Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to analyze the haematological and
biochemical alterations in elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract
impaction. The epidemiology, clinical fmdings and haematology were the main
items of observations.
Six elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction lasting for
more than four days in and around Thrissur district were utilized for the study.
Six apparently healthy elephants in and around Thrissur district were selected at
random and utilized as the healthy controls. The detailed history was collected
using a questionnaire (Annexure I). Sample of whole blood and serum from the
animals of the healthy and diseased groups were collected and analysed.
Haematological values consisting ofESR, PCV, Hb, TEC, TLC and DLC were
recorded. Urea nitrogen, glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, total protein,
creatinine, bicarbonate, lactate and AST in the serum were estimated using
standard methods.
Analysis of the data indicated that the disease was more common in
male elephants than in females. The incidence was more in summer season i.e.,
during the season of festivals. Characteristic clinical symptoms were absence of
defaecation ~, tttc!ife than 24 hours, varying degrees of straining, exudation
from re~t»m ~rn1 Y~frfrg degrees of dehydration. Clinical data were within
physiological limits on the day of collection of blood sample, i.e. on the fourth
day after the development of clinical symptoms.
A highly significant increase in PCV but without significant alterations
in Hb, ESR, TEC, TLC and DLC were observed in elephants affected with
gastro-intestinal tract impaction. Biochemical changes in blood included a
highly significant increase in urea-nitrogen and lactate levels. Highly significant
decrease in the level of chloride was noticed. Significant increase in the level of
bicarbonate was noticed. Decrease in the levels of glucose and potassium in the
affected elephants was significant. Variations in total protein, sodium, creatinine
and aspartate amino transferase in the blood were not significant.
Changes in the parameters observed in elephants with gastro-intestinal
tract impaction in the present study indicated that mild metabolic alkalosis with
hypochloremia and hypokalemia were associated with this condition. Intensive
treatment with a balanced electrolyte solution! Dextrose saline/ gastric
replacement solutions is recommended in the early stages of gastro-intestinal
tract impaction.
