Medical management of a corneal stromal abscess in a female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2006 Sep;37(3):397-400. doi: 10.1638/05-029.1.

Abstract

A 47-yr-old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) developed a corneal stromal abscess in her right eye. The elephant was trained to open her eye for topical ophthalmic therapy, and was treated six times daily with antibiotics and an antifungal solution for almost 2 mo. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used to control pain, and atropine was applied topically to dilate the pupil and provide additional comfort. Vascularization of the abscess began shortly after initiating therapy, and complete resolution was obtained by 7 wk.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / drug therapy
  • Abscess / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Corneal Stroma / drug effects
  • Corneal Stroma / microbiology*
  • Elephants*
  • Female
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antifungal Agents