Experts from around Europe collaborate to investigate swelling on giraffe’s face Specialist veterinary surgeons from the Hospital for Small Animals and Dick Vet Equine Hospital worked as part of an expert team from the UK and Europe to anaesthetise and examine a giraffe from Edinburgh Zoo with an unusual swelling on its face.A team over 20 vets, zookeepers and vet nurses, co-ordinated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, worked together to give the giraffe the highest standard of care.This case demonstrated that with careful planning, general anaesthesia and complex veterinary procedures can be performed safely on adult giraffes. Mouth swellingGilbert, an eight-year-old giraffe, was examined under general anaesthetic to try to determine the cause of the swelling.Given the challenge of anaesthetising and examining a giraffe, the veterinary team at Edinburgh Zoo asked Specialists in veterinary anaesthesia and equine dentistry and surgery from the Dick Vet, as well as experts from Chester Zoo and Copenhagen Zoo, for assistance. Gilbert developed a large swelling on the side of his face (image credit RZSS) Complex anaesthesiaThe team made extensive plans to ensure the procedure, which took less than an hour, ran smoothly and safely for the 800kg giraffe and everyone involved.RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia Dr Rob Ward and Dr Dóri Szabó from the Hospital for Small Animals provided anaesthesia support and monitoring. Once under anaesthetic, several members of the expert team provided limb massages to Gilbert to promote circulation. I’m proud to have been part of a superb international team delivering the very best care for Gilbert. Anaesthetising a giraffe is never routine: their extraordinary anatomy and physiology demand meticulous planning and constant vigilance. From airway control and oxygenation to precise positioning, every step was tailored to the species’ unique requirements, and that preparation and teamwork delivered the safest possible outcome for Gilbert. Dr Rob Ward RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia, Hospital for Small Animals A team of over 20 vets, zoo keepers and technicians were involved in the procedure (image credit RZSS) Dental examinationA team from the Dick Vet Equine Hospital, consisting of European Specialist in Equine Dentistry Dr Rebekah Kennedy, RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Surgery Dr Richard Reardon, American and European Specialist in Equine Surgery Dr Mattie McMaster and Equine technician Fiona Perry, then examined Gilbert’s mouth. Dental examinations in horses are usually performed with them awake, but sedated. However, this would have been impossible to achieve safely with a giraffe. Once Gilbert was anaesthetised, our dentistry team were able to perform a thorough examination of his mouth, teeth and gums. We determined that the cause of Gilbert’s facial swelling was food packing in his right cheek, which we were able to remove. It was a massive team effort and the standard of care provided to Gilbert by everyone involved was exceptional. Dr Mattie McMaster American and European Specialist in Equine Surgery, Dick Vet Equine Hospital Positive outcomeResults from both the visual examinations and X-rays revealed no clear cause for the build-up of food in Gilbert’s cheek.With no dental or jaw abnormalities identified, the team suspect that the swelling may have a behavioural cause, especially since Gilbert quickly refilled his cheek pouch with food as soon as he had recovered from the anaesthetic.Although a definitive diagnosis wasn’t reached, the team is celebrating a successful outcome. Gilbert has made a smooth recovery since his procedure and the investigations have shown no reason to suspect that the giraffe is experiencing pain or discomfort. With ongoing training, keepers hope to help Gilbert improve his oral hygiene by regularly flushing the cheek pouch with water. About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags Small Animals Vet School Publication date 22 Oct, 2025
