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MEDIA
RELEASE
October 12, 2010
502-744-5639 Media Cell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zoo Releases Necropsy Results for Scotty the
Elephant
In May 2010 the Louisville Zoo was saddened by
the death of three year-old elephant Scotty, the first elephant born in
the Zoo’s 41-year history. This occurred following the acute onset of
severe gastrointestinal and digestive issues which at that time was
diagnosed as colic. The results of the necropsy prepared by Zoo
veterinarian Dr. Roy Burns and released today indicate the cause of
death to be endotoxemia (endotoxic shock), which is a common
complication of colic.
Endotoxemia occurs when the barrier (mucosa)
that prevents gastrointestinal bacteria from leaking out of the GI tract
and into the blood stream is damaged. Any leakage of these bacteria into
the bloodstream can cause a shock reaction in the body that is
frequently fatal despite aggressive treatment.
Endotoxemia can occur in any mammal including
horses and humans and it is very difficult to treat successfully.
“Endotoxemia has a grave prognosis with poor survival despite
treatment,” Burns said, adding “Scotty received aggressive treatment for
endotoxemia, but declined despite all efforts.”
When Scotty became ill, Zoo staff consulted
with a number of experts in both elephant and equine medicine to
determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. The team determined that
surgery would not change the outcome for Scotty. Any elephant surgery is
a challenge and the medical experts did not believe Scotty would survive
it. The necropsy confirmed that surgery would not have saved Scotty’s
life.
The post mortem examination and testing
included a detailed study of Scotty’s remains, microscopic evaluation of
over 80 separate tissue samples, and several laboratory tests.
Evaluation and interpretation of the results were confirmed by
consultation with some of the most experienced professionals in elephant
medicine and pathology.
* INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY WITH DR. BURNS *
Louisville Zoo veterinarian Dr. Roy Burns
will be available on Tuesday, October 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To
schedule an interview please call Kyle Shepherd at 238-5331 or 744-5639
(media cell).
***
The Zoo can be reached
via I-264, exit 14. Follow the Zoo signs to 1100 Trevilian Way. For
additional information, please call (502) 459-2181 or visit the Zoo
website at
www.louisvillezoo.org.
***
The
Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky,
is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by
providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for
visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation
education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of
Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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