SURGICAL REMOVAL OF INFECTED PHALANGES FROM AN ASIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS-MAXIMUS)

A 40-yr-old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) developed cellulit is and became lame in her left front leg. A draining tract behind the lateral nail of her left front foot was discovered. This lesion was tr eated by aggressive irrigation using a variety of disinfectant solutio ns. Radiographically, there was degeneration and fragmentation of the distal phalanx of the fifth digit and patterns suggestive of osteomyel itis of the second (middle) phalanx. The fragments of the distal phala nx and the affected portion of the second phalanx were removed surgica lly. Six months after surgery the incision had healed but a fistulous tract remained on the palmar surface of the foot. The tract extended t o the second phalanx, and there was radiographic evidence of osteomyel itis in the second phalanx and the distal portion of the proximal phal anx. The remainder of the second phalanx and the distal portion of the proximal phalanx were surgically removed. Aggressive aftercare allowe d complete wound closure by second intention.