Surgical diseases in circus elephants

Experiences obtained from surgical diseases in circus elephants (most of them Elephas maximus) are discussed, Pododermatitis chronica verrucosa, not rare in older elephants, can be treated by surgical and ortho-paedic interventions more often can be rescued, With particular reference to the ana-tomic peculiarities, diseases of the tusk, trunk, ear and female genitales are described, Because of the absence of a pleural cavity surgery should be performed in standing elephants whenever possible.