How do you get drugs into an ele? (aichmophobics look away now)

By John Roberts 7 August 2008 10:20:00

...no, don't worry, there are no needle photos here - I know better than to do that to you.

    I just thought I'd introduce you to a dilemma that Dr Titiporn has faced over the past few days with the new mum. Those of you watching the webcam over the last few days will have noticed our white wellied vet paying unusual attention to Bua Tong; without going into too many personal details this is because, after giving birth she developed an infection in a place where young ladies don't want an infection.

    The prescription is relatively simple - antibiotics and lots of 'em, watch the baby to make sure it doesn't affect the milk and keep the wound clean. The administration is slightly more difficult, how do you get the required amount of drug into an uncomfortable three tonne lady with a grasping trunk, flapping ears, sensitive taste buds and a high speed, knee height, inquisitive hairy monster to protect.

    Pills can be hidden in bananas and watermelons and are sometimes not detected - but this is a soluble powder to be injected.

    An intramuscular injection is the way to go then? Well, we tried that, but it is an awfully big needle and an awful amount of liquid to try and deliver in one shot deep into the shoulder - day one we got it done with a bit of a trumpet and a tantrum, day two, little bit more difficult ol' Tong was beginning to hate the site of young Miss Cherry.

    Being good at maths and Cherry having attended anatomy classes we realised we were running out of shoulders, her next suggestion was to try for an intravenous drip - good idea but how do you do that with an ele? The vein's easy to find, big and bulging behind the paper thin skin of the ears but how do you keep the apparatus in place and unripped-out?

    When Moskva caught diarrhea a while back we managed to get re-hydration salts into him by restraining him, but, though still massively strong, he is only six and has the advantage of an anchor point in his tusks - also just for a couple of hours on one occasion, not a full course of treatment.

    The first day we did it, the catheter being inserted with K. Au on her head and three off us hanging off the poor lady's ear - that bit unfortunately hasn't changed but may provide some comedy if you feel like webcam gazing - everyone laughed at my idea of putting an elephant saddle on her and K. Au himself stayed aloft for the couple of hours it takes for the bottle to drain.

    The second day, I'm please to say, we used the suggestion of the non-vet no-nothing foreigner and used the saddle - perhaps this can be my lasting legacy to elephant veterinarianism?