Kashin: Arthritis, Wound and Pressure Sore

Auckland Zoo's famous elephant Kashin responded incredibly well to Bioptron light treatment for an arthritic foot condition and a recurring facial sore.

Senior keeper Bruce Ireland says Kashin's wound healed and she was more playful, much less anxious and happier following successful treatment with the light. Previous pain relief remedies had not worked on the elephant.

As well as behavioural changes, a series of thermographs taken at intervals during the period suggested the blood flow in the arthritic area vastly improved.

'I have experimented with the light on my own lower back, which has become strained over the years and which is now vastly improved,' says Bruce.

Various other members of the staff also have used the light for minor ailments whenever possible.

By Kimberley Paterson

From Auckland Zoo:

'Our 31-year-old elephant Kashin had arthritis, operation wound and facial sore. We had tried a variety of pain relief remedies with little or no success. B2 Bioptron light used 6-8 minutes a day. The sore on the cheek healed during the first week. The operation wound became shallower and she had no pain. Kashin is much happier, more playful and more amenable to commands now.'