A New Patient in Critical Condition at the Elephant Hospital: Diao
Last week, Diao, a 32-year-old male elephant from a logging camp in Phang Nga, arrived at our Elephant Hospital after suffering a serious fall that resulted in a fracture to his hind leg.
Diao has spent much of his life working in the logging industry. During a period of musth — a natural hormonal phase in male elephants that can make them more restless and unpredictable — he broke free from where he was being secured. For safety reasons, he was subsequently sedated using a dart, and during this time unfortunately fell down a hillside, resulting in the injury.
Treating a large bull elephant in musth presents additional challenges for both safety and medical care. Our veterinary team is carefully managing his treatment to minimise stress while ensuring he receives the attention and monitoring he needs.
His name, “Diao” (เดียว), means “one” or “single” in Thai — a fitting name, as he has only one tusk.
Diao is currently receiving pain management, anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, and supportive care. His movement is being carefully restricted to prevent further displacement of the fracture, and regular bandaging helps reduce swelling and support the injured leg.
Because fractures in elephants are complex and every case is unique, we are working closely with experienced veterinarians and external specialists to design and develop the most appropriate casting solution to properly stabilise his leg during recovery.
Fractures in elephants are always serious, and outcomes can be uncertain. Many elephants struggle to recover from this type of injury due to their size and the risk of complications such as infection or prolonged immobility. While we are cautiously encouraged that the fracture affects Diao’s hind leg rather than a front leg — which carries more of an elephant’s weight — the coming weeks will be critical.
Our focus remains on keeping him comfortable, closely monitoring his condition, and giving him the best possible chance as we move forward step by step.
As always, we are grateful to our visitors, whose support makes it possible for us to provide professional veterinary care to our rescued elephants — as well as to others like Diao when they need it most.