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Anterior ocular abnormalities of captive Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus indicus ) in Thailand
Author(s) -
Kraiwong Natapong,
Sanyathitiseree Pornchai,
Boonprasert Khajohnpat,
Diskul Phiphatanachatr,
Charoenphan Patara,
Pintawong Weerasak,
Thayananuphat Aree
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
veterinary ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.594
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1463-5224
pISSN - 1463-5216
DOI - 10.1111/vop.12296
Subject(s) - elephas , abnormality , asian elephant , phthisis bulbi , medicine , ophthalmology , biology , glaucoma , zoology , psychiatry
Objective To survey and classify anterior ocular abnormalities in 1478 captive Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus indicus ) in six regions of Thailand. Methods Anterior ocular examination was performed in both eyes ( n = 2956) of 1478 elephants selected from the annual health check program involving 2958 animals within six regions of Thailand from January to November 2013. Lesions were described and compared between age and gender. Results A total of 17.83% (527/2956) of examined eyes from 24.97% (369/1478) of examined elephants had anterior ocular abnormalities. The most common lesions in these examined eyes were frothy ocular discharge (5.85%), corneal edema (5.31%), and conjunctivitis (5.18%). In addition, epiphora, phthisis bulbi, other corneal abnormalities, anterior uveitis, and lens abnormalities were noted. Almost all lesions increased in frequency with age ( P < 0.01). Conclusions Regular ophthalmic examination in elephants should be included in their annual health check program. Early detection and treatment of any ocular abnormality may avoid the development of subsequent irreversible ocular pathology.