The prevalence of foot problems in elephants is unknown because no centralized reporting system has been established. In a retrospective study of 379 elephants, 50% were affected by foot disorders. 34 Few institutions have been spared the grief and frustration of dealing with elephant foot problems. It is the author’s opinion that nonresolvable foot infection and arthritis are major causes necessitating euthanasia in elephants. It is unlikely that an elephant will progress through life without requiring periodic pedicures to keep the feet healthy. African elephants seem to have fewer foot problems than Asian elephants, but the reason for the difference is unknown.