ABOUT THE GIRAFFE
General Information
The giraffe shown in Dr.Rosie Helps the Animals
is the northern giraffe. Its scientific name is
Giraffa camelopardalis.
Giraffe and Sore Throats
Do giraffes REALLY get sore throats?
Fact
According to Dr. Sarah Ferguson, one of the three veterinarians at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in Namibia, giraffes really do get sore throats.
Causes
The causes of sore throats in giraffes are similar to humans — they can be caused by an infection from a bacteria or virus. Giraffes can also get sore muscles in their neck — especially young males that like to pretend to fight and hit each other with their necks. Luckily, they do not usually do much damage to themselves and it is rare to have severe trauma to their necks.See a video of baby giraffes play fighting.
Symptoms
Giraffes with sore throats often drool a lot and may not want to eat. Unlike humans, giraffes can’t eat ice cream if they have sore throats.
Diagnosis
An infection is usually diagnosed by looking into the giraffe’s mouth (usually with a flashlight) to see if there is redness, which means there is inflammation. A throat sample is then taken to see if there are bacteria present. Veterinarians get throat samples by rubbing the inside of the throat using cotton on a stick. Then, they test what kinds of organisms are on the cotton.
Treatments
The treatment for sore throats in giraffes depends on the cause. If the sore throat is caused by bacteria, veterinarians may give an antibiotic. If there is an injury, veterinarians may give a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication. If the sore throat is caused by a virus, the giraffe will be given water and the opportunity to rest.
Fiction
In the book, Rosie gives the giraffe water with honey in it. Veterinarians do not treat sore throats in giraffes with honey water.
Learn More
Learn more about giraffes and the veterinarians who help them at:
Giraffe Conservation Foundation
‘
Reference
Dr. Sarah Ferguson, DVM, Giraffe Conservation Foundation
Image Credit: iStock.com/lithium366
