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1 December 2009 Urinalysis in Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)
Ellen Wiedner, A. Rick Alleman, Ramiro Isaza
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Abstract

Urine was collected from 22 healthy female adult Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and analyzed for the purpose of determining normal biochemical and microscopic parameters. Findings included urine that was less concentrated compared to other mammals, predominantly alkaline pH, crystalluria of varying types in all samples, and minimal cellularity. Glucose and urobilinogen were not detected in any samples. Trace ketones and trace bilirubin occurred in two different samples. Trace blood was identified in another sample. Three samples tested positive for protein via dipstick but were confirmed negative through the sulfosalicylic acid test. Two samples contained mucus threads. Bacteria were seen microscopically in four samples, and could be cultured from six others, but, because of the lack of an associated inflammatory response and the heterogeneous populations of organisms observed, were considered to be contaminants from the distal urethra, the vestibulovulva, or the environment. Because of the variability in elephant urine, baseline values for elephants within captive herds should be obtained and regular assessments should be performed over time to allow trending of data. Establishment of normal urine values provides an important tool in elephant health care.

Ellen Wiedner, A. Rick Alleman, and Ramiro Isaza "Urinalysis in Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 40(4), 659-666, (1 December 2009). https://doi.org/10.1638/2008-0203.1
Received: 3 December 2008; Published: 1 December 2009
KEYWORDS
Asian elephant
diagnostic techniques
Elephas maximus
reference values
urinalysis
urine
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