinarians provided the owner with instructions on how to treat the eye properly with eye medication and gave the elephant some pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. 

In addition to the Chiang Mai field visits, the CMU veterinary team joined with staff from Treasure Our Elephants Fund Foundation to perform health checks on 18 elephants in Mae Hong Sorn and Chiang Rai districts.

On this trip, the veterinarians provided elephant owners medicine and education on appropriate management practices for ailments like eye infections, gingivitis, and tusk issues, as well as weight loss and proper body condition.
 
Elsewhere around Northern Thailand, Dr. Eye and the Mobile Vet Clinic treated elephants with issues ranging from swollen foot pads, to lameness, to lethargy. An elephant in Mae Wang that the team had treated previously for a wound after stepping on a nail, was rechecked and found to still have a swollen area on the foot. The veterinarians used a thermal camera to confirm their suspicion - an abscess had developed. Anti-inflammatory medication was provided and the owner was instructed to do foot soaks daily for 30 minutes and avoid long distance or rough-surface walking.

Elephant receives a flush of his tusk cavity (also known as a sulcus) as part of the veterinary visit

Swelling can be seen in the middle of the foot pad indicating possible abscess development after stepping on a nail last month

Finally, the CMU team made their way to an owner of an elderly female elephant who had been lethargic and losing weight. She had spent time at the elephant hospital but had come back to the owner recently. Upon examination this time, the old elephant had dry mucous membranes, and a poor body condition - appearing extremely thin.

After a rectal exam and removal of dried feces, the team determined her condition was brought on by one of two issues - either her age (older elephants may start to have a decline in digestion or malabsorption of nutrients in food due to tooth loss) or mismanagement of her diet (when a poor quality diet results in nutrient deficiencies and colic). This elephant was treated with analgesics, vitamins and blood was taken for testing. Her blood results came back indicating a chronic infection and kidney issues. After she was treated, her lethargy improved and she started eating. However, on February 22, she laid down and sadly, passed away that day. 

Mother with a calf born on January 29th in Mae Wang. The CMU team tended to them following some complications after birth, but both are reportedly doing well after treatments

Through the ups and downs of being elephant veterinarians, Dr. Eye and Team from the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic, and all their partners in the field, continue to make a difference in the lives of Thailand’s elephants and their people. To thank the Mobile Vet Clinic team, please visit our website to make a contribution to their efforts.

Chiang Mai University's Mobile Vet Clinic - January 2023

The beginning of the new year saw the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic on the move from the Mae Tang to the Mae Wang districts. The entire month of January was spent visiting elephants with ailments ranging from gastrointestinal issues to skin ailments.

Several of the gastrointestinal issues that the veterinarians attended to were cases of colic, treated with anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal pain relievers as well as fluids and vitamins. Within a few days, those elephants were back to eating and defecating normally - a relief to the elephants and their caregivers, alike.

Elephant receiving fluids as part of treatment for gastrointestinal issues

One of the more serious cases of gastrointestinal upset from last month was on January 25, when the vet crew was called for a 46-year-old female elephant who was not eating or drinking, and presented with signs of bloat. Once the veterinary team got to the elephant and did an exam, it was discovered that the old girl was dehydrated, from eating soil and too many bananas. While her temperature was normal, she was found to have a slight distension in her abdomen. Fluids, vitamins and pain relievers were administered, as well as the recommendation to encourage walking, which helps to get the digestive tract moving. The mahouts were given more information by the team on what to feed their elephants - a diet high in fiber, like grasses, to prevent bloating. After several rectal enemas, more fluids and a lot of walking, the elephant was eating grasses and began to defecate normally.

Enemas performed to remove any feces that the elephant has been unable to pass on their own can provide fast relief in cases of colic

Another serious case, on January 2, was from a 50-year-old elephant experiencing a head wound. Upon arrival to the elephant, the veterinary crew saw a large, non-bleeding cut on the elephant’s forehead. The elephant had tried to self medicate by blowing dirt and grass on the wound, but she was experiencing pain and wouldn’t allow the veterinarian to treat the wound. Topical and anti-inflammatory medications were prescribed that the elephant owner could administer. A week later, the owner of the elephant called the veterinarians again saying the wound was worse. The elephant was transported to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) hospital for further treatment, since the wound had now produced purulent material and had gotten larger and more painful. At the TECC the elephant could be in a more sterile environment, with additional people to help administer medication to help heal the wound. Oxygen therapy was also administered to prevent the spread of bacteria. The wound was reportedly fully healed, after a recheck of the elephant on Jan 27. 

To end the month, the CMU crew visited a 6-year-old elephant with a swollen chin, which can sometimes be an indication of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus or EEHV. However in this case, the calf did not show any other signs of EEHV, including depression, diarrhea or other facial swelling. A thermal camera was used to pinpoint the spot of swelling, which wasn’t painful to the calf and was concentrated on one side of the face. The veterinarian took blood samples to rule out EEHV, and administered vitamin C and anti-inflammatory medications. After a check, three days later, the young elephant’s chin was less swollen and the calf was acting normally.

Infrared camera is used to pinpoint the potential cause of facial swelling

As we were ringing in the New Year with friends and family, the veterinary team with the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic was hard at work providing life-saving treatments to Thailand’s elephants. 

To support the efforts of the veterinarians and staff from the mobile unit, please visit www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate and become a monthly donor. 

Chiang Mai University Center for Elephant and Wildlife Health Hosts Students from Ohio State

On December 27th & 28th, veterinarians and staff from the Chiang Mai University Center for Elephant and Wildlife Health, including those from the Mobile Vet Clinic, facilitated a course for veterinary students from Ohio State University at the Elephant Hospital at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. 

Under the supervision of experienced veterinarians, this course provided instruction and hands-on practice in elephant-medicine, including physical examinations, wound management and geriatric care. 

It was an amazing opportunity for students to learn from some of the leading experts in elephant veterinary care in Thailand. 

Chiang Mai University's Mobile Vet Clinic - November 2022

Dr. Eye, and the staff from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic continued their mission for Thailand’s elephants throughout the month of November. And, once again, they had a very  busy month.

One of the services that AES is proud to support is the continued education that the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic provides to the elephant owners and mahouts in northern Thailand.

Dr. Eye with calf experiencing gastrointestinal issues

In early November, Dr. Eye visited an elephant camp in Mae Wang. The elephants here had come back to Chiang Mai from rural towns with the resurgence of tourism to the area. Upon visiting these elephants, the CMU team found that some of them were experiencing an imbalance in their nutrition and also needed treatment for internal parasites. The team took time during this visit to educate the mahouts and owners on proper dietary management for their elephants.

Member of the CMU Team consulting with a mahout about elephant diets

That trip was followed by a continuing education opportunity for the veterinarians, themselves. They attended a Neurological and Musculoskeletal System Examination Workshop from November 10-11.

Historically it has been difficult to diagnose the cause of nervous and musculoskeletal issues in elephants due to limited knowledge and diagnostic issues. During this conference, the team learned about disorders, procedures and diagnostic tools they can use, as well as how the issues progress and how they can be treated. 
 
The remainder of November included visits and the successful treatment of various health issues in the Mae Wang area. Issues ranged from skin and foot problems, to gastrointestinal and viral problems. 

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus, or EEHV, is a serious and life threatening virus that is found across Asia in both wild elephants and those in human care. The CMU veterinary team continues to fight this disease in Thailand as well.  Unfortunately, on November 22, the Mobile Vet Clinic had to treat another calf with suspected EEHV.

This one-year old calf was reported to have facial swelling and was lethargic for several days. Upon examination, it was found that the calf did have a swollen face, fever of 100° F, as well as a slightly red tongue - all symptoms of EEHV. The calf was immediately given steroids, antiviral medication and antioxidants so he could be transported to the elephant hospital at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts from all of the veterinary teams involved, the calf passed away on November 27.

Dr. Eye and the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic are constantly hard at work, caring for Thailand’s elephants all year long. To show your support to their efforts, please visit www.asianelephantsupport.org to make a contribution to their efforts.

Thailand Southern Mahout Workshop 2022

Planned and Presented by the National Elephant Institute, Lampang. Funded jointly by Asian Elephant Support & AZA SAFE – Asian Elephant

This past summer, Dr. Khajohnpat Boonprasert, aka “Dr. Yeaw”, from Thailand’s National Elephant Institute approached AES about hosting educational workshops in southern Thailand for the mahouts at the various tourist venues in that area.  As plans developed, we reached out to Rachel Emory from Oklahoma City Zoo and Adam Felts from Columbus Zoo, both members of the AZA SAFE – Asian Elephant Committee. AES was delighted when AZA SAFE decided to co-sponsor these events and Rachel also agreed to attend and present about Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV).

(Left) Mahouts attending the lecture portion of the workshop

(Right) Rachel Emory from AZA SAFE lectures on the importance of early detection and training for treatments in EEHV cases

Two, two-day workshops were held.  The first, in Krabi, hosted 39 mahouts, and the second, in Phang Nga welcomed 47 mahouts and owners.  The first day consisted of papers and an interactive session. The second day was hands on, for the Krabi workshop at the Krabi Elephant Hospital, and for the Phang Nga workshop at the Southern Thai Elephant Foundation.

Mahouts participated in lectures and hands-on training throughout the workshops

AES President, Linda Reifschneider, also attended and was impressed with the attention the mahouts showed to both the presenters and during the hands-on sessions.  There was note-taking and very little phone fiddling.  The attendees were truly there to learn, and each was given a sturdy and attractive day bag along with a 165-page booklet covering all the rules and regulations concerning Asian elephants in Thailand.

Dr. Yeaw compiled this brief video, sharing some of the highlights from the workshops. Click here to watch.

Upon completion of the workshops, Linda visited the Elephantstay program in Ayutthaya and had the opportunity to catch up with Ewa and Michelle and see some of the destruction of the third flooding this area had experienced this year.  Much has been cleared away, but these cleanups never get easier with practice.

(Left) Linda (2nd from left) with Lexie, Michelle and Ewa with elephant, “Rumruary” from Elephantstay Thailand

(Right) Linda on a ride-along with the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic

Then Linda was on to Chiang Mai for several days of hitching a ride with the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic veterinarians.  Both the vehicle donated by AES in 2019 and the continuing coverage of one veterinarian salary has made it possible for elephants, returned to their home villages during the pandemic, to continue to get not only emergency care for sickness and injury, but also preventative medicine to keep them healthy.  And every visit by the veterinary team was also an educational moment for those caring for the elephants as well as receiving any needed medical supplies. These excursions also afforded Linda the opportunity to visit with some old friends and definitely make some new ones.   

During the time in Chiang Mai, one day Linda headed to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang.  A great opportunity to see Dr. Yeaw once more and the work he and the staff do there.  The visit also allowed for a visit with Richard Lair, AES Advisor, and the man who knows how to order a great Thai lunch for all!

(Left) Linda with AES Advisor, Richard Lair

(Right) Linda with John Roberts from the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and Family

Linda’s last stop was in the Chiang Rai area, known for the Golden Triangle, where the Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam borders come together.  No shopping this time, but a great opportunity to catch up with John Roberts of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.  AES has partnered with GTAEF in the past and will be participating in a program addressing Human-Elephant Conflict in some of Thailand’s protected areas with them in the future.

Every trip to Thailand is as much a learning experience, as it is reconnecting and networking.  Elephants are really big animals, and the challenges – and opportunities those challenges afford – are also quite substantial and the reason we are Asian Elephant Support. 
 
Please remember that we are a totally voluntary nonprofit - all Directors pay their own travel and other expenses related to being a director, as well as an annual financial contribution.  Every donation made by our supporters goes to elephant programs and efforts! Thank you to everyone who has made educational events such as the Thailand Southern Workshop happen. If you would like to help sponsor more events like this, the continuing work of the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic or upcoming projects to support Human-Elephant Coexistence, please Donate Today!

Chiang Mai University's Mobile Vet Clinic - October 2022

The CMU Team and camp veterinarian conducting a rectal ultrasound on elephant with reproductive issues

The beginning of October saw the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic head to the Mae Tang area to check on a female elephant with reproductive issues.

Dr. Eye worked with the veterinarian for the elephant camp on conducting hormonal analysis of the female, discovering her progesterone levels have been lower than normal since the beginning of the year. Otherwise, the elephant is in good health. On October 4th, the veterinarians decided to perform a rectal ultrasound on the elephant. Nothing abnormal was found on the ultrasound, leading the veterinarians to determine that the elephant’s ovaries were inactive. Medical and dietary supplements and treatments were started as a first line of treatment. Dr. Eye later received confirmation from the elephant owner that the treatments were helping and the elephant’s progesterone levels were increasing.

Later in October, Dr. Eye and the CMU Team headed to the Hang Dong area to treat wounds on a few elephants using laser therapy, which promotes healing, lowers swelling and can prevent infection. One elephant had a wound on his right ear and a second elephant had a wound on his head. The laser therapy was planned for every two days. Upon follow up, ten days after treatment began, the elephant’s head wound was healing well, and the veterinarians decided to reduce laser therapy to once a week.

Finally, the team was called upon by the Thai Elephant Alliance Association to help with an elephant calf’s right front leg which was lame. After already applying an herbal massage and administering steroid treatment, the CMU Team was asked to perform laser therapy on the calf’s leg. Using an infrared camera, the vet could pinpoint the area of the leg that was causing the lameness. After finding the area of warmth on the front ankle, the laser therapy was performed. During the laser therapy the calf was calm, which helped the veterinarians perform their work.

During the last week in October, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University teamed up with the Department of Companion Animals and the Asian Society of Conservation Medicine (ASCM) to conduct the 15th Annual International Wildlife Conservation and Medicine Conference.

The conference included research presentations on topics of reptile disease, diagnostic and pathology skills and EEHV clinical hematology and blood cross-matching. It was also a chance for international networking between veterinarians, academics, researchers and students and an opportunity to come together to update and exchange information on wildlife health management and conservation.

In November, AES’ Board of Directors voted to continue funding the salary for Dr. Eye to allow her to continue her work for another year with the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic. Please help us support the CMU Team and the elephants of northern Thailand by making a one-time donation or becoming a monthly donor by clicking here. Thank you to those who have already given. We are proud to enter the third year of support for this vital veterinary team and we couldn't do it without you!