This study investigated the sedative effects of dexmedetomidine in Asian elephants. We hypothesized that 2 µg/kg dexmedetomidine would provide sufficient standing sedation. A crossover design study was performed in three Asian elephants. Each elephant was assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups—1 (D1), 1.5 (D1.5) or 2 (D2) µg/kg dexmedetomidine (intramuscular injection, IM) with a two-week ‘washout period’ between doses. Elephants were monitored for 120 min. At 120 min (Ta), atipamezole was administered IM. Sedation and responsiveness scores were evaluated. Physiological parameters (pulse rate, respiratory rate, and %SpO₂) and clinical observations were monitored during the study and for 3 days post drug administration. D2 provided the longest sedation (approximately 70 min), compared to D1 and D1.5. After Ta, each elephant’s sedative stage lessened within 10–15 min without complications. No significant abnormal clinical observations were noted throughout and during the 3-days post study period. These data suggest that a single 2 µg/kg IM dexmedetomidine injection provides sufficient standing sedation for approximately 70 min in Asian elephants.

The early detection of lameness in elephants is essential for effective treatment and welfare enhancement, but subtle gait abnormalities are often difficult to identify visually. This study aimed to evaluate vertical movement symmetry in Asian elephants using cross-correlation analysis of data from inertial measurement units (IMUs). Six elephants were assessed, including individuals with normal gait and one exhibiting an abnormal gait. IMU sensors were attached to the proximal and distal segments of the forelimbs and hindlimbs to record vertical movements during straight-line walking. Cross-correlation coefficients were calculated to quantify the symmetry between the left and right limbs, providing an objective measure of gait patterns. This method provided an objective assessment of gait patterns and demonstrated potential in detecting lameness in elephants. This approach could facilitate the early identification of gait abnormalities, enabling timely interventions and potentially improving treatment outcomes and the welfare of captive elephant populations. Further studies involving a larger number of elephants with confirmed gait abnormalities are necessary to validate the robustness and reliability of this approach.

This case report details the successful rehabilitation of a 31-year-old male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) presenting with an abnormal left forelimb gait following chronic traumatic injury. The elephant exhibited a distinctive circumduction gait with a semicircular arc movement, characterized by limited flexion at the elbow and carpus, along with compensatory proximal shrugging during the swing phase. Diagnostic evaluations revealed joint space narrowing and ligament fibrosis, while biomechanical gait analysis using inertial measurement units highlighted significant asymmetries between affected and unaffected limbs. An interprofessional team developed a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol that integrated peripheral magnetic stimulation, task-specific therapeutic walking with adjustable obstacles, and progressive strengthening exercises. At the eight-week follow-up, improvements were observed in cross-correlation coefficients of limb movement and imaging assessments, indicating enhanced symmetry and structural improvements with reduced fibrosis. However, persistent discrepancies in elbow functions suggest that further targeted rehabilitation may be warranted. This report underscores the potential of a coordinated interprofessional approach to restore functional gait patterns in elephants and offers valuable insights for future rehabilitative strategies in managing complex musculoskeletal injuries in large mammals.