Chemical immobilization of Grant's Zebra Equus burchelli boehmi for examination and treatment of lameness

Abstract

An 18-year old male Grant's Zebra Equus burchelli boehmi of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, developed lameness in the left forelimb due to overgrown hoof. The pastern region was swollen and the animal exhibited symptoms of pain during movement, and preferred to keep the affected limb off the ground. Parenteral anti-inflammatories and antibiotics were administered, but he showed little improvement. Wounds started to develop above the coronet, in the anterior and medial aspects and sero-sanguinous fluid started to ooze from the wounds. Because of the intense pain, the animal prefered to lie down and as a result, bed-sores developed over the elbow joints, shoulder and hock joints. The swelling extended further upward involving the lower third of the limb. Attempts for restraining manually proved futile and it was decided to chemically immobilize the zebra for detailed examination and treatment. Chemical immobilization:The zebra was immobilized with Etorphine hydrochloride (2.45mg) and Acepromazine maleate (10mg) using a blowpipe. Signs of anaesthesia were observed after 45 seconds as the animal tried to regain the standing posture with all the legs spread. The relaxed penis protruded and the head was held high after two minutes of the injection. The animal became sternally recumbent by the third minute and attained lateral recumbency after four minutes of injection. Observation and treatment:The affected limb was examined and the wounds were deep with thick pus, exposing the underlying second phalanx. The area was cleaned, the hoof was trimmed, the wounds were flushed with antiseptic solution, dry dressed and magnesium sulphate-glycerine paste applied over the swollen area and bandaged. A course of parenteral anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam @ 0.3mg/kg bodyweight i/m) and antibiotics (Amoxycillin + Cloxacillin @ 10mg/kg bodyweight i/ m) were administered.Revival from anaesthesia: Diprenorphine (3.26mg) was administered through intravenous route (45 minutes after induction). The animal attained sternal recumbency after two minutes, stood up after four minutes with relaxed penis and complete recovery was seen after 12 minutes.Nelson (1986) reported that hoof problems are commonly encountered in wild equids in all collections. The lameness in the present case was due to uneven hooves and old age, being the predisposing factor.

Piroplasmosis in a captive Grant’s Zebra Equus quagga boehmi (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Equidae) - a case study

“…Advanced molecular techniques couldn't be carried out due to lack of facilities at that time. The clinical signs noticed here, i.e., sudden onset of impaired mobility with posterior paralysis were also akin to observations by other authors (Radostits et al 2006;Kaandorp 2010).…”

“…Most of the infected animals (equids) may remain as sub-clinical carriers of these parasites with no clinical signs and act as a source of infection (Friedhoff & Soulè 1996). Though these zebras were tested negative against B. caballi & T. equi through complement fixation test during pre-export quarantine period at Israel, the possibility of carrier state can't be ruled out as documented by Radostits et al (2006) and the zebra is suspected to have carried B. caballi and/or T. equi from Israel in sub-clinical stage.…”

“…Drugs available for the treatment of equine piroplasmosis are Diminazene for B. caballi and Parvaquone for T. equi infections (de Waal 1992). Imidocarb, which is considered to be the safest of all drugs available, is effective in treating clinical cases of both the protozoans (Radostits et al 2006).…”

“…This favourable response to imidocarb confirmed J TT our diagnosis of piroplasmosis. Imidocarb is the most trusted drug for the treatment of equine babesiosis (Radostits et al 2006;Donnellan & Marais 2009). To the best of our knowledge, this seems to be the first report of the piroplasmosis in Grant's Zebra in Indian zoos.…”

“…The sick zebra was segregated from the other male zebra to facilitate treatment and monitoring. Based on the literature (Radostits et al 2006), three more doses of imidocarb injections were administered with the same dose and route at 72h intervals. Blood samples were also collected during the post-treatment period to record haemato-biochemical alterations.…”