A radiograph image reveals the bones of an elephant's foot.
The concept and use of X rays have not changed much since their advent in 1895. The way, however, that images are acquired has changed dramatically. Traditional analog X-ray film, much like the film in your old camera, has been replaced with digital sensor panels; these panels are similar to those found in current digital photographic cameras. Digital imaging has allowed radiologists to easily capture and manipulate radiographs, a feature that reduces X ray costs and exposure, while enhancing image quality. The digital radiograph system at the San Diego Zoo consists of a digital receptor panel and accompanying computer that processes the X-ray signal into a viewable image. The resultant image can be further manipulated to enhance image contrast, orientation, and magnification. Images can also be sent to colleagues and consultants for further review. This equipment is expensive, so how do you keep it safe while an elephant stands on it?
The X ray sensor panel.
A protective cover needed to be constructed to support the weight of an elephant and protect the valuable sensor panel. Several “tunnel” designs were tested prior to using the sensor panel. Because of the nature of X rays, it was important to use materials for the tunnel that would not inhibit the penetration of the X-ray beam. The first prototype consisted of a 0.5-inch-thick piece of acrylic plastic with plastic upright supports. This would prove to be too fragile for an 8,000-pound elephant. The current tunnel consists of a 1.5-inch piece of plastic supported by 1-inch aluminum uprights. A portable equine X-ray machine is used to generate the X rays necessary to produce a diagnostic image. Because of the size of an elephant’s foot, long exposure times are necessary to produce a quality film. The X-ray machine is also on wheels, in case a curious trunk wants to get hold of it!
Steve in action with a cooperative elephant.
All the technology in the world would be useless if you couldn’t get the elephant to cooperate. A large part of elephant radiographic imaging involves behavioral training. With the use of operant conditioning strategies, keepers at the San Diego Zoo have been able to train elephants to present and position their limbs for X-ray imaging. The reward for this formidable task has been the ability to obtain routine digital radiographs of the entire herd of elephants at the Zoo. The elephants are rewarded as well! Because of the size of the animals, limitations of the X-ray machine, and lengthy exposure times, it is necessary for the veterinary staff to take several images of each foot, usually a digit or two at a time. This means that the keepers must station, position, and keep the elephant still for imaging. I am amazed at how well the elephants are trained every time I am asked to take radiographs of them.
Once the radiographs have been taken, veterinarians from the Zoos’ Jennings Hospital review and assess the images, looking for any abnormalities. By taking routine foot radiographs, veterinarians are able to evaluate any soft tissue or boney changes that might occur over time. Because of routine exams and radiographs, as well as exhibit design, the elephants at the San Diego Zoo have some of the most pampered feet around!
Steve Culver is a registered veterinary technician at the San Diego Zoo. Read his previous post, X-ray Results for Ibis.
Incredible article! I honestly had never questioned how you would maneuver these giants around a x-ray machine. Never even wondered if they had digits in those massive foot pads. (I’m not shallow…I just always marvel at the combined structure and its intelligent beauty.) Once again, high-tech comes through, making it easier on the elephants too. Congratulations, zoo-crew. Knowledge well placed.
That is amazing. Thank you for writing this blog. I never even thought about trying to get x-rays of an elepant’s foot.
I never stop learning when I read the zoo articles. As Dianne above said, we just never think about what you have to go through to get the results you need. It is amazing what you can do with the animals if you take the time to train both the staff and the animals and design the equipment to fit your needs. Please keep up the good work because the animals the lucky ones in the end.
another interesting and informative article!!!!!! thanks for showing us just how you are able to do the things that you do. intelligent elephants plus intelligent and patient trainers make this soooo successful!! what a wonderful and rewarding job you have. it must give you all a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment!
keep up the great work that you do plus keeping us informed of any new things that are happening!!!! kudos to the keepers, trainers, and the vets.!!!!!!!!
Did something happen to one of the elephants? Was it Moose’s foot? Is he ok?
Moderator’s note: Please don’t worry. The procedure is just a routine done on all of the Zoo’s elephants.
Thanks, I’d been curious about that as an x-ray tech and elephant enthusiast from Colorado.
Mani’s, pedi’s, and foot spa’s Oh My! never saw an elllie’s foot that in depth before. wow!
how come there’s no water in the elephant pond?
Nancy, I would guess it would be for the safety of the baby.
the pond was emty before the new baby came. one would think its emty due to winter time and a bit cold.water to drink is up by the gates.
Moderator’s note: The elephants weren’t using the pool in the colder weather, so no need to fill it up if they aren’t interested in using it.
I am amazed how well these zoo keepers and Doctors take such good care of these gentle giants. The family unit warms my heart, watching over each other.
The new baby boy is so cute and friskie.
Thank you, Steve, for a wonderful article and great pictures. I, too, never really thought about the structure of an elephant’s foot so the x-ray picture was great to see. And ditto Nancy from Michigan’s comments!
Now, I’d like to ask if anyone saw (I’m pretty sure it was these two) Emanti and eMacembe in the new yard a couple of Sunday’s back when they were playing & pushing each other head to head when Emanti’s head got under eMacembe’s and into eMacembe’s chest and eMacambe went over backward…..butt to back with all four legs straight up in the air? I don’t know which one was more surprised. I sure hope someone caught it on camera….it was hysterical!
I saw that! It was quite funny! Love watching the kiddies play.
Vonna-n. Carolina I too saw this push & shove and & backward flip! it was really funny. I was surprised when this happened. he looked like a rocking horse upside down. he recovered and quickly got to his feet though! they were really rough-house playing like I have never seen the likes of. hysterical!
I think baby elephants can swim. that’s why I wondered why the elephant pond was empty of water. I thought maybe they were doing some repair work on it or something!
I’m SO glad someone else witnessed that funny scene. I really hope that at least one of the keepers saw it. Just wish they had caught it on video so everyone could see it!
IF I had been thinking it thru, I would have realized the weather was too cold for swimming in the elephant pond! thus, if there is no interest, there is no need to fill
it! makes perfect sense! lol…………..sometimes we ask dumb questions! I love watching the elephants on this large HD screen. I never could make out much before; now you can see everything. the little ones are sooo cute and play with each other when not following mom around. these gentle giants are so good with their young. protective and nourishing and so careful when they step with their giant feet and massive weight! vey intelligent and instinctive!!!
Wow, we just keep learning! How very interesting!
Loved seeing the x-ray. I had no idea what it would look like. Thanks for sharing about the process too.