Signs of Health and Disease
Elephant Care International Fact Sheet

Susan K. Mikota DVM

Signs of a healthy elephant

• Constant motion—ears flapping, tail or trunk swinging and swaying

• Eyes clear and bright; a small amount of clear discharge from the conjunctival sac is normal

• Mouth, tongue, and inside of the trunk a rosy pink

• Tip of the trunk moist

• Skin soft and resilient

• Moisture present at the base of the nailNeither too fat nor too lean

• Appetite good, appears content

• Well-formed dung, brown in color (color may vary with diet); a normal amount is passed with no evidence of strainin

• Urine copious in amount, faintly yellow, with a pleasant odor; no straining during urination

Signs of illness in elephants

• Listless, decreased movement, unusual behavior, exercise intolerance
• Dull or sunken eyes, increased tear flow, thick discharge
• Mucous membranes pale, muddy, bright red, or dry
• Discharge from the trunk, coughing, abnormal respiratory sounds
• Dry skin, loss of elasticity, wounds
• Weight loss, sunken abdomen, prominent ribs (see body condition index)
• Deceased appetite, anorexia
• Change in urine or feces (amount, color); straining
• Lameness
• Obvious pain
• Any unusual swelling or protrusion

Elephant Care International