Kerala: Autopsy says injuries in pregnant elephant's mouth likely due to explosive blast

THRISSUR: The primary post-mortem report of the pregnant wild elephant which died at Velliyar River under Mannarkkad forest division in Palakkad shows that the animal couldn't drink or eat in the last week of the death. The autopsy was conducted by an expert team led by assistant forest veterinary officer Dr David Abraham.
"Drowning, followed by inhalation of water leading to lung failure, is the immediate cause of death of the elephant. The major and incapacitating wounds and injuries in oral cavity caused localised sepsis and have most likely occurred following an explosive blast in the mouth. This has resulted in excruciating pain and distress in the region and prevented the animal from taking food and water for nearly two weeks. Severe debility and weakness in turn resulted in the final collapse in water that led to drowning." said the primary post-mortem report.
The report also stated that no bullet, snare or any other metallic or foreign object was found in any part of the carcass during the autopsy. The elephant has been estimated to be nearly 15-years-old.
The report also stated that "the carcass of the elephant was found extremely poor body condition". Externally, apart from the swollen appearance of lower jaw and skin wounds on the oral commissure and exposed bone of the body of mandible on the right side, no other major wound or injury of significance on any other part of the body. Inside the mouth, extensive necrotic debris of several indistinguishable soft tissues, infested with maggots were found. Autopsy also found distinct fracture and erosion of major portions of maxillary bones and medial portions of body of mandible on both sides.
"Almost all lobes of lungs, bronchi and bronchioles on both sides and pharynx and trachea filled with water. Copious amounts of water in stomach and intestines, void of any solid content. Inside pelvic cavity enlarged uterus with a nearly two months foetus. No breach or change in size or position of other internal organs in thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities. No major gross lesion on the surface and cut sections of other internal organs." the report said.
The carcass of a pregnant wild elephant was found in Velliyar River under Mannarkkad forest division in Palakkad district on May 27.
Assistant forest veterinary Officer in Thrissur Dr David Abraham said they are unaware the pregnancy of the elephant before the autopsy. "It was shocking for us" said the doctor.