Medycyna Wet. 65 (12), 862-864, 2009
| Kalicki M., Krzywicki Z., Krause I., Miśków M.: |
| Eversion of the vaginal mucous membrane in the African elephant |
| Eversion of the vaginal mucous membrane in female elephants may be caused by hormonal disorders, circulatory disorders, vaginal polyp or papilloma. The described case refers to an African elephant with a massive edema of the underbelly and eversion of the mucous membrane of the right pudendal lip. The treatment consisted of local cleaning and disinfection, and parenteral (intramuscular) injecting of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory steroids. Additionally the animal was stimulated to increase physical activity. After two weeks of treatment the underbelly edema regressed and the eversed mucous fold was seen only during urinating, in the following week all the symptoms regressed. The described case of eversion of the vaginal mucous membrane was probably caused by a deficiency of activity and movement. Elephants in their natural environment are very active animals, travelling long distances in search of food and water, while in zoological gardens they usually do only minimal exercise to eat and drink. |
| Keywords: elephants, vaginal mucous membrane, eversion |