Field anaesthesia of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Abstract

Immobilisation and anaesthesia of elephants may be required for various reasons, such as the capture, transport and clinical examination of captive animals, e.g. at a zoological park, or for minor surgical procedures. General anaesthesia is required for wound treatment, i.e trunk lacerations and dental surgery, or population control, i.e. laparoscopic vasectomy.