Abstract
Histological examination of burn injuries in elephants revealed that the depth was not as severe as expected from clinical observation. Although the actual burn depth was deep, the thickness of elephant skin, especially the dermis, resulted in the lesions being classified as less severe than expected. Examination of skin samples from selected areas showed that most lesions were either superficial (1st degree) or superficial partial-thickness (superficial 2nd degree) burns with the occasional deep partial thickness (deep 2nd degree) wound. These lesions however, resulted in severe complications that eventually led to the death of a number of the elephants.
Highlights
A number of elephants were caught in a bush fire and sustained varying degrees of burn lesions
Whereas the extent and location of the burn wounds suffered by elephants caught in bush fires can be determined from a distance, the depth is extremely difficult to gauge
Representative skin specimens were collected from selected areas of burn lesions from 2 elephants that died from complications associated with the severe and extensive burn injury sustained in a bush fire
Summary
A number of elephants were caught in a bush fire and sustained varying degrees of burn lesions. Seventeen young elephants were translocated to bomas and close clinical evaluation of large sections of their burn lesions appeared severe and were judged to be 3rd-degree burns or worse. The understanding of the severity of a burn includes extent, depth and location of the lesion(s) and these factors are primary determinants of mortality following thermal injury[3]. In particular, is the primary determinant of the patient’s long-term appearance and function[3]. Whereas the extent and location of the burn wounds suffered by elephants caught in bush fires can be determined from a distance, the depth is extremely difficult to gauge. Further aDepartment of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa
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