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Delayed postpartum fetotomy in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
1Rotterdam Zoo, P.O. Box 532, 3000 AM Rotterdam, The Netherlands. W.Schaftenaar@rotterdamzoo.nl
Summary
A prolonged pregnancy in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) led to a retained, dead calf. Surgical intervention and wound management allowed the elephant to recover and resume normal reproductive cycles.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Reproductive Biology
- Elephant Conservation
Background:
- Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) have a long gestation period, averaging 640 days.
- Parturition complications can arise, necessitating advanced veterinary intervention.
- Reproductive health monitoring in large, endangered mammals is crucial for conservation efforts.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old female Asian elephant experienced a prolonged pregnancy with failure to initiate parturition.
- A dead, full-term fetus became lodged in the vagina after 13 months, requiring surgical removal.
- The calf presented with bilateral carpal arthrogryposis, a congenital condition.
Findings:
- A vagino-vestibulotomy and fetotomy were performed under standing xylazine tranquilization to remove the calf.
- Severe infection complicated wound healing, requiring two corrective surgeries and debridement over one year.
- Successful resolution of a vaginal fistula was achieved 3 months post-second debridement.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful management of a complex obstetric emergency in an Asian elephant.
- The elephant demonstrated resilience, surviving major surgery and infection.
- Post-recovery monitoring confirmed the resumption of normal estrous cycles via blood progesterone levels, indicating successful reproductive function restoration.
