1Department of Veterinary Medicine (Wildlife Science), Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu - 614 625, TANUVAS, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
2Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu - 614 625, TANUVAS, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu - 614 625, TANUVAS, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India,
*Correspondence E-mail: vetdrprasad@gmail.com
Address for correspondence: N. Babu Prasath, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu - 614 625, TANUVAS, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India;
Three captive Asian elephants presented with chronic skin lesions characterized by thickened, crusty and scaly growth on the ears and limbs. Clinical examination, blood sampling, mineral profiling and skin biopsy were carried out to investigate the underlying cause. Histologically skin biopsy revealed hyperkeratosis and marked parakeratosis. Serum analysis showed reduced zinc levels. Based on the clinical signs, histopathology and biochemical findings, zinc deficiency was identified as a contributing factor.
Asian elephant, hypozincemia, keratinization, parakeratosis, skin
