A 37-year-old bull African elephant (Loxodonta africana) at the North Carolina Zoo (NCZ) was diagnosed with bilateral
cataracts leading to behavioral changes and significant
weight loss secondary to functional
blindness. On initial examination, a
weight loss of 234 kg, a mature
cataract in the right eye, and a focal
cataract in the left eye were diagnosed. Ultrasound and electroretinography (ERG) indicated normal
retinal attachment and both eyes were viable candidates for surgery. After careful planning and behavioral training, the left
cataract was surgically removed via
phacoemulsification and irrigation/aspiration. The right eye subsequently developed a ventral
lens subluxation, and
phacoemulsification and irrigation/aspiration were performed six months after the first procedure. Four years after surgery, menace response, palpebral reflex, dazzle reflex, and pupillary light reflexes were present in both eyes.
Body weight was 5,515 kg, 88kg more than at the time of the second surgery. This is the first published report of an African bull elephant undergoing bilateral
cataract removal using
phacoemulsification and irrigation/aspiration. The lack of significant postoperative
inflammation and uneventful recovery of the elephant suggests that this
surgical procedure along with proper preoperative planning and postoperative medical management can be a safe and effective treatment option for elephants with
cataracts.