Thanks To Tireless Work, Elmwood Diagnoses Giraffe's Arthritis

NORRISTOWN, PA — Elmwood's vet staff was able to make a diagnosis of arthritis in one of the zoo's giraffes thanks to hard work and advanced technology.

The 7.5-year-old Gerald has been favoring his right front leg for around a week, staff noticed.

Veterinarians were able to take radiographs of Gerald's hoof, and collect blood for evaluation, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of arthritis and a fracture in his foot.

However, that would not have been possible were it for the past 18 months of ceaseless dedication of staff in practicing the training techniques necessary to make those readings.

That work has "essentially has given Gerald the opportunity to be a willing and helpful participant in his own diagnostic testing and medical care," the zoo said in explaining the situation.

In addition, the zoo was able to deploy a Digatherm infrared thermal camera from Metropolitan Veterinary Associates in order to determine areas of inflammation.

Zoo officials noted that arthritis is common in giraffes due to their size, and Gerald's treatment plan is already underway.