The hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A hematocrit value of 50 or greater and a total protein value of 10 or greater should raise concern. 

 

An elevated urine specific gravity (a measure of urine concentration) can also help to evaluate hydration status. Specific gravity (measured using a refractometer) averaged 1.017 +/- 0.007 in one study of eight healthy newborn elephants (Wiedner et al., 2017). 

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Step 3. Inspect the head and trunk.

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Observe the eyes for abnormal discharges or scars on the surface of the cornea.  A clear discharge from the eyes that spills over onto the face is normal. Check the color of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane lining the eyelids) for anemia (pale), icterus (yellow), or cyanosis (blue). Observe the color of the mucous membranes just inside the trunk and check for air flow from each of the nares (nostrils). Check the suckling reflex by inserting a clean or gloved finger into the mouth.  

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Step 4. Inspect the tusks (males) or tushes (females) if present for any asymmetry, discolorations, or fractures.

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Examine the tusk sulcus (where the tusks join the body) on each side and note any discharge or bad odor. Gently lift the flap of skin at the sulcus to observe the tusk/tush base. Parasite eggs (e.g. Cobboldia; bots) can occur here. 

 

Note the two small temporal gland openings on either side of the face caudal to the eye and above the zygomatic arch. There should be no swelling or discharge.

 

Step 5. Observe the tongue and mucous membranes inside the mouth, which should be a rosy pink.

 

Check the capillary refill time (1-2 seconds is normal) by applying light finger pressure to the mucous membranes. Note if teeth are present. Newborn elephants may or may not have teeth (Wiedner et al., 2017). Calves that are older then one year should be checked for the presence of small hemorrhages on the tongue, especially on its lateral side. These small bleedings can be a sign of EEHV-HD.

 

Step 6. Examine the ears.

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If the calf is very calm and not moving too much it may be possible to palpate the auricular artery on the caudal (back) aspect of the ear to measure the pulse rate. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to determine the beats per minute (bpm). Small white lice nits can occur behind the ears. 

 

Step 7. Observe the forelimbs and feet for wounds, asymmetry, swelling, heat, or tenderness.

 

The carpus (wrist joint) on the front legs is a common site for a snare injury. Check the nails and also the pad of each foot (if the calf will allow the foot to be picked up or wait until the calf is sleeping and then examine the pads). Look for foreign bodies or signs of infection.  

 

Step 8. Note the character, depth and frequency of respiration by observing movements of the chest. 

 

Veterinarians can listen to the heart and lungs using a stethoscope. They can also apply the stethoscope to the abdomen to evaluate the gut sounds. 

 

If a pulsoximeter is available, oxygen saturation can be measured (normal is 96.2 ± 1.55 %) Although this is not a necessary component of a routine exam, measuring the oxygen saturation in critical patients can be informative. 

 

Step 9. Observe the hind limbs and hind feet, looking for the same problems listed above for the forelimbs.  

 

Step 10. Observe the mammary glands located in the pectoral (chest) area on the ventral (bottom) thorax just medial (inside) to the elbow.

 

Step 11. Note the shape of the abdomen to detect any distention or ventral edema (swelling).  

 

Step 12. Check the umbilical area in newborns or very young calves. Look for redness, swelling, or discharge that can be signs of infection.

 

If any of the above signs are present, clean the area gently and apply dilute povidone iodine. Continue this 2-3 times daily until signs resolve. Umbilical infections can be serious and can spread to other areas of the body. 

 

Elephants that have umbilical infections may be septic. Sepsis is a serious bacterial infection in the blood or body tissues. Signs may include fever or very low body temperature, rapid breathing, diarrhea, weakness, and shivering. The veterinarian may elect to culture the blood. 

 

Note that the umbilical cord generally dries up within seven days of birth. Newborn or young calves may have a “hernial ring” which should not be confused with an umbilical hernia. The hernial ring resolves automatically with age. 

 

Step 13. Observe the genitalia for wounds or evidence of discharge.  

 

The vulva (the exterior opening in females) is located ventral to the pelvic symphysis, rather than near the anal opening as in other mammals. Check for wounds or swelling. 

 

Step 14. Take the temperature (may be taken rectally or by inserting a thermometer deep into a freshly voided bolus). 

 

The average temperature is 97-99˚F; 36-37˚C (Brattstrom et al., 1963; Buss and Wallner, 1965). The temperature of a freshly defecated fecal bolus will accurately reflect the rectal temperature (Buss and Wallner, 1965). Temperatures in excess of 100˚F (37.8˚C) should be considered elevated.

 

Forehead or ear thermometers have not been adequately tested in elephants but may be easier to use for daily routine monitoring. In humans, an ear temperature is usually 0.5-1°F (0.3-0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature, whereas a forehead temperature is usually 0.5-1°F (0.3-0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. Therefore, it is typical to get 1-2°F (0.6-1.2°C) difference between an ear measurement versus a forehead measurement. Develop a consistent procedure if using this type of thermometer. If there is variation from the baseline established for the calf, check a rectal temperature which will always be more accurate.

 

Note that some forehead and ear thermometers will not function properly if the ambient temperature is higher than 40.0°C (104.0°F) or lower than 10.0°C (50.0°F). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.