Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
Online ISSN : 1347-7439
Print ISSN : 0916-7250
ISSN-L : 0916-7250

This article has now been updated. Please use the final version.

Case report: successful treatment of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infection in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calf by oral acyclovir medication
Siripat KHAMMESRIYaoprapa MATHURAKhajohnpat BOONPRASERTChadarat AMPASAVATEDarunee HONGWISETJanine L BROWNChatchote THITARAM
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JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS Advance online publication

Article ID: 20-0375

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Abstract

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a major cause of death in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calves. A 2-year, 11-month-old female, captive Asian elephant presented with facial edema and a mild fever. Blood samples were collected and showed EEHV1A positivity with a high viral load by real time PCR. Heterophil toxicity also was reported for the first time in this case. The calf was treated orally with acyclovir, 45 mg/kg tid for 28 days, which reduced the EEHV1A viral load to undetectable levels within 9 days and the calf survived. A successful outcome with oral acyclovir administration provides another and affordable option to treat EEHV hemorrhagic disease in Asian elephants, and one that is easier to administer in untrained calves.

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© 2020 by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science

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