Laparoscopic vasectomy in African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana); surgical technique and results.
Several small, enclosed reserves in southern Africa are experiencing significant elephant population growth, which has resulted in associated environmental damage and changes in biodiversity. Although several techniques exist to control elephant populations, e.g., culling, relocation, and immunocontraception, the technique of laparoscopic vasectomy of free-ranging bull elephants was investigated. Bilateral vasectomies were performed in 45 elephants. Of these elephants, one died within 24 hr of recovery and two had complications during surgery but recovered uneventfully. Histologic examination confirmed the resected tissue as ductus deferens in all the bulls. Most animals recovered uneventfully and showed no abnormal behavior after surgery. Complications recorded included incisional dehiscence, 1 full-thickness and 2 partial-thickness lacerations of the large intestine, and initial sling-associated complications, for example, deep radial nerve paresis. One bull was found dead 6 weeks after surgery without showing any prior abnormal signs. Vasectomy in free-ranging African bull elephants may be effectively performed in their normal environment. The surgical procedure can be used as a realistic population management tool in free-ranging elephants without major anesthetic, surgical, or postoperative complications.
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa. johan.marais@up.ac.za
Hendrik J
HJ
Marais
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA.
Dean A
DA
Hendrickson
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA.
Mark
M
Stetter
San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA.
Jeffery R
JR
Zuba
Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA.
Mark
M
Penning
Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park, Washington, DC 37012, USA.
Jess
J
Siegal-Willott
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, USA.
Christine
C
Hardy
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D004606:Elephants / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011155:Population Control; D013019:South Africa; D014659:Vasectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*