MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014
TSAVO - MARA - MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNITS MONTHLY REPORTS FEBRUARY 2014
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014
MOBILE VETERINARY UNITS’ MONTHLY STATS
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014
TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT Introduction The Tsavo ecosystem continued to receive much needed and unexpected rains during February, which has turned the ecosystem into a lush and green landscape. Veterinary cases have remained low in comparison to previous months, but we are seeing an upsurge of poaching-related injuries by use of arrows. The elephants targeted are the big tuskers, with lower incidences on elephant cows and bulls with small tusks. Elephants attended included the DSWT’s well known wild bull “Mshale” who was sadly treated for the fourth time. He was treated successfully for deep puncture wounds caused by a spear thrown from a tree. Other elephant cases during the month were not so lucky and had to be euthanized.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 1.
Treatment of elephant bull “Mshale” for deep spear wounds in Ithumba, Tsavo East, 3rd February.
Case History Mshale is a well-known elephant bull in the Ithumba area of Tsavo East, easily identifiable by his huge tusks. He is also a common visitor at the Ithumba water hole, especially during the dry periods. He has been treated every year since 2011 and he was treated again this month for a more serious deep spear wound. On the 3rd of February Mshale was seen at the water hole in pain and trying to clean his wounds with muddy water. He only moved some few meters to forage. Immobilisation and Physical examination Immobilization was done using 18 mgs of Etorphine propelled in a Dan Inject dart system on foot. Mshale did not move and fell on the left flank leaving the deep gaping wound on the shoulder and the right ear flap exposed. Two deep penetrating wounds suspected to have been caused by two separate spears were observed. The first wound went through the right ear flap and into the right side of the neck with the second hitting his back, behind the right scapular and deep into the serratus muscles.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 Treatment The three wounds were cleaned with hydrogen peroxide mixed with water, doused with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Long acting painkillers and antibiotics were administered. A final coat of green clay was applied to the wound. Revival Anaesthesia reversal was done using Diprenorphine at 3 times the Etorphine dose. Mshale could not stand by himself and a tractor was called in to assist with pulling him up onto his feet. He looked at the team briefly before walking away slowly. A repeat treatment was advised.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 2.
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Rescue of an abandoned Zebra foal near Manyani, Tsavo West, 4 February
Case History A baby zebra was reported abandoned by a group of locals herding cattle near the park. A team were sent in to secure the young zebra and give it the much needed nutrition of special milk and water. She was found staying in a camp built for Kishushe fence attendants. The zebra foal was fed on specially prepared lactogen milk supplement and easily loaded into the veterinary vehicle. She found a ready home at the Voi stockades and even has another older orphan zebra to keep her company. She will be slowly released into the wild once old enough.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 3.
Treatment of an injured elephant bull near Oldonyo Wuas lodge, Chyulu Hills, 7
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February
Case History While undertaking the KWS Tsavo elephant census in the Taita Hills Sanctuary, a huge bull was spotted near the Ol donyo Wuas water hole with a penetrating injury to the left flank. Quick assessment indicated the injuries were caused by arrows which are becoming common in the area.
Immobilization and Treatment The bull was immobilized using 18 mgs of Etorphine in a Dan Inject dart system. He moved away and fell down about 500 meters away. The two holes on the left flank were opened with a clean surgical knife and followed deep into the intercostal muscles which complicated any meaningful surgical intervention. After a thorough review of the depth of the arrows it was deemed useless to treat as final peritonitis and bacterial septicaemia will set in. The elephant was euthanized and two arrow heads were retrieved from deep inside the rib cage.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 4.
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Rescue of an abandoned elephant calf from Shimba Hills National Reserve, 12 February
Case History A young elephant calf was spotted walking around without a mother near community lands within the Mwaluganje reserve by fence attendants. The case was reported to the KWS research team in the Shimba Hills Reserve who acted fast and rescued the elephant calf. He was transferred to Tsavo East National Park where a team from the Sheldricks Voi orphanage prepared a stockade for him for the evening. He was airlifted to Nairobi the next morning as he was too young to stay in the Voi stockades.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 5.
Treatment of an injured elephant bull in Ithumba, Tsavo East, 20
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February
Case History The Ithumba area of Tsavo East is home to orphans raised by the David Sheldricks Wildlife Trust. There is a group of bachelor bulls numbering around 10, which includes “Mshale”, who was treated earlier in the month. While searching for Mshale for a repeat treatment, another elephant bull was spotted with an injury to the leg which had hanging tissues. The vet team rushed in by air and easily found the elephant bull in the area with several others. Immobilization and physical examination The bull was immobilized by darting from the air, which made it a simple task. 18mgs of Etorphine propelled from a Dan Inject dart system was used. The elephant was herded by the chopper towards the road for easy access by the ground team. The bull fell on a sternal position that isn’t good as it interferes with breathing. He was finally pulled around with the assistance of a tractor. The lateral side of the hind limb near the knee joint was wounded with protruding dead muscles tissues.
Treatment An opening was made at the most ventral part of the wounded site. The dead tissues were pulled out, an arrow head was removed and the hollowed wound was then cleaned with water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, doused with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A final coat of green clay was applied to the wound. Long acting antibiotics and Dexamethasone were administered parenterally.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 Reversal After the operation was completed the ground team were given time to move back before the reversal drugs were administered. The bull woke up after a Diprenorphine intravenous injection was administered. He has been given a good prognosis.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 6.
Treatment of a young elephant bull in Ndara plains, Tsavo East, 26
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February
Case History Elephants foraging around Ndara plains usually move to the Ranches around Taita, especially Rukinga and Taita Ranch, during dry periods. Some of these individuals sustain injuries from poaching attempts, especially when crossing the Nairobi –Mombasa highway. This young bull was seen with abdominal swelling on the side of the body.
Immobilisation and treatment Immobilization was done using 16 mgs of Etorphine propelled using Dan Inject dart system from a vehicle. He was separated from the family and assisted to fall on the left side. An incision was made at the most ventral area of the large gaping hole left by an arrow head. Large amounts of sand mixed with pus was cleaned out after which a huge chunk of necrotic muscle tissue was removed. Large amounts of water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, was used to clean the wound. An arrow head was retrieved from the injured site before being doused with Iodine and covered with green clay. Reversal Anaesthesia reversal was done using Diprenorphine hcl at three times the Etorphine dose. Prognosis is good.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 7.
Treatment of an injured elephant cow in Rukinga Ranch, 27
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February
Case History Rukinga Ranch borders the park on the south western side and forms a good dispersal area of the Tsavo East elephants. This case was reported by Rukinga Rangers and the vet team rushed in to find the weak and lame elephant cow beside a water hole. She tried to move away with difficulty.
Immobilisation and treatment The elephant was immobilized using 15 mgs of Etorphine in Dan Inject dart system. She went down in 6 minutes and some trees had to be cut down to give her breathing space. Her right front leg was found with a bullet injury that went all the way through. The wound was washed clean, doused with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A final cover of green clay was applied to the wound. Reversal Long acting antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and vitamin B12 complex were administered to save this important elephant cow. Prognosis is fair.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 8.
Elephant tuberculosis screening in Tsavo, 24
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– 30
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February 2014
Tuberculosis in elephants is an emerging zoonotic infection that is transmitted from humans to elephants and vice versa. Elephants are also known to transmit the disease among themselves due to their close social structures and the habit of smelling other elephants for recognition. The veterinary department acquired 40 elephant TB serological test kits from Chembio diagnostics in the USA for screening purposes. The test kit with a specificity of more than 98 % was used opportunistically on injured or apparently ill animals that require vet attention. A total of 5 elephants both from the wild and former orphans were tested and all returned negative. Further testing will continue.
Negative test results of elephant TB using Chembio rapid diagnostic kit.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 Other cases attended by the unit: a)
An elephant cow was reported dead along the Galana River and an autopsy was carried out with inconclusive results. It’s suspected to be poisoning. b) An elephant bull was reported with an arrow wound in Lualenyi (LUMO) ranch but could not be traced afterwards, search is continuing and once spotted will be treated promptly. c) There is a well-known elephant within Tsavo East which has been reported many times by organisations and tourists alike, concerned by his physical impediment. It is unclear what incident happened to this elephant to cause a serious brake of the hind leg, but since his accident, which could have been inflicted by a vehicle of even a train, the injury has miraculously healed of its own accord and the elephant is perfectly mobile without any pain. Dr Poghon and the Tsavo Veterinary Unit once again received a report about this bull during February.
Conclusion and acknowledgement Cases of elephant injuries caused by arrow wounds continue to occur due to its effective and silent nature. Most of the cases reported currently are bulls with heavy tusks, a clear indication of poaching attempts. The unit will continue responding to cases as they are reported in order to save this important species. The unit would like to appreciate the support of its sponsors VIER PFOTEN through the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) for their continued support that has enabled us to save suffering wildlife at their time of need. We also thank Kenya Wildlife Service through the Assistant Director of the Tsavo Conservation Area and the veterinary and capture services department for their great contribution. Reported by:Dr Jeremiah Poghon Unit Veterinarian
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014
MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT Introduction The month was characterized by moderate precipitation which was conducive for regeneration of pastures. Consequently, most of the conservation areas have lush grass and most animals have plenty of forage and are in good condition.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 1.
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Post Mortem of a Female Elephant, Masai Mara, 6 February 2014
Case History This elephant was discovered a few days after its death by a KWS patrol team with both tusks missing. They requested our services to determine the cause of death. Physical examination The carcass was found lying on the right lateral position already putrefied and scavenged on. Maggots had already infested the carcass and most body parts were already dismembered. The elephant appeared to have been in good body condition before death. The carcass was about seven days old. Closer examination revealed a deep sharp edged wound about 2 inches in diameter on his left flank. This was a penetrating wound suspected to have been caused by spearing right into the peritoneum. Based on history, post-mortem picture and the missing tusks this elephant died of injuries sustained through spearing. The depth of the wound could have led to peritonitis. The circumstances highly suggest poaching as the motive behind the death of this elephant.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 2.
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De-Snaring of a Lioness, Naboisho Conservancy, 6 Feb 2014
Case History This lioness was spotted one week prior to intervention by Naboisho conservancy rangers, however she was shy and disappeared for a whole week before re-emerging with the snare tight around her neck.
Immobilization and removal of snare A combination of 4mg medetomidine Hcl and 260mg Ketamine Hcl was used. This was delivered combined in a 3ml Dan inject dart. Darting was by vehicle. The lioness had briefly come to an open area. The drugs took effect within 4mins. The lioness appeared not to have had any meal for the past couple of days. A barbed wire snare around her neck was cut and removed. Though tight, no severe wounds had been caused by the wire. Topical wound spray was applied to the abrasions. In addition 3000 mg Amoxycillin antibiotic was given intramuscularly for prophylaxis. 10mg Ivermectin was also given subcutaneously against endo and ecto parasites. Eye ointment was applied during anaesthesia to prevent corneal desiccation in addition to blind folding. Reversal This was achieved by giving 15mg atipamizole intramuscularly 1hr after immobilization. The lioness woke up after 10mins and strode into the nearby bush without complications. Prognosis is good.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 3.
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Fight wounds on a lioness, Governor’s Camp, 7 February 2014
Case History Tour guides from governor’s camp called to report having seen this lioness lethargic and with obvious injuries on the face and loin area. This is a member of the famous marsh pride. The team responded immediately.
Immobilization, examination and treatment This lioness was in a pride of more than 10 other lions all being members of the marsh pride. Immobilization was achieved by administration of a combination of 3mg medetomidine Hcl and 200mg Ketamine Hcl. This was delivered through Dan inject delivery system from a vehicle. Full anaesthesia was achieved after seven minutes. Other members of the pride were scared by use of vehicles in order to give room for her to be attended to. Examination revealed the following: • Deep wound on her left flank. • Superficial wound on the sternum. • Deep wound on her left cheek and forehead. This occasioned severe swelling and edema of the left side of the face. Both left eyelids were also injured and the lioness could not use the left eye. However the eyeball was intact. • All wounds appeared to have resulted from a fight with another lion and were fresh.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014
All the wounds were copiously lavaged with clean water, cleaned with sterile swabs and lugols iodine applied. In addition oxytetracycline spray was also applied to the wounds. Sub-conjuctival injection of a mixture of Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory and Amoxycillin antibiotic was administered to the left eye. Opticlox eye ointment was applied to both eyes and other wounds. 3000mg Amoxycillin antibiotic and 16mg Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory injection was administered i.m. 6mg Ivermectin was given subcutaneously against ecto and endo parasites. Reversal This was achieved by i.m. administration of 15 mg atipamizole 1hr after immobilization. The lion recovered after 10mins and went to join other members of the pride. Prognosis is good.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 4.
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Post-mortem of a male elephant, Mara Reserve, 9 February 2014
The case was reported to the unit by the Mara game rangers. They found the elephant dead with both tusks intact but could not see any physical injury. They requested our services to determine cause of death.
General Examination The carcass was found lying on the right lateral position, bloated and relatively fresh. No injury was evident on the left side of this elephant. The carcass had to be turned over to ascertain the status of the other side. This revealed a penetrating wound 3inches in diameter on the right flank. The tusks were intact. The carcass was less than 24 hrs. old and appeared to have been in good condition before death. Post-mortem Examination The wound on the right flank accessed the peritoneal cavity, rupturing the bowels causing severe peritonitis. The peritoneal cavity was contaminated. Tusks were retrieved and handed over to the Masai Mara management for safe custody. Post-mortem picture showed the elephant died of acute peritonitis as a result of spearing.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 5.
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Post-mortem of a male elephant, Naibosho Conservancy, 10 February 2014
History This case was reported to the unit by KWS patrol rangers and requested our services to determine the cause of death.
Physical examination The estimated time of death was 12hrs prior to discovery. The carcass was fresh and lying on left lateral recumbency. The ventral abdominal wall had been torn by scavengers. The carcass revealed signs of prolonged debility before death. The right tusk was rudimentary while the left one was fully developed. No visible injury was evident on the right side and on turning the carcass over there was a penetrating wound of about 3 inches in diameter on the left precruris. Post-mortem findings The wound had sharp edges accessing both large and small intestines creating a fistula through the abdominal wall where ingesta was seeping out. The age of the wound was approximately six days. Conclusion The post-mortem picture shows that this elephant died of chronic peritonitis as a result of suspected spearing. Tusks were retrieved and handed over to KWS security for safe custody.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 6.
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De-tusking of a Female Elephant, Mara Conservancy, 13 February 2014
History The Mara Conservancy management were concerned about the future of this elephant having seen her tusks grow backwards and entangled. The backward growth had been observed for the last five years but lately it was beginning to pinch the ventral lip; it was also limiting trunk movement and could compromise the ability of this elephant to feed.
Immobilization and de-tusking 16mg of etorphine was remotely delivered through Dan inject darting system done by vehicle. The elephant was immobilized in 5mins. Other family members were scared away by use of vehicles to allow the team attend to this elephant. Both tusks were trimmed to comfortable sizes by use of a power saw. The entire procedure took about 15mins. The tusks were handed over to the Mara Conservancy security for accounting and onward transmission to KWS Transmara station. Reversal 48mg diprenorphine was administered through the ear vein and the elephant woke up after 2 minutes and joined the herd.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 7.
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Injured lioness, Governor’s Camp, 14 February 2014
History Masai Mara Reserve rangers reported seeing this member of the marsh pride isolated, unwilling to move with fresh bleeding injuries. They considered it an emergency and requested our immediate attention.
General Examination, Immobilization and Treatment The lioness appeared shy and restless but obviously in pain. Trails of fresh blood could be observed whenever it moved. Immobilization was achieved by use of 4mg medetomidine Hcl and 240mg Ketamine Hcl in a 3ml Dan inject dart. It took 7mins for full anaesthesia to be achieved upon where blindfold was applied, opticlox ointment put on the eyes and lion placed on a comfortable lying position. On examination there were deep, sharp edged wounds on the inner side of both thighs. Another wound was also found on the lateral surface of the left thigh. They appeared to have been caused by spearing. The wound on the inner right thigh was the deepest with heavy bleeding. The wounds were fresh. All areas around the wounds were shaved, cleaned and disinfected with surgical spirit. Bleeders on the right thigh were ligated with No.2 chromic catgut suture. Dead space on the wounds was obliterated by applying deep and subcutaneous sutures using absorbable No.2 chromic catgut sutures. Lugols iodine was applied to the wounds and simple interrupted suture pattern with No.2 chromic catgut used to close the skin leaving space for drainage. Oxytetracycline antibiotic spray was applied on all wounds. 3000 mg Amoxycillin antibiotic was given i.m. in addition 7mg Ivermectin was given subcutaneously against parasites. Reversal 15mg atipamizole was given i.m. one hour after immobilization. The lioness woke up after 10mins and joined other members of the marsh pride. Prognosis is good.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 8.
Injured elephant, Observation point Masai Mara, 19th February 2014
History Masai Mara game rangers came across this elephant while doing their normal patrols and immediately notified the mobile veterinary unit. This young male was in company of other elephants. Immobilization, Examination and Treatment This elephant was in a herd of seven elephants. He appeared lethargic with observable injuries on his withers and right upper thorax. The elephant was in a fair body condition. 15mg etorphine in a 3ml Dan inject dart was remotely delivered through Dan inject darting system by vehicle. Full immobilization was achieved after 5mins. Close examination revealed a deep wound on the upper thorax about 9 inches deep and 5 inches wide. This wound was caudo-cranially directed. The wound on the withers was shallow and about 7 inches wide. Both wounds had sharp edges and septic. The wounds appeared to have been inflicted by a sharp object. All the wounds were lavaged with copious amount of water, debrided with hydrogen peroxide to remove necrotic debris with the help of sterile swabs. Lugols iodine was applied to disinfect the wounds. All the wounds were then covered with green clay. In addition 15000mg Amoxycillin antibiotic with 100mg Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory were given i.m. 20mg Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously against parasites.
Reversal This was achieved by administration of 48mg diprenorphine i.v through ear vein. The elephant woke up after two minutes. Prognosis is good. Photos are not available for this case
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 9.
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Post-mortem of a female elephant, Naibosho Conservancy, 20 February 2014
History This case was reported to the unit by KWS security patrol team.
Post-mortem examination The elephant appeared to have been in good body condition with a body score of 4 in a scale of 1-5 where 1 is poor and 5 are perfect. No physical injuries were observed. There was a swelling on the inner surface of the left pinnae suggestive of a long standing fibroma. Post-mortem findings This elephant had a fully developed foetus which appeared engaged. The cervix was partially dilated with cervical plug partly dissolved. The foetus either died in-utero with resultant attempt to expel or in the process of expulsion. No other unexplained pathological changes were observed in other organs. Conclusion This female could have died due to complications associated with intra uterine foetal death (IUFD) or prolonged fatigue due to uterine inertia during attempted foetal expulsion.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 nd
10. Treatment and Post-mortem of a male elephant, Naibosho Conservancy, 22 February 2014 History This elephant was seen the same day of intervention, very weak and standing close to a watering point. It had a big wound laterally at the level of right scapular. The Mobile Vet Unit was called by the management of the conservancy to go and assess the elephant.
Immobilization, Examination and Treatment Immobilization was achieved by giving 15mg etorphine through Dan inject darting system on foot. The elephant was immobilized in 5mins. Further examination revealed the wound was septic and maggot infested. The wound appeared to have been caused by spearing. The elephant was severely dehydrated, characterized by sunken eyeballs and collapsed blood vessels. The mucous membranes were pale suggestive of anaemia. The wound was copiously lavaged with water, hydrogen peroxide used to debride and lugols iodine applied. In addition green clay was used to cover the wound. 15000mg Amoxycillin was given i.m. and 20mg Ivermectin given subcutaneously to take care of the maggots. Reversal 48 mg diprenorphine was given through the ear vein but the elephant could not wake up despite assistance. It died soon afterwards and the post-mortem picture showed severe anaemia. There were also signs of liver damage with evidence of jaundice in most tissues. Conclusion This elephant died of complications from the wound. Organs including the liver could have been damaged by suspected poison from the spear. Tusks were retrieved and given to Naboisho conservancy for accounting and transmission to KWS.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 Conclusion and acknowledgement The Mara mobile veterinary unit is grateful to all individuals who played a role in reporting cases that needed veterinary intervention, and follow up of these cases for the good of conservation. Many thanks to the Minara Foundation, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service for their continued support of the unit which has seen many wildlife rescues achieved and unnecessary wildlife suffering alleviated. Reported by:Dr Campaign Limo Unit Veterinarian
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014
MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT Introduction The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit has covered many kilometres this month, travelling long distances within the northern and eastern conservation areas in order to treat cases reported. Treating lions, elephants and carrying out a post-mortem on a rhino, the veterinary team have treated a range of wild animals. Rhino poaching is still a very real threat within these ecosystems. The rains arrived early within the unit’s area of operation.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014
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Treatment of injured elephant, Samburu National Reserve, 8 February 2014
History th
On the 7 February, Game Rangers on patrol reported a female elephant showing lameness which required th veterinary attention. This animal was immobilized for treatment on 8 February 2014.
Immobilization and treatment The elephant was found near the old Larsens camp site at the bank of Ewaso River with limited movement. The elephant was immobilized using Etorphine Hcl 12mg in a single 3cc Dan Inject dart and a 2.2 Ă— 60mm needle. Examination revealed a slightly swollen distal left hind limb, but no other injury was observed. Palpation and joint manipulation ruled out a fracture. However, joint injury was suspected to be the cause of lameness. Antiinflammatory drugs, 0.1% Dexamethasone Hcl 50ml, and antimicrobial drugs, 30% Oxytetracycline 100ml, were administered intramuscularly. Reversal To revive the animal Diprenophine Hcl 36mg was injected intravenously through the superficial ear veins. Prognosis for recovery is good.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 2.
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Treatment of a lion cub, Buffalo Springs Reserve, 8 February 2014
History th
On 8 February, the Officer in Charge of KWS Isiolo Complex reported an injured lion cub and requested the Meru MVU to examine and treat the cub.
Immobilization and treatment Locating the pride was easy because they had killed a zebra on that particular day. The pride consisted of 4 adult lionesses, 3 sub adults and an injured 2 month old male cub. It is suspected that its litter mates had been attacked and killed by an invading male during territorial fights. The older lions were chased away using a vehicle. The injured cub was captured by throwing a towel around it and restraining by hand. Examination revealed penetrating wounds dorsally into the muscle of the left shoulder. The wounds were not infected. The wounds were cleaned thoroughly using water and savlon and the hair around the wound was clipped. Topical antimicrobial Opticlox ointment was administered to prevent bacterial infection. The anti- parasitic drug, Ivermectin 0.5 ml, was also administered by subcutaneous route for prophylaxis. The cub is expected to make full recovery.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 3.
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Treatment and postmortem of a sick lioness, Meru, 27 February 2014
History th
An emaciated lioness was reported recumbent and unable to move at the Mulika river circuit on 27 February by the research team during routine patrol in Meru National Park. This was an old lioness which had a collar believed to have been fitted in the year 2006; however the collar had malfunctioned. The condition of the lioness deteriorated rapidly and she died within two hours before any treatment was th performed. A full post mortem was conducted on 28 February.
General Examination The carcass was positioned on dorsal recumbency and carefully flayed taking note of any pathologic findings on the sub cutis. A ventral cranio-caudal incision was made on the sternum through to the abdomen to examine the thoracic and abdominal organs insitu. Systemic examination of the carcass was performed and all pathologic changes were recorded. Samples were taken for laboratory analysis. Postmortem findings
Body condition score 2 (poor) on a scale of 1 – 5. All four canine teeth were worn out. Pale mucous membrane suggestive of anemia and skin tenting indicating severe dehydration. Bruises on abdominal skin with a penetrating wound at the right abdominal flank with blood tinged and viscous peritoneal fluid with fibrin. Stomach and intestines were empty suggesting that this animal was off feed and may not have been able to hunt.
Conclusion Immediate cause of death is suspected to have been traumatic injury. This may have been sustained from a kick during a hunt. However, the age of this animal may have played a role.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 4.
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Treatment of an injured elephant, Sangare Ranch, 12 February 2014
History th
The injured elephant was first reported by the management of Sangare Ranch on 8 February 2014 and th subsequently treated by Dr. Kaitho on 12 February. Although significant improvement was reported after the st initial treatment, a follow up treatment was made on 1 March to evaluate its progress.
Immobilization and treatment The animal was located in a mud pool at a swamp near a dam in the ranch. He was darted on foot using Etorphine Hcl 18mg in a 3cc DanInject dart. The dart was placed at the left gluteal muscles, following which the animal limped 200 meters away to a higher ground. Induction time was 25 minutes before he fell onto sternal recumbency. He was tipped onto left lateral recumbency so as to examine the injured right forelimb. There was an infected penetrating wound into the metacarpus at the right forelimb which on probing with a forceps showed both proximal and distal pus sinuses. Small quantity of pus discharged from the wound. The wound was lavaged and 100ml of povidone Iodine was infused into the wound. The elephant was then given 30% Oxytetracycline 200ml and 5% Flunixin Meglumine 2500mg intramuscularly. Reversal & Prognosis To revive the animal Diprenophine Hcl 54mg was administered intravenously through the superficial ear vein and the animal was up standing within 3 minutes. Significant progress was noted since the last treatment with the animal ambulating easily. This elephant is expected to make full recovery.
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MVU’s FEBRUARY 2014 5.
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Postmortem of a white rhino, Solio Ranch, 19 February 2014
History A rhino carcass was reported by the Aberdare’s Senior Warden following a poaching incident in Solio ranch on th th 16 February. A post mortem examination was conducted on 19 February to document the cause of death and collect tissue samples for forensic analysis.
General Examination The rhino carcass was found on right lateral recumbency, both horns had been excised, allegedly by poachers. It was extensively decomposed and partly eaten by scavengers at the left scapula area and the neck. There was a th single penetrating wound suggestive of bullet injury into the left thoracic area at the 8 intercostal space. Because the carcass was decomposed, examination of internal organs was not feasible. Skin tissue samples and a sample of the hoof was collected in a RHODIS kit and submitted to forensic laboratory for analysis. Conclusion Based on the history, postmortem picture and the missing horns, this rhino died of injuries sustained from a bullet wound. The circumstances highly suggest poaching as the motive behind the death of this rhino. Acknowledgement The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit would like to thank the KWS and the DSWT for their ongoing support of this unit and of course to the unit’s donor for their loyal support. The team is proud to be making a difference within the northern and eastern conservation areas. Reported by:Dr Bernard Rono Unit Veterinarian
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