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On May 21st, “Mia,” an 18-year-old reticulated giraffe was immobilized for a series of procedures to help determine the cause of some lameness she has recently been displaying. Standing approximately 15 feet tall and weighing close to 2,000 pounds, she presented serious challenges when it came to safely immobilizing her for the examinations and treatments.
It took a highly coordinated effort by a team of over two dozen individuals, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, zookeepers, and a farrier, to immobilize Mia and simultaneously perform a variety of tasks. Those tasks included radiographs, hoof trimming, dental floating, vaccines, aquapuncture, and the collection of blood.
Because of a giraffe’s extraordinary anatomy and size, the greatest challenge was safely immobilizing Mia and keeping her under anesthesia while maintaining her vital signs at a healthy level. Adult giraffes are one of the most challenging animals to anesthetize with the possibility of not being able to recover from anesthesia being a serious risk.
The procedure was managed by Zoo Miami veterinarians, Dr. Nick Buscaglia, Dr. Marisa Bezjian, and Dr. Gwen Myers, assisted by veterinary technician’s, Rosemary Lucas and Dianna Gutierrez. They were joined by Steve Foxworth from the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program in Colorado and all were supported by members of the Zoo Miami Animal Health and Animal Science teams.
Throughout the procedure and while under anesthesia, Mia’s head was kept elevated on a special board while Animal Science staff constantly massaged her body to stimulate blood flow. After radiographs did not reveal any serious orthopedic issues, hoof stock farrier, Steve Foxworth, performed corrective trimming of Mia’s hooves with the hope that it will relieve pressure that may be causing lameness. Following the completion of the necessary tasks, Mia was given the reversal drugs and recovered in textbook fashion!
Today, Mia has been reunited with the rest of the herd. She will be closely monitored to see if the procedures result in healing the cause of her lameness or if further treatment will be necessary.
