Lameness is a common health problem of adult giraffe (Giraffa spp.) at many zoos. Up to 80% of giraffe immobilizations are done to address hoof overgrowth and limping, indicating that lameness is an important health problem for this species. Giraffe anesthesia can have a 10% mortality rate, and some giraffe have died during anesthesia for hoof work. Due to risks associated with anesthesia, some cases are not diagnosed or treated until relatively late in the disease process. When lameness is severe or does not improve with treatment, giraffe are sometimes humanely euthanized. This chapter describes diagnostics and treatments to help improve lameness management for zoo giraffe and highlights the need for early intervention and preventative care
