Nonsurgical repair of an umbilical hernia in two Asian elephant calves (Elephas maximus)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2008 Jun;39(2):248-51. doi: 10.1638/2007-0024R.1.

Abstract

Umbilical hernias were diagnosed in two captive-born, female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calves several weeks after birth. Daily manual reduction of the hernias for 5 wk in the first case and for 5 mo in the second resulted in complete closure of the defects. Nonsurgical repair of uncomplicated, fully reducible umbilical hernias in Asian elephants can be an alternative to surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Animals, Zoo
  • Elephants*
  • Female
  • Hernia, Umbilical / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome