Surgical management of severely lacerated trunk in a working elephant Kalita D.1, Sarma Nirmali2,*, Nath P.J.3, Deuri Bitupona3 1Professor, Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Khanapara, Guwahati-781022 (Assam) 2Doctorate Scholar, Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Khanapara, Guwahati-781022 (Assam) 3Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Khanapara, Guwahati-781022 (Assam) *Corresponding author. E-mail: dr.ninasarma@outlook.com
Online published on 16 September, 2024. Abstract A female captive Asian elephant was presented with an infected lacerated wound on right ventrolateral aspect of trunk at its lower-third with formation of necrotic tissue at wound margin. Vital parameters were recorded and found within physiological range (pulse-30/min, respiration-12/min and rectal temperature-97° F). Sedation was induced with Xylazine (75mg) and Ketamine (100mg), intravenously, premedication with Atropine sulphate (6mg), intramuscularly. Sedation was induced after six minutes. Wound was flushed with KMnO4 (1:1000), H2O2 (6 percent), dried and irrigated with Povidone iodine solution. Edges were infiltrated with Lignocaine hydrochloride (2 percent). Necrotic tissues were removed and wound was freshened with BP knife. Wound was liberally painted with Povidone iodine solution, packed with antibiotic powder and edges were sutured with double-threaded silk (No.2) with far-near-near-far pattern. Tetanus toxoid (2ml) was injected, antibiotic (Cefquinome) and antihistaminic (Chlorpheniramine) was prescribed for seven days. Sutures ruptured on ninth day, exposing granulation tissue and reduction of wound to two-third of its original size. Dressing was continued with lukewarm saline and antiseptic application. Complete healing was observed after thirty days, the trunk could be used for normal activities after two months. Top Keywords Elephant, Ketamine, Trunk laceration, Wound, Xylazine. Top |