We wanted to do an update on Rana’s eye – as many of you know, she has a papilloma, which we have discussed in several posts. It’s in the wart family and is more common in African elephants, but it does occasionally occur in Asian elephants. They usually look a little like a barnacle. When it first appeared, she would blow on her eye as if it bothered her, but after its initial occurrence, she stopped acknowledging it, so we believe it no longer bothers her.
Before diagnosis, when it didn’t respond to initial veterinary treatment, we had it assessed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist performed cryosurgery, which had a positive response. After the immediate healing, progress stagnated. We continued to follow the treatment plan of cleaning and medicating it every other day. It had been working, but very slowly (as expected – most things skin-related in elephants are slow to heal).
We recently had a vet friend visit who works with elephants in Nepal. From her work there, she owns a veterinary cold laser with many proven uses (including successfully treating corneal ulcers on the eyes of horses), which she brought with her to Brazil.
While she was here, we discussed all of the current and future elephants that could benefit from such a tool. So our visitor reached out to J. Mark Strong with Multi Radiance. They generously agreed to donate a new one to her when she returned to the US, which meant she was able to leave her donated laser with us (!!)
This makes us the proud new owners of an MR4 ACTIVet laser. We’ve been using it on Rana for a little over a month now, in addition to her normal treatment regimen, and her papilloma seems to be responding favorably. It is shrinking. Along with the usual healing abilities of cold laser therapy, this laser also has a blue light for fighting bacteria, which means even more benefit.
Here’s a picture of Miss Rana B in the treatment chute with the laser – as you can see, we use it on an angle so as not to point it directly at her eye. Treatment only lasts 2 minutes and she is a perfect girl who receives lots of praise and a sizeable food reward for her stellar cooperation.
We are grateful that her papilloma is responding, but there are many other uses for the laser as well. We used it on acupuncture points for Ramba’s kidneys and intend on using it to improve the condition of Lady’s feet. A huge thanks to Multi Radiance Medical and J. Mark Strong for helping us help elephants!
January 16, 2020
Comments(12) 
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Carey says
January 16, 2020 at 4:35 pmI second that – massive thanks to Multi Radiance Medical.
Carry on healing you guys – very happy you have such an important tool, and much thanks to your friend also
Kelejan says
January 16, 2020 at 5:04 pmSo many wonderful people in the world. Why can’t everyone be like that? Thanks to Multi Radiance Medical. Sure hope Rana is feeling better about her eye and good news that it can be used on Lady’s feet.
Nishant Bhajaria says
January 16, 2020 at 5:16 pmThank you to Multi Radiance Medical and J. Mark Strong. These elephants are worthy of all the love they can get.
Barb Wilson says
January 16, 2020 at 5:18 pmWonderful to have the laser for the girls! And so amazing to see Rana’s patience with its use as you treat her eye. Oh goodness wouldn’t it be great if it helps Lady’s feet. Will be anxious to hear your evaluation. ❤️?
CyrAnn says
January 16, 2020 at 5:53 pmWonderful news!!!! And thank you MRM!!! Sweet Rana knows she’s being helped! Also from Barb’s reply I’m also wondering if that laser could be used on Lady’s feet????????????
patricia says
January 16, 2020 at 6:04 pmGreat news! God bless Rana and her eye. And you guys. And Lady and Maia. xoxoxo
Julie says
January 16, 2020 at 6:17 pmY’all are such a dynamic and passionate source of support for these lovely ladies! I am so grateful you are there for them. What a miracle this laser treatment is…..so exciting! Yes. Please let us hear the good news about Lady’s feet progress!
Maggie says
January 16, 2020 at 6:17 pmBeautiful Rana, you’re such a good girl while you are having your laser treatment. I’m sure your eye will soon be healed. Love you sweet girl.
Sheila says
January 16, 2020 at 6:20 pmGOD BLESS? THE VET WHO GAVE THE SANCTUARY THE LASER! THIS IS SUCH A WONDERFUL GIFT!! YES INDEED ?LADYS FEET COULD SURE BENEFIT FROM THE COOL LASER, I PRAY 100%. ??. SUCH GREAT NEWS ON RANAS. EYE ISSUE!?. YES RANA SEEMS TO BE A GREAT BEHAVED LADY IN THE TREATMENT BARN!?SHES THE MATRIARCH OF THE LADIES SO I HOPE SHE STAYS VERY WELL FOR ❤️HER SISTERS!!
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
January 16, 2020 at 6:41 pmWonderful! A big thank you to Multi Radiance Medical. A great gift that will have many uses in the future needs of our girls.
Muriel Servaege says
January 17, 2020 at 11:25 amGreat news! Thank you for Rana’s eye<;
Sherry says
January 17, 2020 at 4:42 pmThis is a wonderful and generous gesture. Thank you very much Multi Radiance Medical!! Thank you for your caring
generous nature.
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Update on Rana’s Eye