Caring for elephants is one of the most rewarding and humbling responsibilities a zoological veterinarian can have. These remarkable animals are not only the largest land mammals on Earth, but also some of the most intelligent and emotionally complex.
Their immense size, intricate physiology, and deep social bonds create unique challenges when it comes to health care, especially pain management. Whether the cause is injury, age-related joint wear, or illness, managing an elephant’s pain requires both scientific understanding and a compassionate awareness of their behavior.
At Mixlab, we’re proud to support veterinarians who dedicate their expertise to helping these incredible animals live comfortably and thrive.
Yes, elephants absolutely feel pain—both physically and emotionally.
Like all mammals, elephants have specialized nerve endings, known as nociceptors, that send pain signals to the brain. These signals alert the body to injury or stress, allowing elephants to protect themselves. Pain can be acute, such as from a foot injury, or chronic, such as ongoing arthritis discomfort.
Elephants are also highly expressive. When they’re hurting, they may:
Because there is no standardized scale for psychological pain in elephants, veterinarians rely on careful observation and strong bonds with the animals to recognize signs of discomfort.
Elephant pain can stem from many different sources:
Elephants place tremendous stress on their joints and feet due to their size. Arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and natural wear and tear are frequent causes of chronic pain.
Cracked nails, abscesses, or soft tissue injuries can be particularly debilitating, since elephants depend on their feet for mobility and weight-bearing.
From accidents to interactions with other elephants, physical injuries can occur and often require immediate pain relief.
Digestive issues, infections, or organ-related conditions can also cause discomfort.
As deeply social creatures, elephants may experience emotional pain from separation, the loss of herd members, or prolonged stress. This can manifest physically as well.
Because no medications are specifically labeled for elephants, zoological veterinarians rely on extra-label use of established drugs, guided by available pharmacokinetic research, clinical experience, and regulatory frameworks such as the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA). Medications are a vital tool in alleviating pain and improving quality of life. At Mixlab, we provide zoological veterinarians with access to a wide range of trusted medications.
Used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility—especially for chronic arthritis.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents, especially useful for more severe pain.
Because corticosteroids can suppress immune function and delay wound healing, their use is typically limited to specific cases and under close veterinary monitoring.
Administering medication to elephants requires creativity and patience.
The choice of administration depends on the elephant’s training, temperament, and veterinary goals.
A holistic approach goes beyond pharmaceuticals. Supportive measures can enhance quality of life, including:
Managing elephant pain requires equal parts medical expertise, observation, and compassion.
Mixlab is proud to partner with zoological veterinarians across the country, providing access to the medications and formulations needed to keep elephants healthy and comfortable. Our pharmacy team understands the care, patience, and creativity this work requires and we’re here to make the process easier. Plus, all prescriptions for elephant patients are reviewed by licensed pharmacists experienced in zoological compounding.
With convenient two-day shipping directly to your zoo or veterinary facility, you can spend less time managing logistics and more time focusing on your patients. Submit your prescription online or contact our team anytime for support. Together, we can help ensure every elephant receives the comfort and care they deserve.