Unilateral phacoemulsification in a captive African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

BACKGROUND: The following case reports describe the clinical presentation, surgical protocol, post-operative care, and long-term follow-up of an African elephant (Loxodonta Africana) presenting with a unilateral cataract. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old female African elephant presented for the assessment of ocular discomfort and visual deterioration in the left eye. Pre-surgical treatment included topical anti-inflammatory medication for 20 days prior to surgery. On the day of surgery, following anesthetic induction, a two-handed phacoemulsification technique was performed in the left eye. She was left aphakic post-operatively. Nine days post-operatively, the patient had an intact menace response, dazzle reflex, and direct pupillary light reflex. Fundoscopy at that stage was unremarkable. Follow-up information was available for 5 years, from the time of surgery to the present day. CONCLUSION: Despite remaining aphakic, this case presents a successful visual outcome. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no other published report of phacoemulsification in a captive elephant.