VMD 512: Zoo/Wild Animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

CLINICAL EXAMINATION OF ELEPHANTS

• Check for body temperature (Non-contact infra-red thermometer may be used)
• Check for pulse rate (Palpation of arteries that serve the ears is useful for this purpose)
• Check respiratory rate by observation ( 6 breaths per minute in case of calm elephants and in excited elephants, it may be 15 breaths per minute)
• Heart rate may be counted by using amplified stethoscope and in case of small elephants, it may be possible by routine manner.
• Normal heart rate in unexcited elephant is 25 to 35 beats per minute
• Have a record on height of the animal which in general means the perpendicular height at shoulder and this may be of helpful in recording the growth rate of elephant calf or others. Take the measurement of height, twice a year.
• Housing arrangement should facilitate the proper clinical examination in these mega herbivores 

CLICK TO KNOW ABOUT HOUSING OF ELEPHANTS