Judy, a 45 year old Asian Elephant (an Endangered Species), is a highly valued and beloved member of the Shrine Circus (operated by the George Cardin Circus International). She has performed throughout the United States, including at Louisville’s own Kosair Shrine Circus!

• The Injury. 

In mid-2007, Judy was injured in an accident with another elephant. 

• The Western Approach. 

Major University Veterinary School Exotic Animal Specialists determined that Judy had extensive damage to her Stifle (the elephant equivalent of our knee). Judy had a non-operable ACL ligament tear (Judy weighs over 6,000 lbs ruling out surgery).

• Western Medicine. 

Judy was given medication, physical therapy and ordered to rest (okay, they suggested, since no one actually tells a 3 ton elephant what to do!).  

• The Bad News. 

Judy’s condition did not improve, and her stifle (knee) became ‘frozen’ (i.e. immobile), a life-threatening situation for a 3 ton animal. Her attending Veterinarians now ruled that her condition was no longer treatable (hopeless). 

• An Integrative Veterinary Medicine Approach. 

Dr. Thomas J. Rainey DVM together with his mentor Dr. Shen Huisheng Xie, DVM, PhD, performed their own examination of Judy in early June, 2008, using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Their prescription – Chinese Herbal Medicines, Electro-Acupuncture and a continuation of her physical therapy. 

• A Reason for Hope.

Judy has since been treated every 2 weeks by Dr. Rainey using electro-acupuncture. Judy is now showing steady improvement and enjoys her new pain-free mobility. As of January 31, 2009, Judy was able to return to the center ring, entertaining the people and children she loves to see. 

Judy LOVES her Acupuncture too!