Cuticle Overgrowth in Elephants

• Hangnail
• Cuticular splitting

See also:

• Nail Overgrowth in Elephants
• Sole Overgrowth in Elephants

• Predisposing factors that may lead to foot diseases in captive elephants include lack of exercise, lack of regular foot care and inspection, nail and sole overgrowth and lack of trimming, inappropriate enclosure surfaces (hard unyielding substrates contribute to the development of foot problems, for example by trauma and by lack of opportunity for digging), constant direct contact with dirty and wet surfaces in which pathogens can proliferate, malnutrition, excess feeding/insufficient exercise leading to overweight elephants which put more stress on their feet, arthritis and inherited poor foot structure. (B22.34.w12, B454.1.w1, B454.16.w16)

In Elephants:

• An overgrown cuticle may become hard and eventually crack, causing the development of a 'hangnail'. (B10.35.w9, B22.34.w12, J4.177.w2)
• This is the commonest problem with elephants' cuticles. (B454.5.w5)
• Commonly seen concurrently with overgrown sole and nails. (B10.49.w21, B64.27.w4)
• An overgrown cuticle is subject to bruises and entrapment of foreign bodies. (J4.171.w5)

Clinical signs:

• The skin just proximal to the nail is rough and split. (B10.49.w21)
  • In some cases an interdigital callus forms: hard keratinised skin between the nails. (B22.34.w12)
  • The cuticle may take on a "feathered" appearance. (B454.5.w5)
• Pockets of fluid may be found behind the cuticles. (B454.5.w5)
• Discomfort when walking. (B22.34.w12)
• Sensitive to palpation. (B10.49.w21, B64.27.w4)
• Lameness. (J4.177.w2)
  • A flat-footed gait may be noted as the elephant tries to reduce pain and pressure resulting from fluid pockets behind overgrown cuticles. (B454.5.w5)

• Trimming overgrown cuticles with a sharp hoof knife. (B22.34.w12, J4.171.w5)
  • Equine hoof nippers can be used to trim severely overgrown cuticles. (B22.34.w12)
• After trimming, copper naphthenate can be applied to the cuticle. (J4.171.w5)
• Alternatively, vegetable or mineral oil may be applied to the overgrown cuticles daily. This gradually softens the area, such that the elephant rubs off the excess. (B10.49.w21, B64.27.w4)

Prevention:

• Adequate regular foot trimming. (B454.5.w5, P5.39.w1)
• Trimming the cuticle and interdigital skin regularly with a rasp or hoof knife. (B22.34.w12)
• An x-acto knife is used for trimming the edges of the cuticles regularly. (P1.1996.w2)
• Periodical of oil may be used to maintain the cuticle in good condition. (B10.49.w21, B64.27.w4)
• Regular exercise, preferably on natural substrates, and the opportunity to dig. (B454.5.w5)
• Appropriate substrates: most of the time elephants should be on "Resilient, interactive, yielding surfaces." (B454.5.w5)
  • Rubber mats on concrete sleeping areas may be beneficial. (B454.5.w5)
• Adequate hygiene, including daily scrubbing of the feet and legs to remove urine and faeces. (B454.5.w5)
• Provision of access to uncontaminated moist substrates and water is beneficial to foot health. (B454.6.w6)
• Adequate nutrition is recommended to maintain foot health. Biotin, protein and trace elements, such as zinc, selenium and arsenic are some of the nutrients to consider. (B454.3.w3)

• History & Documentation
• Physical Examination of Mammals
• Treatment and Care - General
• Environmental Assessment
• Necropsy of Mammals
• Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation
• Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment
• Appendix A - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Sample specimen history form
• Medicating Elephants

• Elephants (Elephantidae - Elephants (Family))

(List does not contain all other species groups affected by this disease)