Elephant Lucky died of pyometra, Phnom Tamao centre says

Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television, September 1. Phnom Tamao Zoological Park, Protected Forest and Botanical Garden, under the Forestry Administration, said a necropsy and sample tests by the Pasteur Institute confirmed that Lucky died of pyometra on August 24. The centre explained that changes in progesterone and thickening of the uterine lining during a female elephant’s reproductive cycle can create conditions for bacterial growth. E. coli can enter through the cervix and multiply in the uterus, leading to pus accumulation, severe inflammation and potentially infection of the bloodstream. E. coli and Enterococcus faecium found in Lucky’s uterus were highly resistant to several antibiotics, including amoxicillin–clavulanate, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ten others. The centre said it was difficult to save Lucky because antibiotics could not penetrate the uterus sufficiently to eliminate the resistant bacteria. It described surgical removal of the uterus as generally the only effective option and said the operation is practicable in small animals such as dogs and cats, while surgery in elephants is highly complex and has a very low chance of success. The centre hoped the case would improve public understanding of the complexity of wildlife health care and encourage continued support for conservation and animal care at Phnom Tamao. Reporter: Chenda Teyte Editor: Zhao Yi