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Laparoscopic vasectomy in African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
Luis M Rubio-Martínez1, Dean A Hendrickson, Mark Stetter
1Department of Companion Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
Objective:
To describe a surgical technique for, and outcome after, laparoscopic vasectomy of free-ranging elephants.
Study Design:
Case series.
Animals:
African elephants (Loxodonta africana; n = 14).
Methods:
Male elephants (12-35 years old) were anesthetized with etorphine and supported in a sling in a modified standing position, and positive pressure ventilated with oxygen. Anesthesia was maintained with IV etorphine. Vasectomy was performed under field conditions by bilateral, open-approach, flank laparoscopy with the abdomen insufflated with filtered ambient air. A 4-cm segment of each ductus deferens was excised. Behavior and incision healing were recorded for 8 months postoperatively.
Results:
Successful bilateral vasectomy (surgical time, 57-125 minutes) was confirmed by histologic examination of excised tissue. Recovery was uneventful without signs of abnormal behavior. Large intestine lacerations (3 elephants; 1 full and 2 partial thickness) were sutured extracorporeally. One elephant found dead at 6 weeks, had no prior abnormal signs. Skin incisions healed without complication.
Conclusions:
Laparoscopic vasectomy can be performed in African elephants in their natural environment.
