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12 January 2021 ASIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) SUFFERING FROM LIGHTNING STRIKE SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
Supaphen Sripiboon, Patcharida Dittawong, Phawaran Meetipkit, Walaipan Songsuwankit, Anassaya Jaidee, Neeranoot Detcharoenyos, Soontaree Phetdee, Pornchai Santhitisaree, Nikorn Thongtip, Weerapongse Tangjitjaroen
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Abstract

A captive female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), approximately 30 yr old, was struck by lightning and displayed obtundation, dysphagia, drooling, and muscle weakness. A physical examination, hematologic test, blood gas analysis, and electrocardiogram were performed. Treatments included the administration of mannitol, dexamethasone, antibiotics, analgesics, vitamins, and intravenous fluid. Conventional therapy resulted in improvement but not complete resolution of clinical signs. Therefore, acupuncture was integrated into the treatment protocol. Electroacupuncture and laser acupuncture were administered every other day; aqua acupuncture was administered once a week. No complications were observed during acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM), contributed to the resolution of clinical signs in this case and may be an effective adjunctive treatment for other neurologic disorders in elephants.

Copyright 2020 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Supaphen Sripiboon, Patcharida Dittawong, Phawaran Meetipkit, Walaipan Songsuwankit, Anassaya Jaidee, Neeranoot Detcharoenyos, Soontaree Phetdee, Pornchai Santhitisaree, Nikorn Thongtip, and Weerapongse Tangjitjaroen "ASIAN ELEPHANT (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) SUFFERING FROM LIGHTNING STRIKE SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 51(4), 1067-1071, (12 January 2021). https://doi.org/10.1638/2019-0165
Accepted: 26 July 2020; Published: 12 January 2021
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