Many of the elephants are recovered from the logging industry, within which poor living and working conditions can cause tusk injuries, potentially resulting in breakages, nerve damage, and gum disease.
Receding gums can be a sign of long-term trauma from excessive or forceful toothbrushing, or brushing with an abrasive toothpaste (dental abrasion), or a sign of chronic periodontitis (gum disease).
Other symptoms include skin changes with roughness, easy bruising and petechiae, gum disease, loosening of teeth, poor wound healing, and emotional changes.