258 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
Sunstroke. 
This term is applied to a condition usually brought about by 
exposure to great heat and glare. 
Sunstroke in the elephant may be divided as follows : — 
(a) Heat exhaustion, due to the direct action of the rays of 
the sun upon the brain ; and 
{d) Heat stroke, or heat apoplexy. 
Heat Exhaustion. 
Causes. — Cases of heat exhaustion are of frequent occurrence, 
the usual cause being over-exertion in great heat. These creatures, 
by nature nocturnal in their habits, stand prolonged exposure to the 
sun very badly. The condition generally occurs in animals that are 
well fed but irregularly worked, and then suddenly called on to do 
a long march in the heat of the day, and in weakly animals when 
subjected to long exposure, or in those that are of a nervous or 
excitable temperament. The digestive system when out of order 
tends to increase the susceptibility. 
Symptoms. — The symptoms usually come on towards the close 
of a trying hot march. There is evident distress and dulness ; the 
animal is fatigued, and slows down in his pace ; the breathing is hurried 
and the ears droop ; the trunk is lax and not swung about freely ; if 
these symptoms escape notice, the prostration increases until the 
animal more or less suddenly falls down in a faint. The temperature 
m^ay be subnormal. These cases are met with most frequently when 
the atmosphere is moist, oppressive and still. 
Treatment. — Immediately remove the load and gear. Dash cold 
water if possible from a height for some time over the head, neck, 
chest and along the spine ; if lying in the sun, run up a single or 
double tarpaulin as an awning to afford shade, but not so as to 
impede free circulation of air ; for the same reason, men should not 
be allowed to crowd .around. Wash the face, head and trunk with 
cold water and sponge out the mouth and lips with weak vinegar 
and water or plain water. The head and face should be fanned if 
there is no breeze ; a weak solution of ammonia, if any be handy, 
poured on to a wet cloth, which may be thrown or placed on a 
bam.boo near orifices of the trunk, may prove beneficial. In mild 
cases, after a little time the animal pulls round and will drink some' 
water if presented ; when he gets up he should be kept in shade. 
A full dose of physic may be given with advantage. Clean fresh 
grass in moderation should be allowed ; it is better to reduce the 
