DSWT/KWS Mobile Vet Unit Quarterly Report July, August, September 2018

MOBILE VET UNITS TSAVO – MARA – MERU – AMBOSELI – MT KENYA REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018

MOBILE VETERINARY UNITS OVERVIEW JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018 During the July to September 2018 3-month reporting period, the DSWT in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and their five dedicated KWS field veterinary officers, attended to 118 wildlife cases involving 158 animals.

Of the 118 cases attended to 57 cases included elephants; 32 of these elephant cases were directly related to poaching activities with cases including 11 poisoned arrows, 10 spear cases, 3 bullet wound cases and 5 snare cases.

There were also 3 postmortems assumed to be poaching though direct cause was not established, plus 1 collaring case, 1 relocation (involving 14 animals), 4 rescues and 16 cases treated for natural causes.

During this period 4 rhino cases were also attended to due to natural causes along with 23 predator cases including 18 lion cases (involving 36 lions). 7 of the lion cases were attended to due to HWC (including lions relocated due to livestock predation and 1 lion which had fallen down a man hole). 9 of these cases were due to natural causes and only 1 was due to poaching (1 lion was snared). 23 lions were reported to be creating issues with livestock and were then relocated, whilst another 9 were relocated before they caused any problems in bordering communities.

The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit attended to 23 cases, including 9 poaching injuries, 5 human-wildlife conflict cases, 1 postmortem, 4 natural causes and 1 relocation of 14 elephants as well as 3 rescues.

The Mara Mobile Vet Unit attended to 32 cases of which 17 cases involved elephants and 11 included predators (12 animals). 3 cheetahs were attended to for natural causes and one postmortem, plus 8 lions were attended to for natural causes. Of the elephant cases, 13 were treated for poaching injures, 6 for spear wounds, 6 for arrow wounds, 1 for a snare wound, 1 elephant for natural causes, whilst 1 elephant was collared and 2 were attended to for a postmortem which was deemed a natural death.

The Meru Mobile Vet Unit attended to 18 cases including 5 elephants; 1 for a bullet wound and 1 for a spear wound as well as 3 being treated for natural causes. 3 predator cases were also attended to including 1 leopard and 8 lion which were relocated due to livestock predation and one postmortem of a lion. 1 rhino was treated for natural causes along with 4 giraffe and 3 plains game (2 for natural causes plus a relocation) a civet and a monkey were also treated by the unit.

The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit attended to 19 cases, 7 of which were elephant cases with 1 spear wound case, 1 arrow case as well as 2 snare cases, 1 natural cause case, 1 postmortem and 1 rescue. The unit also attended to 2 lion cases, 1 that was snared and one lion that was preying on livestock but was not caught. 1 rhino was also treated for natural causes, along with 1 snared giraffe and 1 postmortem, plus 7 plains game including 4 zebras for natural causes, 1 snared zebra, a snared wildebeest and a wildebeest trapped in a fence wire.

The Mt Kenya Mobile Vet Unit attended to 27 cases including 11 elephant cases; 1 spear, 1 snare and 2 bullet wound injuries as well as 7 natural causes cases. The unit also attended to 3 lion cases, including the relocation of 5 and then 2 lions due to livestock predation and 1 lion which was injured whilst hunting buffalos. 2 rhinos were also treated for natural causes. Other cases included a speared giraffe and 9 plains game cases.

TSAVO MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018

TSAVO MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2018 Introduction The Month of July 2018 witnessed a sharp increase in case numbers due to an increase in human-wildlife conflict related problems around Mwatate/Bura area involving livestock predation by Lions. Other cases undertaken within the month were removal of Elephants from the new Tsavo east Rhino sanctuary into the bigger Tsavo East National Park, rescue of a Lion that had fallen into a well at Voi safari lodge, autopsy of a security dog after sudden death in Kaluku kennels, examination and euthanasia of a Giraffe involved in a vehicle accident inside Tsavo East National Park and a problem Lion whose leg was amputated by a wire snare.

Other cases were an Elephant bull treated for two arrow wounds at Ithumba, Black Rhino attacked by Lions was treated in Tsavo East, 7 problem lions captured from Mwatate/ Bura area and moved to Tsavo East National Park and an Elephant calf that fell into a hole rescued and reunited with the mother at Amboseli National Park.

1.

ELEPHANT TRANSLOCATION OUT OF TSAVO EAST RHINO SANCTUARY

Date: 9th July 2018 Species: 14 Elephants Sex: 8 bulls, 4 cows and 2 young ones.

Age: Various Place: Sobo, Tsavo East History The remnant Elephant population left inside the new Tsavo East Rhino sanctuary were earmarked for immobilization and removal from the sanctuary after Helicopter drive failed to move them out of the sanctuary. The Elephants were darted from a helicopter and driven near the fence line or near open areas for easier loading into the lorry. The operation took 2 days.

Immobilization and treatment The bulls were immobilized using 18 mgs of Etorphine Hcl, while 16 mgs was used to immobilise the cows. Sub-adults 10 and 5 mgs were used to immobilise them while one small calf was restrained manually. A total of 205 mgs was used in the operation. The Elephants were darted from a Helicopter and pushed to areas easily accessed by ground teams then loaded into open trucks in lateral recumbency. Water was splashed to cool them. The elephants were transported out of the sanctuary to be released. The anaesthesia reversed before the Elephants were left to walk away.

2.

LION RESCUE EXERCISE

Date of intervention: 10th July 2018 Animal: Lion Species: Panthera leo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Voi wildlife lodge, Tsavo East.

History The Lion was reported by Voi wildlife lodge staff having fallen into a well previously used by the lodge to water its gardens. The Lion was trapped in the well and was struggling to climb out in vain. The well was about 10 metres deep and water level about 2 feet deep.

Immobilization, treatment and collaring The lion was hooked into a looped rope and darted with 300 mgs of ketamine and 4 mgs of meditomidine Hcl and left for the drug to take effect then pulled out of the well with assistance of the lodge staff and a vehicle. The Lion was blindfolded then treated with long acting Amoxicillin Hcl and Dexamethasone Hcl both administered intramuscularly.

The wounds caused by struggling were cleaned with tincture of iodine and sprayed with topical Oxytetracycline antibiotic spray. He was loaded into a vehicle and transported to Tsavo East National Park then placed under a tree.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed one and half hours later using Yohimbine Hcl and monitored until he woke up and moved away.

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3.

AUTOPSY OF A SECURITY DOG

Date of Autopsy: 16th July 2018 Animal: Dog Species: Canine Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Kaluku, Tsavo East The sudden death of a KWS security dog was reported on the morning of 16th July. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen and attempts to drink water. The feed was still intact in the plate. All orifices were clean with no excretions.

On opening all the organs were normal apart from a massively distended stomach that exerted a lot of pressure on internal organs and the lungs. The cause of death was put as Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).

4.

EXAMINATION OF AN INJURED GIRAFFE

Date of intervention: 20th July 2018 Animal: Giraffe Species: Giraffa camelopardalis Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Voi-Aruba road, Tsavo East Tourists travelling along the Voi-Aruba road within Tsavo East National Park reported a Giraffe which was beside the road writhing in pain and with an obvious fracture. The vet team rushed to the location to find the Giraffe flat on the ground with left hind limb completely broken just below the hock joint. The cause of the accident seems to be a speeding vehicle as the Giraffe was lying by the road with clear bruise injuries apart from the fracture. Due to poor prognosis of the complete fracture of Tibial and fibula bones the Giraffe was euthanized for animal welfare issues.

5.

LION EXAMINATION

Date of intervention: 23rd July 2018 Animal: Lion Species: Panthera leo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mtito Andei, Tsavo East Examination and Diagnosis Problem Lions are a growing concern in Tsavo East National Park. Human-wildlife conflict leads to change of attitude in the community towards wildlife and at times leads to the community retaliating towards the wildlife. The Lion was trapped near Mtito Andei after causing serious trouble within the community around the area. He was brought to Tsavo vet unit for examination.

Examination revealed poor body condition and complete amputation of the right hind leg just below the hock joint from a suspected wire snare placed to trap wild game. Predators usually resort to killing livestock after they are either too old to hunt or injured as was in this case. The Lion was euthanized for animal welfare concerns as he couldn’t survive in the wild.

6.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 23rd July 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ithumba, Tsavo East National Park History A report of an injured Elephant bull was received from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust field headquarters offices at Kaluku within Tsavo. The bull was spotted that morning near a watering hole with pus oozing out of two arrow wounds on the front leg and chest area. The vet was airlifted from Voi to Ithumba by DSWT aircraft and found a team made up of fixed wing aircraft, Helicopter and ground teams waiting.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Darting equipment and drugs were prepared containing 18 mgs of M99. The Elephant bull was driven by a chopper to an open field and darted using 18 mgs of Etorphine. The Elephant ran back deep into thick bush ignoring the chopper. An arrow head was clearly visible from the chopper. He went down in a thickly wooded area. The vet was dropped in an open field and directed by the chopper to where the Elephant fell. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and temperature control. The bull had an arrow wound on the right front leg lateral to the elbow joint with pus oozing out. The wound was cleaned by using water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, necrotic tissues and pus were removed then doused with tincture of iodine. Green clay was used to cover the wound.

Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and dexamethasone Hcl given intravenously through the ear. The Elephant was rolled over by aid of a road grader. The second arrow wound was also cleaned, and antibiotic spray and green clay were applied. This was a clear case of attempted poaching.

Reversal and prognosis After all the treatment was done, the rest of the team were instructed to clear the site as the vet administered the reversal drug. Anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine at 3 times the etorphine dose. The Elephant struggled to stand and was assisted with a rope looped on the upper tusk. He stood up and walked away. Prognosis is good.

7.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED RHINO

Date: 24th July 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ndara, Tsavo East National Park History The Rhino under review was brought in from Nairobi National Park during the recent Rhino translocation exercise and placed in a Boma inside Tsavo East National Park new Rhino sanctuary. He was released from the Boma on the morning of 4th July 2016. On the evening of 22nd July 2018 reports of injury on the Rhino by suspected Elephant attack was received with visible bleeding on the upper pelvic region and lameness.

Immobilization, examination and treatment A dart was prepared containing 4.5 mgs of Etorphine mixed with 80 mgs of Azaperone. The Rhino was darted on the thigh from a vehicle at 10:48 AM and went down at 10:58 AM having moved a short distance. Five mgs of Butorphanol mixed with 2 cc Doxopram was administered intravenously through the ear vein to stabilise his breathing. There were bite wounds and numerous scratch wounds on the lumbo-sacral area with bleeding. The wounds were cleaned using tincture of iodine, sprayed with oxytetracycline spray and covered with green clay to prevent fly contamination and birds pecking. 80 cc of long acting Amoxicillin together with 40 cc of Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia reversal achieved by administration of Diprenorphine at three times the Etophine dose, that’s 15 mgs.

The Rhino woke up and moved away slowly.

8.

PROBLEM LION CONTROL

Date of intervention: 26-27th July 2018 Animal: Lion Species: Panthera leo Sex: 2 Females and 5 cubs Age: Adult and cubs Location: Bura mwatate, Tsavo East History Complaints from the community living within Bura and Mwatate areas of lions killing their livestock, which led to demonstrations in the area.

Capture and translocation The KWS put together a team of community and problem animal control unit rangers and the vet unit to track and relocate the lions back to the park. Two Lionesses were found, one with four 4-month-old cubs and another with one 1 year old cub. Darts were prepared containing 300 mgs of Ketamine Hcl and 4 mgs Meditomidine Hcl and the lionesses were darted. The 1 year old cub was darted using 100 mgs of Ketamine and 1 mg of meditomidine while the 4 month old cubs were captured by hand. The Lionesses and cubs were put in three cage traps and relocated to Aruba area of Tsavo East National Park then released, each Lioness with her cubs. The problem has since cooled down and the community are happy.

9.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF IN AMBOSELI

Date of intervention: 30th July 2018 Animal: Elephant Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Calf Age: 3 years Location: Amboseli National Park History Reports of an Elephant calf that fell into a hole in Amboseli National Park was received from the senior warden. The mother was keeping watch over the calf and hence was impossible for people to get near the hole and assist the poor calf out of her misery. Several attempts made to drive away the mother in order to help the calf failed hence assistance was sought from the Tsavo vet unit as the Amboseli vet unit was away. The vet tem was airlifted to Amboseli by DSWT aeroplane to attend to the case.

The Rescue The team arrived at the site about an hour later, the best option was for the mother to be immobilized, calf rescued and then reunited again. Immobilization drugs were prepared made up of 16 mgs Etorphine Hcl in a Daninject darting system. The cow was darted on the ramp and went down after 7 minutes. The trunk was well positioned for proper respiration. Ropes tied onto a tractor were hooked around calf and it was successfully pulled out the hole. He stood up and gestured looking for his mother.

Reversal and prognosis The mother was woken up by use of Diprenorphine at 3 times the etorphine dose and reunited with her calf. They both walked away calmly. The calf did not sustain any injuries whilst in the hole. Prognosis for both mother and calf is good. .

TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2018 Introduction The month of August saw a number of attempted poaching and human-wildlife conflict cases in the Tsavo region. The Unit treated two young former elephant orphans at the Ithumba DSWT stockade, in northern Tsavo East, for injuries caused by lion attacks. In other cases, an elephant cow was treated at Lualenyi Ranch for nonspecific illness, while two other elephants were treated for arrow wounds near Dakota and Tiva River, both in Tsavo East. In Sobo area of Tsavo East National Park an injured elephant cow was euthanized after examination revealed an untreatable injury on her rump, while a problem leopard captured near Maungu was examined, treated and released back into the park.

1.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT COW

Date: 4th August 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Lumo conservancy, Tsavo.

History A report of a sickly-looking elephant cow was received from a camp operator within Lualenyi Community Conservancy, which borders Tsavo West National Park. The Veterinary team visited the conservancy and found the elephant under a tree with obvious signs of sickness but with no external wounds. The faecal droppings observed nearby were dry and hard indicating possible intestinal problems. Preparation was made to treat the Elephant.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant cow was approached by vehicle and darted using 16 mgs of Etorphine propelled by a dan inject dart system and went down after 6 minutes. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and temperature control. She had no external wounds but examination revealed possible gastro-intestinal problems. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl was administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein.

Reversal and prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed and prognosis for full recovery is guarded.

2.

TREATMENT OF A FORMER ELEPHANT ORPHAN

Date: 5th August 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Female Age: Sub-adult Location: Ithumba, Tsavo East History The Team received a report of an injured elephant by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at Ithumba in northern Tsavo East National Park. The former orphan had been allegedly attacked by lions roaming the area. There were extensive bite and puncture wounds all over the body of the Elephant.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was approached on foot and darted using 10 mgs of Etorphine propelled in a dan inject dart system and the elephant went down after 5 minutes. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and temperature control. There were extensive bite and purulent puncture wounds all over the body. The tail had a laceration at the base that severed the blood supply leading to ischemic necrosis of the tail. The necrotic tail was amputated, and all the wounds cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with clean water, then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A coat of wetted green clay was used to cover the wounds for quicker healing. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl was administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein.

Reversal and prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed by use of Diprenorphine at three times the Etorphine dose. The Elephant stood up and prognosis for full recovery is good.

3.

TREATMENT OF A FORMER ELEPHANT ORPHAN

Date: 18th August 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Sub-adult Location: Ithumba, Tsavo East.

History A report of another injured former elephant orphan that had been released back into the wild, by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at Ithumba in northern Tsavo East National Park. He had been allegedly attacked by Lions roaming the area. There were extensive fresh bite wounds all over the body.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The Elephant was approached on foot and darted using 10 mgs of Etorphine in a 1.5 cc dart barrel and went down after 5 minutes. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and water was poured onto his ear for temperature control. Examination revealed extensive bite wounds and lacerations on the body surface with serious ones on the left thigh and face that ruptured one of his eyes. The wounds were cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with clean water, then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A coat of wetted green clay was used to cover the wounds for quicker healing. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl was administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein.

Reversal and prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed and the elephant stood up without struggling. The elephant is traumatized and should remain at the stockades for monitoring purposes. Prognosis for full recovery is good but with one eye blindness.

4.

TREATMENT OF A BULL ELEPHANT

Date: 25th August 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Sub-adult Location: Tiva River, Tsavo East.

History A report was made by DSWT desnaring Rangers who were patrolling the park along the Tiva River area together with KWS rangers of a young elephant bull with two fresh arrow wounds, which were bleeding. The teams kept watch over the injured elephant as the DSWT Helicopter picked the vet from Voi for faster attendance to the case.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was easily found near the Tiva River as the rangers kept a close eye on it. The elephant was approached on foot and darted using 10 mgs of Etorphine propelled by a dan inject dart system and went down in 7 minutes after running briefly. Trees and twigs were cleared around the fallen elephant. Two fresh arrow wounds were observed on the left rump area with the arrowhead sticking out of one. The arrowhead was removed and the wounds were cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with clean water, then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A coat of wetted green clay was used to cover the wound for quicker healing. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl given intravenously through a prominent ear vein.

Reversal and prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed and the elephant stood up after a couple of minutes. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.

5.

EXAMINATION OF A PROBLEM LEOPARD

Animal: Leopard Species: Panthera pardus Sex: Male Age: Sub-adult Location: Maungu, Tsavo East.

Date of intervention: 21st July 2018 History Complaints of livestock predation by wild carnivores from the Community living around Maungu area necessitated KWS to set up trap cages in the area to capture the problem wildlife.

Capture, treatment and translocation A young male leopard was finally captured and brought to the Tsavo Vet Unit for examination. The leopard was given some meat and water. Observation indicated there was a problem with his mouth. He was immobilized the next day by darting with 100 mgs of Ketamine Hcl and 1 mg Meditomidine Hcl. A piece of wood stuck on the upper palate was removed and the leopard was placed back into a cage to recover from the anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was reversed using Yohimbine. The Leopard recovered well and was released back into the expansive Tsavo East National Park.

6.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT BULL

Animal: Elephant Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Dakota, Tsavo East National Park Date of intervention: 27th August 2018 History Report of a huge elephant bull with arrow wound injuries was received from the DSWT aeroplane that was doing patrols along the Dakota Southern Park boundary. The bull was with several other big bulls. The vet team drove to the area and was joined by the DSWT Helicopter minutes later. The injured bull was easily spotted amongst the group.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Darting accessories was prepared containing 18 mgs of Etorphine Hcl in a Dan inject dart system. The bull was approached using a chopper and darted on the rump using 18 mgs of Etorphine Hcl in a Dan inject dart system. He was kept in an open area by the chopper and went down after 9 minutes. The trunk was well positioned for proper respiration. There was a wound on the left upper thigh near the pelvic region still oozing pus. The wound was cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide, then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetetracycline antibiotic spray. The Elephant was deemed not to be in any threat from systemic infection and therefore was not given antibiotics.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed by use of Diprenorphine at 3 times the Etorphine dose. Prognosis for full recovery is very good.

7.

EXAMINATION OF A RECUMBENT ELEPHANT COW

Animal: Elephant Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Tsavo East National Park Date of intervention: 28th August 2018 Introduction The report was made by KWS rangers manning the Rhino platoon at Tsavo East National Park of an Elephant cow that had fallen down and unable to stand up. The vet team rushed to area to find the Elephant with an obvious wound at the back lying down in a River bed.

Treatment and autopsy As the Elephant was recumbent and the wound was at the back, there was no need for immobilization. The wound was cleaned and antimicrobials applied then covered in green clay. Systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally. Attempts were made to assist the Elephant onto her feet several times in vain. The cow was left overnight and visited the next day only to be found to have succumbed. An autopsy revealed she succumbed to an arrow injury at the back.

TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2018 During the month of September 2018, despite being dry, the Tsavo Veterinary Unit attended to a moderate number of cases, similar to those handled in August. Many of the cases involved autopsies of elephant carcasses from suspected poaching incidents along the Western border of Tsavo West National Park near Ziwani area. In the month under review three (3) male elephant carcasses were examined near Ziwani area and one (1) young bull carcass was examined near Ngulia Rhino Valley, all in Tsavo West National Park. Other cases were an elephant bull treated for a tight wire snare of the left front limb near Sala’s Gate, an orphaned elephant calf rescued in Kilibasi area and another elephant calf rescued near Tiva River, both inside Tsavo East National Park and both were taken to the DSWT Orphanage in Nairobi. A member of the Veterinary team also testified at Makindu Law Courts after examining wildlife trophies confiscated from suspects.

1.

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY

Date of Death: Unknown (Carcass estimated to be 3 weeks old) Date of Autopsy: 2nd September 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ziwani, Tsavo West National Park.

Introduction After an aerial recce, a report was made by the company commander, based at Tsavo West National Park that an elephant carcass was spotted near Salaita area. An autopsy was immediately requested, and the Vet Unit travelled to the area by road.

General examination The carcass was lying on the left flank and was at an advanced stage of decomposition and had been extensively scavenged. The front of the face had been chopped off with a sharp object and the tusks were missing. The chest, abdominal and the perineal area skin had been torn away by scavengers and all internal organs had either rotted away or been scavenged on. The Bones were checked and only scavenger bite marks could be observed. The skull was checked for cracks but none were found apart from the damage on the front of the face from the cut.

No signs of infection on the carcass were discerned from the remains of the elephant’s digestion and parts of the carcass that were not scavenged on. There were no struggle marks around the carcass.

Post mortem diagnosis The cause of death could not be diagnosed from autopsy due to advanced autolysis and the carcass being extensively scavenged.

2.

ELEPHANT BULL TREATMENT

Date: 6th September 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Sala gate, Tsavo East.

GPS coordinates: 37M 0524445 UTM 9661242 A report of a lame elephant bull that was struggling to walk near Sala’s Gate area of Tsavo East was received from the platoon commander at Emusaya KWS Camp. The Vet Team visited the conservancy and found the obviously lame elephant struggling to climb up the Galana River bank after drinking water. Preparation was made to treat the elephant.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Darting equipment and drugs were prepared containing 18 mgs of M99 in a 1.5 cc dart barrel. The elephant cow was approached using a vehicle and darted with 16 mgs of Etorphine propelled by a dan inject dart system and she went down after 7 minutes. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and temperature control.

The elephant had a deep snare wound around the lower left front limb with swelling and pus formation. The wire was so deep it took about 15 minutes to cut it loose which led to bleeding of the wound. After the wire was removed, the wound was cleaned by use of water mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide, then doused with Tincture of Iodine, sprayed with Oxytetracycline topical wound spray and finally covered with green clay. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl was administered intravenously through the ear. Vitamin B12 complex was also administered intramuscularly.

Reversal and prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed the elephant stood up and walked away slowly. Prognosis for full recovery is guarded.

3.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Animal: African Elephant Species: Loxodanta africana Sex: Male Age: 1 year Location: Kilibasi, Tsavo.

Date of clinical intervention: 9th September 2018 History During the dry season, like the current one, elephants search for water in all possible areas including water dams constructed by herders to store water for use by their livestock. In this case, the elephants went to a dam near Kilibasi Trading Centre which was already drying up and filled with deep amounts of muddy water. They left the dam leaving behind a one year old calf that was unable to free himself from the muddy water, nearly drowning. On spotting the distressed calf, the local community contacted the KWS Rangers manning the vast Taita Ranches who in turn contacted the Vet Team. We rushed to the area to find the nearly submerged calf hanging on for dear life.

Rescue and treatment The calf was pulled out of the mud and taken to a nearby KWS Camp. He couldn’t stand and further examination revealed that the calf was exhausted and in shock. The Vet administered 20cc of long acting antibiotics intramuscularly, and then the calf was given Dexamethasone 15 cc intravenously and fluid therapy was initiated. The Vet slowly administered 60cc of 50% dextrose intravenously and fluid transfusion of normal saline and lactate was given. After 30 minutes the calf woke up and had to be restrained. A DSWT helicopter arrived shortly thereafter and the calf was loaded for transport to the DSWT Nairobi Nursery where he will receive better care for eventual release back to the wild.

4.

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY

Date of Death: Unknown (Carcass estimated to be 3 weeks old) Date of Autopsy: 19th September 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult (Over 40 years) Location: Ziwani, Tsavo West National Park.

Introduction A report was made by the company commander based at Tsavo West National Park that two Elephant carcasses had been spotted within Ziwani area of Tsavo West National Park with request of autopsy to be undertaken. The Vet Unit travelled to the area to perform the post mortem examination.

General examination The carcass was lying on the right flank facing southerly direction with the second carcass about 20 meters away. It was in advanced stages of decomposition with extensive scavenger activity on the carcass. The carcasses were covered with twigs. The front face had been chopped off with a sharp object and the tusks removed. Most parts of the limbs had either been scavenged or had decomposed with only part of the left front limb remaining. Most of the skin was intact with nearly all internal organs either rotten away or scavenged. Bones were checked and only scavenger bite marks were observed. The skull was checked for cracks, but none were found apart from the cut damage on the front. The trachea and parts of the carcass that were not scavenged on appeared normal. There were no struggle marks around the carcass.

Post mortem diagnosis The cause of death could not be found on autopsy due to advanced autolysis and due to the carcass being extensively scavenged.

5.

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY

Date of Death: Unknown (Carcass estimated to be 3 weeks old) Date of Autopsy: 19th September 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult (Over 40 years) Location: Ziwani, Tsavo West National Park.

Introduction A report was made by the company commander based at Tsavo West National Park that two Elephant carcasses had been spotted within Ziwani area of Tsavo West National Park with request of autopsy to be undertaken. The Vet Unit travelled to the area to perform the post mortem examination.

General examination The carcass was lying on sternal position facing westerly direction with the first carcass about 20 meters away. It was in an advanced stage of decomposition had been extensively scavenged. The front face had been chopped off with a sharp object and the tusks were missing. Most parts of the limbs had either been scavenged or decomposed with only long bones and ribs intact. The two elephants seem to have died at the same time period. The scavengers had emptied all the internal organs and tissues. The trachea and part of the carcass that was not scavenged on appeared normal.

There were no struggle marks around the carcass.

Post mortem diagnosis The cause of death could not be found on autopsy due to advanced autolysis and due to the carcass being extensively scavenged.

6.

ELEPHANT CARCASS AUTOPSY

Date of Death: Uknown (Carcass estimate 3 days from death) Date of Autopsy: 23rd September 2018 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Sub-adult Location: Ngulia bandas, Tsavo West National Park.

Introduction A report was received from the company commander of an elephant carcass spotted within Ngulia Rhino valley area of Tsavo West National Park with request of autopsy to be undertaken. The vet unit drove to the area to perform the autopsy.

General examination The carcass was facing down slope with the tusks removed by KWS Rangers already. The perineal and the abdominal area had been eaten away by scavengers. Most internal organs had been scavenged with few organ parts remaining.

The flanks and the back-skin cover were intact apart from a penetrating wound at the back. The deep wound went between the scapula bone and the rib cage in a rostroventral angle causing extensive muscle damage and infection.

The size of the injury and extent of tissue damage suggested use of a spear to inflict the injury.

7.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Animal: African Elephant Species: Loxodanta africana Sex: Male Age: 1 year Location: Tiva River, Tsavo East Date of clinical intervention: 23rd September 2018 History The calf was spotted along Tiva River after tracks of a lone small elephant led Rangers to where he was. He was found alone, weak and with no herd anywhere nearby. After assessment it was deemed good to rescue him on animal welfare grounds. The elephant calf was rescued and taken to DSWT Ithumba Reintegration Unit where he was stabilised and given milk before being airlifted to the DSWT Nairobi Nursery for better care.

OTHER ACTIVITIES The unit examined several wildlife trophies/parts brought in from Makindu and Voi and testified in the two courts on two cases.

MARA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018

MARA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2018 Introduction The ecosystem remained dry throughout the month with plenty of food for grazers and browsers owing to rains registered early to mid-year. Most water pans are still full. Few cases were reported and attended to with most of the injuries as a result of human activity. One collared bull about 50 years old was shot with an arrow and was treated in Mara North Conservancy while another big bull was treated for spear wounds in Olarro Conservancy. All were considered out of danger and are expected to make full recovery. Those were among the cases handled during this period.

1.

INJURED LIONESS

Date: 10th July 2018 Species: African lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Olkinyei Conservancy History This lioness with two cubs was seen with injuries suspected to have been inflicted by other lions following territorial fights and reported to the unit by Olkinyei conservancy management. She was found with her cubs close to a small river with relatively fresh bite injuries at the base of her tail and anterior aspect of her right hock. She appeared calm lying under a shade.

Immobilization, examination and treatment She was chemically restrained by use of a combination of 4.8mgs Medetomidine Hydrochloride and 200mgs Ketamine delivered through a 3ml daninject dart from a vehicle. She immediately crossed the drying river and soon got overwhelmed by the anaesthetics after settling in the shade. It took eight minutes for her to get fully anaesthetized.

Upon examination, it was found that both injuries were occasioned by territorial fights with other lions. The young cubs gave us space to treat their mother by moving a short distance whilst still keeping watch. The wounds were debrided using Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs, and then rinsed with clean water. Tincture of Iodine was used for disinfection before Oxytetracycline wound spray being applied. Other treatments administered include 3000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 50mgs Ivermectin Parasiticide to control internal and external parasites.

Reversal and prognosis Done one hour after immobilization using 15mgs atepamezole hydrochloride intramuscularly through the shoulder muscle. She woke up after eight minutes to join her cubs. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

2.

INJURED ELEPHANT CALF

Date: 10th July 2018 Species: African elephant Age: Approximately 3 years Sex: Male Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Keekorok area) History This baby elephant with an injury on the left flank was seen by tourists visiting Masai Mara on their game drives. This then came to the attention of the veterinary unit with the team setting out to search for the calf. He was located mud bathing with his mother with no other elephant in sight. He had a relatively fresh wound on his left flank with part of the skin tissue hanging and appeared to be in pain.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of 3mg etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle with the mother being driven gently away from the calf as drugs took effect. She initially resisted but finally gave in and moved a short distance to watch over as the calf was being treated. This calf assumed left lateral recumbency and was turned over for better examination which revealed a 2-3day old spear wound which partly caused damage to his abdominal muscles. Hanging skin was trimmed and the wound was debrided with Hydrogen Peroxide. It was then rinsed with clean water before being disinfected with Tincture of Iodine. Green clay was then packed to hasten healing. Other treatments instituted include parenteral administration of 4500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 1000mgs Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Achieved by intravenous administration of 12mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. He rose up in three minutes to re-unite with his mother. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

3.

ELEPHANT COLLARING

Date: 12th July 2018 Species: African elephant Age: Adult Sex: Female Location: Mau forest History Mara Elephant Project partnering with KWS, Narok County Government and other stakeholders agreed to deploy some collars to a population of elephants in the Mau Forest to track them for security purposes and to learn wildlife (elephant) land use within the forests. This adult female was found with two young calves, one sub adult and an adult female assumed to be members of a family.

Immobilization and collaring After herding them to the edge of the forest, the older of the two females assumed to be the matriarch was darted from a helicopter with 15mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride in a 1.5ml daninject dart. It took ten minutes for her to be fully immobilised with the other family members moving away as soon as she went down. She was confirmed to be in perfect body condition and ideal for collaring. A satellite/GSM collar was fastened around her neck.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was achieved with 42mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride administered through a prominent ear vein. She woke up after 4 minutes to join the other family members.

4.

INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 13th July 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Olarro Conservancy History This adult bull in a big herd of elephants was seen with suppurating wounds on his left flank and anterior aspect of his right knee by Olarro Conservancy rangers. They sought our help for intervention. He was found in a mixed herd of approximately fifty elephants. Save for the injuries, his body condition was good.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of 16mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart.

Darting was done from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with this elephant going down in a small thicket. Working space was limited, and having assumed sternal recumbency, the team decided to handle him in this position but quickly with close monitoring. Both wounds were examined and probed for foreign bodies, which was negative. All necrotic tissues were debrided with the help of gauze swabs and Hydrogen Peroxide before being rinsed with clean water and disinfected with Tincture of Iodine. Green clay was packed on the bigger left flank wound.

These were approximately two-week-old wounds considered to have been caused by spearing. Further treatments involved intramuscular administration of 30000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs Flunixin Meglumine antiinflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was achieved by administration of 42mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride intravenously through a prominent ear vein. He rose up in four minutes to join the rest of the herd. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

5.

INJURED ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 16th July 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mara North Conservancy History This collared old bull christened ‘Hugo’ approaching 50 years was seen with an intact arrow on his right abdomen by Mara North Rangers and a group of visiting tourists. They called the Mobile Veterinary Unit for intervention. Hugo was found alone in a relatively open plain in pain and dust bathing. The intact arrow could be seen firmly attached to the lower portion of his right abdomen.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of 17mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart.

Darting was done from a vehicle. He was then gently guided to an open plain before the drugs took full effect after 12 minutes. He initially assumed sternal recumbency before being pulled to lie on his left lateral position for ease of examination and comfort. Examination revealed a firmly attached barbed arrow on his right abdomen which appeared recently attached, not more than 24hrs old. The entire arrow with the shaft was gently worked out and resultant wound debrided with the use of Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swab. Clean water was used for rinsing with Tincture of Iodine being applied for disinfection. Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment was then infused. Other treatments include intramuscular administration of 30000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs Flunixin Meglumine antiinflammatories. Fortunately, this was a non-poisoned arrow.

Reversal and prognosis Done by administration of 48mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride intravenously through a prominent ear vein. He woke up in four minutes and walked into a nearby small thicket. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

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6.

INJURED CHEETAHS

Date: 19th July 2018 Species: Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) Sex: Both Males Age: Adults Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Talek area) History These two males, part of a famous coalition of five males were seen with injuries by the Masai Mara Reserve rangers on their normal patrols. They called the unit for assessment. It was reported that they fought with their colleagues over mating rights.

General observation and diagnosis The two were found about hundred metres apart each lying in the shade. When agitated to move, they did so reluctantly with mild bite wounds thought to be from other cheetahs seen on their bodies. The other three members of the coalition could not be seen but were thought to have left with the female cheetah. Both cheetahs were considered out of danger and no immediate requirement for intervention was necessary. The team was advised to monitor them and report their progress. So far they are doing well.

7.

SNARED ZEBRA

Date: 22nd July 2018 Species: Common zebra Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Olerai Conservancy History This male was seen dragging a snare on his left hind leg by Olerai Conservancy rangers prompting their manager to seek our intervention. He was seen grazing with other zebras but occasionally lifting the affected limb because of pain. When agitated to move, he did so with difficulty.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically with a combination of 6mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride and 50mgs Azaperone delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was carried out from a vehicle with this zebra being full immobilised after 5 minutes. Examination revealed a relatively tight plain wire snare round his right distal metatarsus. The snare was released and the resultant wound which appeared relatively fresh being cleaned with water and disinfected with Tincture of Iodine. Oxytetracycline wound spray was then applied. Additionally, he received parenteral injection of 3000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 1000mgs Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Done by administration of 18mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride through the jugular vein. He rose up in two minutes to join the rest of the herd. He is expected to make a full recovery.

8.

INJURED BUFFALO

Date: 22nd July 2018 Specie: Cape buffalo Sex: Female Age: 3 years Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Sarova area) History This young female was seen injured near a fence round Sarova Hotel by Sarova security personell. They informed Masai Mara Reserve security team and at the same time the Mobile Veterinary Unit. She was found in a small thicket near an electric fence bordering Sarova Hotel unable to stand, seemingly in a lot of pain. However, she died before any closer examination or intervention could be done. She was pulled away from the fence to some distance and post-mortem examination was carried out. It was established, she had survived a predator attack which caused severe injuries to her muzzle, back and perineal area. This could have been a lion attack. The wounds were getting septic, foul smelling with maggot infestation. She died of severe sepsis and spinal damage as a result of attempted predation from large carnivores.

MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2018 Introduction The month under review was characterised by long dry spells with slight showers occurring towards the end. There is still plenty for wildlife to utilise with annual migration of wildebeests attracting many tourists. Elephants and lions formed the bulk of the species requiring intervention with one cheetah succumbing to injuries from a lion attack.

The following cases were handled during the month:

1.

EXAMINATION OF A MALE LION

Date: 7th August 2018 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Double Crossing (Masai Mara National Reserve) History This old male named Blackie was a brother to another male nicknamed Lipstick who died of old age earlier on in the year. He was seen limping by tour guides who called the Mobile Veterinary Unit for examination.

General observation and diagnosis Blackie was spotted sleeping alone about one hundred meters away from his pride. When agitated to move, he stood and walked with a limping gait from his right hind leg. There was no obvious injury, but the thigh muscles of his leg appeared wasted. This was considered to be a long-term injury which damaged the nerves and other essential supplies to the muscles of this leg with resultant wasting. Given his age and the nature of the damage, the team felt there was no need to intervene. He can live with the problem through his sunset years given that the pride is still helping him hunt. This was explained to the team on the ground and Blackie was left to relax in the shade.

2.

INJURED MALE CHEETAH

Date: 7th August 2018 Species: Cheetah Age: Adult Sex: Male Location: Balloon crossing area (Masai Mara National Reserve) History This lone male was seen with an injury on his right thigh by County rangers on patrol with a team of cheetah Researchers. They immediately called the Veterinary Unit for examination and possible intervention.

General observation, treatment and diagnosis This male named Martin was found alone in the shade. He had an injury on his right thigh with the tip of his tail missing. These injuries, estimated to be three to seven days old, were reported to have been caused by territorial fights with rival cheetahs. The wounds were not infected and appeared clean. The team felt this cheetah was out of danger and there was no need to stress him through immobilization. He was given 600mgs Clindamycin antibiotics remotely through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle and the drugs were delivered intramuscularly into the healthy thigh. The dart stuck for few minutes before dropping having delivered the intended dose. He moved on briefly after dropping the dart finally settling down in the shade a few meters away. The rangers were then advised to monitor him and report back on his progress.

Prognosis.

Prognosis for full recovery is good, and he was reported to have brought down an adult impala a day after treatment.

3.

RECUMBENT ELEPHANT

Date: 11th August 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: 3.5 – 4 years Location: Mara North Conservancy History This young bull was seen by Mara North Conservancy rangers on their normal patrol lagging behind from the family.

They said he became disoriented with signs of acute progressive paralysis. They reported signs of spinal paralysis, posterior ataxia, and recumbency and finally complete paralysis within a short span.

Examination, treatment and diagnosis The young bull was found on right lateral recumbency in a semi-comatose state. No major physical injuries were identified even after turning him over. He appeared to be struggling to breathe with an indication of respiratory muscle paralysis. Fully formed faecal balls were found on rectal palpation. Blood and faecal samples were collected and nothing unusual was detected on microscopy including the normal suspect bacteria and parasites. He had a small scratch at the tip of his trunk with mild bleeding. He was intravenously given an infusion of Dextrose solution, to foster energy, and normal Saline, for limited rehydration. He was also doused with plenty of water to cool him down.

Other medications include intraperitoneal administration of Amoxicillin antibiotics, intravenous administration of Dexamethasone anti-inflammatories and Butasol which is a tonic for regeneration of muscle activity. The improvement was insignificant, and the young bull remained recumbent. He died a few hours from midnight from suspected respiratory failure.

Conclusion It was tentatively considered this elephant got exposed to neurotoxic venom from a snake bite. Some neurotoxic snakes are found within the ecosystem with most victims suffering adverse paralysis and respiratory failure. The respiratory muscles become paralyzed resulting in the death of the victim.

4.

EXAMINATION OF A DEAD CHEETAH

Date: 13th August 2018 Species: Cheetah Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Hammerkop area (Masai Mara National Reserve) History The carcass of this big male was seen by tour guides on their morning game drives. They informed the mobile veterinary unit and the county security team for action.

General observation and autopsy The carcass of this male was found intact near a lugga. He was a mature healthy male in his prime age. Cheetah researchers based in the Mara could not identify him and was thought to have been new in the area, possibly trailing the wildebeests coming from Serengeti. He had bite wounds on his belly and neck which appeared to have been inflicted by a larger carnivore. Rigor mortis had not set in and he was estimated to have died less than six hours before discovery.

On opening the carcass, the following was noted:  The muscle cover was adequate, and this male was in good body condition prior to death.  The lower abdomen had deep bite wounds accessing the peritoneal cavity, with haematomas forming and puncture of peritoneum noted.  There were deep bite wounds on his neck leading to fracture of the cervical vertebrae and damage to the spinal cord at this level.  Nothing unusual was seen on other areas.

Conclusion The post mortem picture showed this cheetah was attacked by a bigger carnivore most likely a lion. The fracture of the cervical vertebrae and by extension the spinal cord lead to his immediate death.

5.

INJURED BULL ELEPHANT

Date: 18th August 2018 Species: African elephant Age: Adult Sex: Male Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Talek sector) History This bull was seen walking with difficulty by Mara Mobile Veterinary team as they were going to attend to an injured lion cub. He showed lameness on his left front limb.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The bull was spotted isolated in an open field and was seen walking with pain and lameness. Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a 16mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done by vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with this bull assuming right lateral recumbency.

Examination revealed a relatively fresh wound on the posterior aspect of his carpal joint. The injury was restricted to soft tissues and was caused by a spear. The wounds were debrided with Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swab, rinsed with clean water and disinfected with Tincture of Iodine. Green clay was then packed into the wound. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was achieved by intravenous administration of 42mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a prominent ear vein. He rose up within four minutes after reversal and walked away. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

6.

INJURED LION CUB

Date: 18th August 2018 Species: African lion Age: Approximately 8 months Sex: Male Location: Rhino Ridge (Masai Mara National Reserve) History This lion cub, in a pride of eight members, was seen by a tour guide with injuries who immediately informed the Mobile Veterinary Unit for action.

Immobilization, examination and treatment.

He was found in a small bush, close to a stream, with other members of the pride having recently fed on a wildebeest.

His right front leg appeared injured and he walked with difficulty. He had a wound near his shoulder. Immobilization was achieved by use of a combination of 2mgs Medetomidine Hydrochloride and 100mgs Ketamine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was carried out from a vehicle with this cub becoming fully anaesthetized after ten minutes. The other pride members moved away on approach and gave the team a chance to work on this cub. He appeared to have been injured during an attack by a rival pride, with a deep and infected bite wound on his right shoulder. The injury was about a week old with purulent stuff beginning to accumulate. The wound was probed, and all pus drained out. All necrotic tissues were debrided with help of Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swab. Tincture of Iodine was used for disinfection with Cloxacillin antibiotic being infused to prevent sepsis.

Additionally he was given 1500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics intramuscularly.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was achieved by intramuscular administration of 12.5mgs Atepamezole hydrochloride one hour after immobilization. He woke up after eight minutes to join the rest of the pride members. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

7.

INJURED ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 20th August 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: 45-50 years Location: Siana/Olarro conservancy History This big bull named Oloropile treated twice before in the last four years is one among few very old elephants still roaming the Mara plains. He was seen limping from his front right leg with a small but discharging wound on the medial side above the carpus by the Elephant Aware team. His leg also appeared swollen. They called the Mobile Veterinary Unit for intervention.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Oloropile was found in a small thicket with a colleague browsing peacefully. His right front leg appeared swollen with a small discharging wound on the medial aspect above the carpus.

Immobilization was achieved by use of 17mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart.

Because of the terrain, darting was done on foot. It took this bull ten minutes to be fully anesthetised and he assumed sternal recumbency. He was gently pushed to right lateral position for comfort and ease of examination.

He had a slightly septic spear wound on his right leg estimated to be approximately three days old. The wound was probed and debrided with the help of Hydrogen Peroxide to remove as much necrotic debri as possible. It was then rinsed with clean water before Tincture of Iodine was used to disinfect the wound. Oxytetracycline spray was applied with green clay being finally packed in to the wound. Other treatments include parenteral administration of 30000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatory.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal was achieved by intravenous administration of 48mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. He woke up in five minutes, posed for a while and calmly walked away to join his colleague. He is expected to make full recovery.

8.

INJURED ELEPHANT COW

Date: 20th August 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Olarro Conservancy History This elephant cow was seen with a wound on her left rump by Olarro security patrol team with the report reaching the Veterinary Unit through their management.

Immobilization, examination and treatment She was found with a big herd browsing at the top of a hill within the conservancy. It was difficult to approach the herd by vehicle and was equally challenging on foot. Services of a helicopter were available and were utilized in assessment. She was seen with an injury on her left rump.

Restraint was achieved chemically by use of 15mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered remotely through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a helicopter. She was gently pushed towards an open plain area soon after darting. She became fully anesthetised after ten minutes assuming left lateral recumbency. After making sure she was stable, a thorough examination was carried out. This was an old arrow wound which was healing with fibrosis.

Probing was negative for foreign body. This wound was debrided with the help of Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs. Tincture of Iodine was used for to disinfect the wound after being rinsed with clean water. Finally Cloxacillin ointment was infused. Other treatments include parenteral administration of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatory.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal was achieved by administration of 36mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. She woke up within three minutes and went up the hill where other herd members were. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

9.

INJURED LIONESS

Date: 21st August 2018 Species: African lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Naboisho Conservancy History This lioness with two four-month-old cubs was seen with injuries on her right hind leg by Naboisho Conservancy rangers. They contacted the Mobile Veterinary Unit for help.

Immobilization, examination and treatment She was found lying a few meters from her cubs, which were in a small thicket. Her right hind leg was swollen with obvious injuries. When agitated to move, she did so hardly placing weight on the affected leg and seemed to be in a lot of pain.

Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 6mgs Medetomidine Hydrochloride and 200mgs Ketamine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. The drugs took full effect after twelve minutes whereupon a blindfold was applied. Examination revealed a deep wound on her right thigh caused by a bite from other lions. Though deep, the injuries were limited to soft tissues. These were 3-4 day old wounds with sepsis starting to set in.

All the wounds were thoroughly probed with all necrotic tissues and pus being removed. Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs were used for debridement before being rinsed with clean water and subsequent disinfection with Tincture of Iodine. Additionally, Cloxacillin ointment was infused and Oxytetracycline wound spray was applied topically. Other treatments include parenteral administration of 3000mgs Amoxicillin long acting antibiotics and 16mgs Aexamethasone Sodium anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was achieved by intramuscular administration of 15mgs Atepamezole Hydrochloride one hour after immobilization. She woke up after ten minutes and retreated to where her cubs were hiding. Prognosis for full recovery is good. She made a kill a day after treatment.

10. INJURED LION Date: 22nd August 2018 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Sub adult Location: Sarova Sun downer (Masai Mara National Reserve) History This young male was spotted by tourists early in the month with a nasty injury on his face who informed the Mobile Veterinary Unit. However, efforts to locate him immediately were futile as he was a nomadic male. The team finally located him ten days later.

Immobilization, examination and treatment.

He was seen in the company of a colleague, assumed to be his brother, feasting on a fresh zebra kill. He bore an injury on the left side of his face suspected to have been caused by fights with other lions.

Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 4mgs Medetomidine and 200mgs Ketamine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took eight minutes for full anaesthesia to be realised. He was then moved to a shade, an eye Ointment against desiccation was applied to both eyes and a blind fold was put in place.

Examination revealed, he suffered a nasty soft tissue injury most likely from an attack by other lions on his face. The wounds were dry and clean. The hanging skin was trimmed, and the wounds were wiped with sterile gauze swabs soaked with normal Saline. Tincture of Iodine was used as a disinfectant before Oxytetracycline spray being applied topically. Additionally, this young male received 2250mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic intramuscularly to prevent infection.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was done one hour after immobilization by use of 15mgs Atepamezole Hydrochloride given intramuscularly.

He rose after ten minutes to join his colleague. Prognosis for full recovery is good. He made another zebra kill two days after treatment.

11. INJURED ELEPHANTS Date: 27th August 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Female and a male Age: Adult female and a sub adult bull Location: Mara North Conservancy History The two elephants were part of a family of twelve that had crossed over to a community area the previous day to crop raid. Retaliation by the locals saw two members of this family being shot with arrows. Mara Elephant Project with Mara North Conservancy monitored these elephant as they drove them out the community area to the conservancy. Two of them had arrow wounds and the Mobile Veterinary Unit was called to intervene.

A. INJURED ELEPHANT COW This was an adult female nursing a young calf. She appeared to be in a lot of pain and an arrowhead could be seen sticking out from her right ear flap and upper left thorax. She also had a swollen left front leg.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of 16mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart.

Darting was done from a vehicle with this elephant going down on her right side after ten minutes. Examination revealed, two arrowheads stuck in her body, one on her right ear flap and another on her left upper abdomen. The swollen front leg had an old injury suspected to have been caused by an arrow.

The barbed arrowheads were gently worked out. The resultant wounds were debrided with the help of Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs. Clean water was used for rinsing with Tincture of Iodine being applied for disinfection.

Cloxacillin ointment and Oxytetracycline spray were applied to prevent sepsis. The older wound treated the same way. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin Meglumine antiinflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Done by administration of 42mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride intravenously through a prominent ear vein. She woke up in four minutes to join the other family members. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

B. INJURED ELEPHANT BULL This young male had an arrowhead stuck in his left abdomen. He appeared to be in pain but kept pace with the rest of the herd.

Immobilization, examination and treatment.

Immobilization was achieved by use of 13mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart.

Darting was done from a vehicle. This was done after the family had re-grouped and calmed. It took eight minutes for the drugs to take full effect with this young bull assuming left lateral recumbency. The matriarch assumed to be his mother was very protective of him and tried to pull him up. She was gently driven away with the help of vehicles.

This young bull had to be turned over in order to access the arrowhead and give treatment. The barbed arrowhead was gently pulled out with the resultant wound being managed as the first elephant. He also received intramuscular injection of 22500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 5000mgs Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was done by intravenous administration of 36mgs Diprenorphine through a prominent ear vein. He woke up in three minutes with the protective matriarch coming for him and leading him to where other family members were waiting. Given that none of the arrows were poisoned, both elephants are expected to make full recovery.

12. SNARED ELEPHANT CALF Date: 29th August 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Approximately 1 year.

Location: Mara Triangle Conservancy History This calf had been the night before by Mara Conservancy Rangers with a tight wire snare between his upper and lower jaws. They called the Veterinary Unit for intervention. He disappeared with the herd into a bushy hill and frantic efforts to search for him were made in vain. As night fell the search operation was stopped. He was seen the next day, this time early, and the teams, including the Mara Triangle Management and the Mare Elephant Project, responded immediately.

Observation, capture and treatment This calf was seen with his family members within a bigger herd of about 30 elephants. Though his body condition was good, the snare was tight and had injured the lips of the mouth at the commissures. The snare went round behind the head injuring both ear flaps.

He was physically restrained, with the helicopter isolating him from his mother and his family. Ropes were used to restrain him before the tight wire snare could be cut loose. This was a braided wire snare that had been in place for at least one week. The resultant wounds were debrided with Hydrogen Peroxide, rinsed with clean water and Tincture of Iodine disinfectant was applied. Additionally, he received 4500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 1500mgs Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

He was then released and guided towards his mother who was in a nearby bush, within few minutes they were reunited.

Prognosis Prognosis for full recovery is good. Removal of the snare was a big relief and he should be able to suckle and feed without any further hindrance.

13. INJURED LION Date: 29th August 2018 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: 1.5-2 years Location: Mara Triangle History This young male was seen injured by the Mara Triangle Rangers who called the Veterinary Unit for help.

Immobilization, examination and treatment He was found feasting on a wildebeest kill with his mother and another female. He had severe bite wounds on his left precruris and right thigh. Other bites were seen on his tail and hind limbs.

Restraint was achieved chemically with the use of a combination of 4mgs Medetomidine Hydrochloride and 190mgs Ketamine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle with this lion becoming fully anaesthetized after eight minutes. Eye ointment against desiccation was applied before the lion was blindfolded.

Examination revealed bite wounds distributed around body with serious ones on his left precruris and right thigh. The bites were caused by other carnivores, most likely hyenas. These wounds were approximately three days old. They were debrided with Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs with all necrotic tissues being removed. Tincture of Iodine was applied for disinfection with Cloxacillin ointment being infused to prevent sepsis.

Additionally, he received 40mgs Ivermectin Parasiticide subcutaneously and 3000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics intramuscularly.

Reversal and prognosis Reversal was achieved by intramuscular administration of 15mgs Atepamezole Hydrochloride one hour after immobilization. He woke up after ten minutes and moved towards where his mother was. This lion has a good chance of full recovery. Though it will take some time for him to fully recover, he is in a pride that actively hunts and will assure him of food. The team was advised to keep watch and report on his progress.

MARA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT SEPTEMBER 2018 Introduction The period under review was characterised by long dry spells with occasional sporadic showers. Migratory wildebeest are still spread all over the ecosystem. Fodder and water are still plenty for grazers and browsers with predators frequently sighted stalking the migratory wildebeests. There were fewer cases attended over the month compared to the previous month.

The following are cases handled during the month:

1.

INJURED LIONESS

Date: 12th Sept2018 Species: African lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Olololo area (Mara Triangle) History This lioness was seen isolated from the main pride and reluctant to move by Mara Triangle Rangers. She appeared to be injured and they called the mobile veterinary unit for assessment.

Immobilization, examination and treatment; This lioness was seen in a small thicket near a stream. She appeared to be in a lot of pain as she was reluctant to move on agitation. She had multiple bite wounds thought to have been occasioned by territorial conflicts with rival prides.

She was restrained chemically by use of a combination of 4.8mgs Medetomidine Hydrochloride and 200mgs Ketamine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart.Darting was done from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the lioness assuming sternal recumbency. She was carried out from the thicket and placed under a shade. Examinations revealed she was heavily gravid but in good body condition, apart from the recent fight injuries. These were 2-3 day old injuries with maggots beginning to infest. The wounds were caused by fight with other lions. All the wounds were cleaned and debrided with Hydrogen Peroxide. The maggots were removed manually. Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment was infused after Tincture of Iodine disinfectant was applied. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of 3000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 80mgs Ivermectin parasiticide.

She also received 14mgs Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed with Yohimbine, which was administered intravenously. She woke up in eight minutes and was later on joined by her pride members who came to check on her. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

2.

INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 16th Sept 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Oloisukut Conservancy History This big male in a herd of ten elephants was seen with an injury on the inner side of his left hind leg by Oloisukut Conservancy patrol team. They informed their manager who called the Veterinary Unit for intervention. This male was spotted with the herd browsing near Mara River within the Conservancy.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of 16mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart.

Darting was carried out from a vehicle with this elephant becoming fully immobilized after ten minutes. He assumed right lateral recumbency. Examination revealed a spear wound approximately three days old on his left thigh. This wound was slightly septic with hanging skin tissue that was surgically removed. This wound was cleaned and all necrotic tissues were removed with the help of Hydrogen Peroxide. After rinsing the wound with clean water, Tincture of Iodine was used for disinfection with green clay being packed to help prevent sepsis and hasten healing. Other treatments given include intramuscular injection of 30000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed with 42mgs Diprenorphine, which was administered through a prominent ear vein. He woke up three minutes after reversal to join his herd whom were patiently waiting. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

3.

INJURED LION

Date: 17th Sept 2018 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Sand River area of Masai Mara National Reserve History This big male was seen with injuries near Sand River within Masai Mara National Reserve by a tour guide. They informed the County security rangers and the Mobile Veterinary Unit for assistance. This big male, with a large mane, was found lying in the shade under a tree. He appeared reluctant to move on agitation but finally stood briefly and moved, he was evidently in great pain. He had several fight wounds with a serious bite on his right thigh.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 6mgs Medetomidine Hydrochloride and 250mgs Ketamine Hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was carried out from a vehicle. It took eleven minutes for this lion to be fully anaesthetized. A blind fold was put in place after an eye ointment against desiccation was applied. After moving him into the shade, the examination was conducted. This lion had been attacked by rival nomadic males inflicting injuries on several parts of his body. Serious bite wounds were noted on his right thigh. These wounds were less than 24hours old. Clean water and sterile swabs were used to clean these wounds before Tincture of Iodine was applied as disinfectant. Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment was then applied to prevent sepsis. Other treatments included the administration of 3000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 16mgs Dexamethasone Sodium antiinflammatories given intramuscularly.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed by administration of Yohimbine intravenously one hour after immobilization. He woke up after ten minutes and moved to a nearby small thicket. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

4.

INJURED ELEPHANT COW

Date: 19th Sept 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Mara Bushtops Area (Siana Conservancy) History This young mother of about 25 years was seen with a septic wound near Mara Bushtops Camp in Siana Conservancy by the Elephant Aware rangers with Mara BushTops security team. They called the Mobile Veterinary Unit for intervention. This cow was seen in the company of another ten elephants assumed to be members of a family. She had an approximately two-and-a-half-year-old calf. The wound was on the left side of her flank slightly off the spine.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved by use of 15mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a1.5ml daninject dart from a vehicle. She was fully anaesthetised ten minutes post darting and she assumed right lateral recumbency. After positioning her well, the examination was conducted revealing a deep severely infected spear wound. This injury could have occurred a week before intervention and was about two feet deep. Luckily, no vital organs were damaged.

This wound was probed with no foreign object detected. The accumulated pus was completely drained and all necrotic tissue removed with the help of Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs. A copious amount of water was used to rinse the wound before Tincture of Iodine was applied for disinfection. To prevent further sepsis and hasten healing, green clay was applied. Other treatments carried out included the intramuscular administration of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed by administration of 42mgs of Diprenorphine Hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein.

She was up within three minutes of reversal to join her family members waiting nearby with her calf. Prognosis for full recovery is good. The ground teams were advised to closely monitor her and report her progress.

5.

INJURED ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 22nd Sept 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Olarro Conservancy History This young bull, about 16 years, was seen with an arrowhead sticking on his lower right abdomen by Olarro Conservancy, Mara Elephant Project and KWS Rangers on their joint patrol. He was one in a herd numbering hundreds currently in Olarro Conservancy. They called the Mobile Veterinary Unit for intervention.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of 15mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart.

Darting was carried out from a vehicle. It took eight minutes for the drugs to take full effect with this young bull assuming right lateral recumbency. He was turned over to access the injury. This was a freshly lodged arrowhead on his lower abdomen which was gently worked out as it had barbs. Examination revealed it could have been laced with poison. The wound was thoroughly debrided with the help of Hydrogen Peroxide, rinsed with clean water and disinfected with Tincture of Iodine. Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment was infused and finally packed with green clay to absorb toxins and hasten healing. Other treatments administered included parenteral administration of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed by the intravenous administration of 42mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. He was up within three minutes of reversal to join the rest of the herd. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

6.

EXAMINATION OF A DEAD ELEPHANT

Date: 22nd Sept 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult (45- 50 years) Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Survey area) History The carcass of this old elephant was seen by the County Rangers on their patrol. Both tusks were intact, and they requested the Mobile Veterinary Unit services to establish cause of death.

General observation of the carcass This was an old carcass estimated at ten days and partly scavenged. All internal organs had already been consumed leaving a shell. Only the bony frame and skin which appeared callus remained. All the molars were highly degraded due to wear and tear from extensive use due to her age.

Conclusion Owing to the prevailing state of the carcass, the cause of death could not be ascertained grossly. No viable samples for analysis could be collected either.

7.

DYSTOCIA IN A GIRAFFE

Date: 26th Sept 2018 Species: Maasai giraffe Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Double cross (Maasai Mara National Reserve) History This giraffe was seen by the County Rangers on patrol with partially expulsed foetus. History gathered was that this mother for 24 hours had been unable to completely push the foetus at term. She was found in company of her sub adult daughter restless and struggling to push the foetus which was already dead. The head and part of the neck was protruding. This was an emergency as she had to be relieved before she got exhausted and avoid further complications such as uterine sepsis.

Immobilization, examination and management Restraint was achieved by use of a combination of 13mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride and 60mgs Azaperone delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. After the drugs took full effect, she was roped down for effective restraint. Examination revealed a dead foetus partially expulled anteriorly presented but with bilateral carpal flexion posture. With copious lubrication, the foetus was retropulsed, the posture corrected, the head, neck and front limbs aligned and pulled out gently on extended posture. This was a relatively fresh but dead male foetus.

The foetal membranes were manually removed and uterus infused with Tincture of Iodine to prevent infection. Other treatments given include Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories given parenterally. A muscle tonic against exhaustion was also given intramuscularly.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed by administration of 42mgs Diprenorphine given intravenously through the jugular vein.

She rose up relieved to join her daughter who was watching at a distance. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

8.

POST MORTEM OF A YOUNG ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 27th September 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Approximately 15 years Location: Mara North Conservancy/Masai Mara National Reserve border.

History The carcass of this young bull of about 15 years old was seen by Mara North, Mara Elephant Project and KWS Rangers on their normal patrols at the border of Masai Mara National Reserve and Mara North Conservancy.

Nobody reported seeing this elephant sick prior to this finding. They called the Mobile Veterinary Unit for examination.

General observation and autopsy On opening the carcass, the following findings were noted;  Petechial haemorrhages were evident on the peritoneal linings.  Gravity dependent congestion was evident on the right lateral side.  He appeared to have recently fed with the entire gastrointestinal tract packed with ingesta. Faecal balls ready for expulsion, though with purulent stuff was found.  There was a large abscess partially draining into the gastrointestinal tract at the gastro splenic attachment area. The spleen was partially and unusually firmly attached to the external gastric mucosa. This adhesion was associated with a big abscess which was slowly releasing pus to the gastric lumen and partially peritoneum. Closer examination revealed a partially encapsulated foreign body at this point with severe sepsis. This was a poisoned barbed arrowhead which seemed to have been in place for over a year and completely buried. This caused peritonitis and septicaemia with perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.  As result of the injury, the spleen became firmly attached to the stomach wall because of excessive fibrin deposition. This subsequently got infected with resultant complications.  Tusks were retrieved and taken for custody by KWS Security Team.

Conclusion This elephant died from complications associated with the lodged poisoned arrowhead. These include chronic peritonitis, septicaemia and gastrointestinal perforation. He had been suffering for quite some time as the arrowhead was buried beyond view and deep in the abdomen.

9.

POST MORTEM OF AN ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 28th September 2018 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult (Approximately 30 Years) Location: Mara North Conservancy History The carcass of this elephant was seen by Mara North Conservancy and KWS Rangers on their normal patrols. They called the Mobile Veterinary Unit to establish cause of death.

General observation and autopsy This mature bull estimated to be about 30 years old was found dead with his lower back partly in a shallow lugga. The carcass was found on right lateral recumbency. It was pulled out of the lugga and turned over for further general examination.

On opening the carcass, the following findings were noted:  The heart and the lungs appeared congested.  The liver displayed cooked appearance and partly autolysed.  The kidneys appeared normal in consistency.  The spleen was normal in consistency, size and colouration.  The small and part of large intestines appeared severely bloated with more than normal fluid accumulating within peritoneal space.  Greater portion of large intestines was empty with hyperaemic and swollen mucosa. Distal part of the mucosa appeared haemorrhagic.  An almost completely strangulated and haemorrhagic segment of the large intestines was noted anteriorly.  No trace of faecal balls found in the rectum which appeared prolapsed.  All other organs appeared normal with expected presentation of post mortem changes.

Conclusion Of notable importance is the haemorrhagic and strangulated portion of the large intestines and lack of ingested matter beyond the stricture. Lack of faecal matter within the rectum of a healthy and feeding elephant as evidenced by amount of food in the stomach is also an unusual finding. Hyperaemic rectal mucosa and prolapsed rectum was also significant gross finding. There could have been excessive straining before death. The above picture point to a situation where this bull was unable to void excreta, and possible interference with gastrointestinal motility which is fatal if it persists. This situation could have contributed to his death. To rule out other causes of sudden and unexplained deaths, various samples were collected and submitted for further analysis.

MERU MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018

MERU MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2018 Introduction This report describes the activities of the Meru veterinary unit in July 2018. The unit attended to cases in Laikipia, Samburu, Meru and Garissa. In Laikipia, we collaborated with the Mountain unit to translocate seven lions, involved in human-wildlife conflict, to the larger Meru National Park where data from the lions’ tracking collars shows that they have settled in well within the park. We also relocated a mountain bongo to a new paddock for breeding purposes.

In Loisaba ranch we treated a sick elephant, while in Mpala ranch we attended to a giraffe which showed lameness.

In Samburu we attended to an elephant which showed severe lameness in Reteti, Namunyak conservancy. In Bouralghy, Garissa we removed snares from 2 giraffe and in Meru national Park we attended to a white rhino which had a swelling believed to be a tumor in the inguinal part. We would like to thank the KWS management and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for logistical support to enable this unit to treat injured and sick wildlife in northern Kenya.

1.

LION TRANSLOCATION FROM LAIKIPIA TO MERU NATIONAL PARK

Date: 8- 12 July 2018 Species: Lion Capture site: Naromoru and Mutara ranch, Laikipia Release site: Meru national park History A pride of seven lions believed to have escaped from one of the ranches in Laikipia settled within the community land in Naromoru where they were killing cattle. The community was also concerned about their safety. This translocation which was carried out in collaboration with the Laikipia mobile veterinary unit aimed to move the lions to a secure place. All the lions were darted from a helicopter, loaded into secure cage traps for transportation by truck to Meru National Park. Two individuals (one male and one female) were fitted with satellite collars for monitoring. Data from the collars shows the lions have settled well within the park.

2.

SNARE REMOVAL IN A RETICULATED GIRAFFE

Date: 13 July 2018 Species: Reticulated giraffe Sex: Female Location: Bouralghy Conservancy, Garissa History The KWS warden in charge of Garissa County reported that there were three giraffes with injuries which needed veterinary attention in Bouralghy Community Conservancy. The conservancy which borders Garisssa town, the Tana River and horticultural farms along the river has a teeming population of reticulated giraffe and gerenuk among other wildlife species. Snares in the farm settlements are a big threat to this population of giraffe. We attended to two giraffes to remove snares while a third giraffe was examined and found to have a deformity of the hind leg which did not require intervention. The first giraffe had a long winch wire snare around its right hind leg with severe lameness and loss of body condition. It was immobilized to remove the snare.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved using a combination of Etorphine hydrochloride 8mg and Azaperone tartate 60mg in a single 3 milliliter dart. It was calm when approached by vehicle and was darted at a distance of 20 meters with the dart placed into the muscles at the rump. After six minutes the drug took effect and it was roped to right lateral recumbence. As the animal stumbled it suffered a transverse comminuted fracture at the mid diaphysis of the right metatarsal bones. The snare had strangulated the leg, formed dry gangrene and rarefied the bone, predisposing the bone to fracture. Due to the extent of injuries this giraffe was euthanized to relief suffering. The area warden was advised to sensitize community against use of snares and to launch an operation to remove snares from the environment.

3.

SNARE REMOVAL IN A RETICULATED GIRAFFE

Date: 14 July 2018 Species: Reticulated giraffe Sex: Female Location: Bouralghy Conservancy, Garissa History: Scouts in Bouralghy community conservancy reported that this giraffe showed lameness and a swelling on its right forelimb, injuries believed to have been caused by a snare.

Immobilization, examination and treatment: Immobilization was achieved using a combination of Etorphine hydrochloride 8mg and Azaperone tartate 60mg in a single 3 milliliter dart. The giraffe which was in a group of 30 individuals was approached by vehicle for darting with the dart placed into the shoulder muscle. After darting the giraffe remained calm for four minutes and later galloped as the drug took effect. It was roped to left lateral recumbency for examination and treatment. A blindfold was applied over giraffes head. Examination showed an infected wound around the pastern and an embedded tight snare which had cut through soft tissue. The winch wire snare was cut using a wire cutter and removed. The wound was debrided using hydrogen peroxide and an antiseptic was applied. Parenteral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered.

Reversal and Prognosis: After examination anesthesia was reversed by intravenous administration of Diprenophine hydrochloride and restrained physically at the neck for treatment. Eighteen minutes after the initial dart the giraffe was released to join its herd mates. We are confident that the wounds will heal well after removal of the snare and treatment.

4.

LAMENESS IN AN ELEPHANT

Date: 19 July 2018 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Location: Loisaba conservancy History: Rangers reported severe lameness and swelling on the left front leg of this elephant in Loisaba Conservancy. An assessment was carried out to determine the cause of lameness and treat this elephant.

Immobilization, examination and treatment: We found this lactating female elephant with its 2-year-old calf and a defensive bull by a stream in the Conservancy.

Darting was carried out from a vehicle with the dart containing Etorphine hydrochloride placed in the gluteal muscle.

Induction time was five minutes and it fell on its left lateral recumbency. The bull and the calf were pushed away by vehicle to allow for treatment. Swelling occurred distal to the shoulder of the left front leg. No wounds were seen and an attempt to manipulate the leg to locate the injury was not successful. Cause of lameness was believed to be joint luxation. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotics were administered by intramuscular route.

Reversal and prognosis: Anesthesia was reversed by intravenous Diprenophine hydrochloride and the elephant was in standing position after 2 minutes. She was soon joined by the calf and the bull. Prognosis in this case is guarded and we advised conservancy rangers to monitor its progress and report back.

5.

LAMENESS IN A GIRAFFE

Date: 20 July 2018 Species: Reticulated Giraffe Sex: Male Location: Mpala conservancy History Rangers in Mpala Ranch reported that this giraffe had lost body condition and showed lameness and swelling on the lower end of the left front leg. We immobilized this animal to assess the cause of lameness and treat it.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved using a combination of Etorphine hydrochloride 8mg and Azaperone tartate 60mg in a single 3 milliliter dart. After darting it remained calm for six minutes and later galloped as the drug took effect. It was roped to left lateral recumbency for examination and treatment. Examination showed a swollen fetlock joint possibly due to arthritis. No other injury was noted. Anti-inflammatory drugs and multivitamin were given intramuscularly.

Reversal and prognosis: Anesthesia was fully reversed after examination by intravenous administration of Diprenophine hydrochloride and this giraffe restrained physically for treatment. We believe this giraffe will recover fully in the coming days.

6.

BONGO RELOCATION IN MOUNT KENYA GAME RANCH

Date: 20 July 2018 Species: Mountain Bongo Sex: Female Location: Mount Kenya Game Ranch (MKGR) A breeding female bongo was relocated to a new paddock to allow intensive and easier monitoring by animal keepers.

The bongo was darted on foot after stalking it in the bushes. The dart which contained Etorphine hydrochloride 5mg and Azaperone 40mg was placed at the right gluteal muscles. Down time was 7 minutes. The bongo was quickly loaded into a truck with wheat straw on the floor for padding and transported under anesthesia on sternal recumbence.

Ivermectin and multivitamin, a catabolic stimulant was administered. Reversal was achieved by intravenous administration of Naltrexone hydrochloride and this female soon joined the rest of the herd in her new paddock.

7.

LAMENESS IN ELEPHANT

Date: 26 July 2018 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Location: Namunyak conservancy, Reteti History: This adult female elephant in Namunyak Conservancy showed severe lameness on the left front leg and pus oozing from the right front leg. This lactating female was left behind by rest of the herd and its calf seemed to have joined the group. We immobilized this animal to determine the cause and treat her injuries.

Immobilization, examination and treatment: We darted this elephant by foot. Immobilization was achieved using Etorphine hydrochloride with the dart injected into the shoulder muscle. Five minutes later it was recumbent. Examination showed a sharp penetrating wound approximately 30cm deep into the right muscles shoulder muscle with pus oozing out. The wound was caused by a spear injury. The swelling on the left front leg was believed to have been caused by joint subluxation in rough hilly terrain. The wounds were washed with water, debridded with dilute hydrogen peroxide and rinsed in iodine.

Parenteral antibiotics and antibiotics drugs were given.

Reversal and Prognosis: Reversal of anesthesia was achieved by intravenous administration of Diprenophine hydrochloride. Prognosis for this case is guarded due to severe injury on the left front leg.

8.

TUMOR IN A WHITE RHINO

Date: 28/7/2018 Species: White rhino Sex: Male Age: > 30 years Location: Meru national park, Rhino Sanctuary History On the 26th of July, the Officer in charge of rhino in Meru National Park reported that a white rhino had a reddish swelling on the penis/prepuce which persisted for at least three weeks. It showed good body condition, wellnourished and its mobility was not being affected. This rhino’s territory is within Mururi swamp and has previously been treated for filarial wounds which healed. The rhino was immobilized on the 28th of July for examination and treatment.

Immobilization, examination and treatment: Immobilization was achieved using a combination of Etorphine hydrochloride 4.5mg and Azaperone tartate 80mg in a single 1.5cc dart. Darting was done by helicopter after a brief push. Induction time was seven minutes. Butorphanol 20mg was given intravenously to partially antagonize effect of opioid and a blind fold was applied. Vital parameters were monitored during the procedure including respiration rate and water was doused liberally to cool his body temperature. Examination showed a firm, reddish nodular swelling on the prepuce extending dorsally on the perineum. There were sinuses on the proximal part of this mass which appeared dry. No pus was found on aspiration.

The preputial orifice was constricted, and the penis was felt on palpation. Tentative diagnosis was that it was a tumor on the prepuce.

Prognosis Prognosis for neoplasm which is not amenable to surgical excision is guarded. Because of lesion anatomical location it is prone to injury and infection which can ascend the urinary tract via urethra. In conclusion we advise intensive monitoring of this animal to ensure its welfare is not compromised.

MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2018 Introduction This report describes the activities of the Meru Veterinary Unit in Northern Kenya in August 2018. An attempt to capture, by darting, a lioness which strayed into a village in Igoji, Meru County was not successful. The warden was advised to set up cage traps to capture the problematic lioness which was praying on livestock and endangering the community. In Milgis, Samburu County we followed up on a case of a bull elephant with septic wounds which had been treated two weeks earlier. The unit staff resumed duty after three weeks annual leave.

1.

BULL ELEPHANT TREATED FOR GUNSHOT WOUNDS

Date: 30 August 2018 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Location: Milgis, northern Samburu History This was a follow up treatment on an injured bull elephant, which was treated two weeks earlier by the Laikipia Unit Veterinarian. Scouts from Milgis Trust who were monitoring the elephant’s wellbeing, reported that its health was deteriorating. It had septic wounds on its right fore and hind legs with severe lameness and swelling of the front leg.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was found in a lugga and darted by foot using Etorphine Hydrochloride 14mg in a 1.5cc dart. It was weak and showed little resistance when approached on foot. After six minutes it fell on left lateral recumbence.

Examination revealed a septic penetrating wound into the right carpal joint and dorsally on the right gluteus.

Wounds were debrided using Hydrogen Peroxide and water. Iodine and green clay were then applied. Antibiotics, multivitamin and corticosteroid were also injected intramuscularly.

Reversal and Post-mortem Anaesthetic drug was reversed by intravenous injection of Diprenophine hydrochloride 25 minutes after darting.

Several unsuccessful attempts were made to get the elephant to standing position using ropes. The large bull remained recumbent and sadly succumbed to his injuries 18 hours after darting. A post mortem was conducted at the scene and revealed that the septic wounds were caused by gunshots with a fractured dorsal to the right carpal joint. Septicemia and osteomyelitis secondary to the gunshot injuries were the immediate cause of death.

MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2018 Introduction This report describes the activities of the DSWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit in Eastern Conservation area and Northern Kenya in September 2018. In Meru National Park we carried out a post mortem examination on a carcass of a lion. A leopard which caused livestock losses in eastern Mt. Kenya was captured, examined and released in the park. An elephant in Milgis, northern Samburu was treated for lameness and in Namunyak Conservancy we immobilized an elephant to determine the cause of bleeding. A grevy zebra in Shaba National Reserve was treated for lameness caused by pododermatitis while in Lewa Conservancy we treated a grevy zebra for injuries sustained in a predation attack. Other cases are described in detail in the report below. This unit is supported by funding from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We would also like to thank KWS Management for supporting operations of the Meru Veterinary Unit.

1.

POST MORTEM EXAMINATION OF A LIONESS

Date: 3 September 2018 Species: Lion Sex: Female Location: Meru National Park A lioness in Meru National Park showed staggering gait characterized by swaying of the hind quarter. Initial observation showed it was in good body condition and the pride had a buffalo kill. No intervention was carried was.

It was found dead 7 days later and having moved a short distance from where it was initially observed. A post mortem examination of the carcass showed it died from internal injuries in the visceral organs and vertebrae believed to have been sustained while hunting.

2.

NECK INJURY IN A RETICULATED GIRAFFE

Date: 7 September 2018 Species: Reticulated giraffe Sex: Male Location: Leparua conservancy This male giraffe in Leparua Conservancy showed a kinked neck for two weeks. It had difficulty feeding with loss of its body condition. The conservancy sought veterinary advice on the health and welfare of this giraffe.

The cause of the kinked neck in this giraffe is believed to be trauma with injury to the cervical vertebrae. This condition is referred to as scoliosis. No intervention was carried out but the conservancy was advised to monitor it and report on its health progress. It is likely that the injury will heal with chronic deformity of the cervical vertebrae.

3.

CAPTURE AND RELOCATION OF A LEOPARD

Date: 8 September 2018 Species: Leopard Sex: Male Capture site: Marania farm, Mount Kenya Release site: Meru national park Capture, examination and treatment This leopard is reported to have been responsible for livestock losses in Marania farm and surrounding community land. A cage trap was deployed to capture the leopard and later transported by road to Meru National Park. The leopard was immobilized to treat a wound on its leg and fit a satellite tracking collar for monitoring. It was immobilized using a combination of Ketamine Hydrochloride and Medetomidine Hydrochloride. Examination showed an amputated claw on its left front paw. This was treated by washing, application of topical antibiotics and injection of antibiotics.

Reversal and release Effect of Medetomidine was reversed ninety minutes after darting. The leopard was later released in the park. Data from the collar shows it has since settled well within the park and its activity has increased progressively showing it is recovering well from the injuries.

4.

LAMENESS IN AN ELEPHANT

Date: 11 September 2018 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Location: Milgis, Samburu north History Scouts from the Milgis Trust reported that an elephant bull in Milgis showed lameness and swelling on its front leg with limited movement for 5 days. We darted this elephant to investigate the cause of lameness and treat the injury if any. The elephant was found in a thick bush with thick undergrowth which was only accessible by helicopter provided by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It was driven out of the bush and a dart containing Etorphine Hydrochloride was delivered into the gluteal muscles. Examination revealed inflammation of the soft tissue on the left carpal joint suspected to have been sustained in rough hilly terrain. No external injuries or wounds were found.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were administered.

Reversal and prognosis Diprenophine Hydrochloride injected to reverse effect of narcotics. This elephant is expected to make a complete recovery.

5.

INJURED ELEPHANT IN NAMUNYAK CONSERVANCY

Date: 12 September 2018 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Location: Sarara lodge, Namunyak conservancy History Rangers from the Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) reported an elephant bull which was bleeding on its left front leg.

It was suspected to have sustained gunshot injuries on the leg. We immobilized this elephant to determine the cause of this injury.

Immobilization, examination and treatment We found a tear on the left ear flap caused by trauma with blood dripping on the left front leg. No other serious injury was found. Wound was washed and topical antibiotics applied. Anti-inflammatory drugs were injected.

Reversal and prognosis This elephant is expected to recover from this minor injury soon.

6.

PODODERMATITIS IN A GREVY ZEBRA

Date: 13 September 2018 Species: Grevy zebra Sex: Female Location: Shaba National Reserve History Rangers on patrol in the Shaba National Reserve reported a pregnant grevy zebra with lameness and swelling on its front leg. It was observed over a period of four days but showed no improvement. When we visited the reserve, we found the zebra at the periphery of a herd.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Darting was done by vehicle. A single 1.5 cc dart containing Etorphine Hydrochloride and Azaperone was delivered into the gluteal muscle. Induction time was six minutes; later the zebra fell onto sternal recumbency. A blindfold was applied to minimize visual stress. Examination showed cracks on the caudal aspect of the right front hoof with inflammation on the coronary band and the frog. This condition was diagnosed as pododermatitis. Hoof cracks were trimmed and necrotic tissue on the frog debrided physically. It was scrubbed thoroughly with diluted Hydrogen Peroxide and Povidone Iodine was applied. Systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were injected.

Reversal and prognosis After treatment Diprenophine Hydrochloride was injected intravenously to reverse the effect of narcotics.

The zebra was on standing position two minutes later and trotted away to join the rest of the herd. It is expected to make a full recovery.

7.

PREDATION WOUNDS IN A GREVY ZEBRA

Date: 15 September 2018 Species: Grevy zebra Sex: Male Location: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) History This grevy zebra stallion sustained injuries on the hind quarters and abdomen in an attack by lions. We found it in a group of 8 zebra near a swamp in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Chemical immobilization was achieved using a combination of Etorphine Hcl and Azaperone Tartate in a single 1.5cc DanInject dart. Induction time was four minutes. Examination revealed puncture wounds cranial to the left thigh and lacerations on the right dorsal rump and flank. The wounds were septic and at least 4 days old. Bruises were also observed on the flanks. The wounds were shaved and washed to remove foreign material. They were debrided using diluted Hydrogen Peroxide and Povidone Iodine applied. Green clay was also applied. A long acting antibiotic was injected to treat sepsis.

Reversal and prognosis Effect of Etorphine Hcl was reversed by intravenous injection of Diprenophine hydrochloride. Two minutes later the male was standing up and ran to join the rest of the herd. It is expected to make a complete recovery in the coming days.

8.

DISPOSAL OF AFRICAN CIVET CARCASS

Date: 13 September 2018 Species: African civet Sex: Female Location: Shaba National Reserve An African civet was found dead by the road side in Shaba National Reserve. It had fracture on the hind legs and hemorrhage from the nostrils caused by a motor accident. We collected tissue samples from the external ear pinna for DNA preserved in ethanol and disposed of the carcass.

9.

TREATMENT OF A SYKES MONKEY AT MERU MUSEUM

Date: 20 September 2018 Species: Sykes monkey Sex: Female Location: National Museum of Kenya, Meru History A captive sykes monkey at the National Museums of Kenya in Meru was reported to have shown reduced appetite, mucous discharge from the nostrils and lesions on the nose and ventral abdomen for 2 weeks.

Immobilization and examination Anesthesia was achieved using 30mg Ketamine Hydrochloride administered remotely using DanInject system.

Induction time was 8 minutes. Examination showed purulent nasal discharge, difficulty breathing and vesicular lesions on the nasal septum and ventral abdomen. The cause of this upper respiratory tract infection could not be determined from the clinical signs. The sykes monkey was given the following medication: 1.

Betamox trihydrate LA 150mg administered intramuscularly 2.

Tablets Betamox 40mg to be taken once daily for 5 days 3.

Ivermectin parenteral Prognosis Prognosis for this case is guarded. The management was advised to isolate this monkey from other primates to prevent cross infection. A review will be conducted after 2 weeks.

AMBOSELI MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018

AMBOSELI MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2018 Introduction In the past month there has been persistent cold dry weather conditions marking the beginning of the dry spell before the expected short rains later in the year. The winds have begun, and conditions have started to become very dusty.

The vegetation is drying up fast especially outside the swamps and within community conservancies forcing the wildlife to inhabit the park area in large numbers for water and grazing.

Following are the veterinary activities attended to during the month:

1.

SNARED ELEPHANT

Date: 09/07/2018 Species: Loxodonta africana Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Tsavo West History A report of a snared elephant was received from the Company Commander Tsavo West National Park. This was after failing to raise Tsavo East Vet Unit due to exigence of duties. The elephant had been spotted near Ngulia Bandas with a tight snare around its thorax dropping down past the hind limbs. The Amboseli Unit responded on the third day post primary sighting done. The second sighting was reported around the Kilaguni Serena Lodge which prompted our response.

Search There was an assurance from the Coy Commander that the candidate would be within the area lastly spotted. As such the ground team started the search early in the morning while we travelled from Amboseli with plan to join them for search or treat if by the time we reached there they would have found the candidate. The candidate was searched for extensively and for the better part of the day moving from one ridge to the other. Challenges encountered were the thick thickets within the area and undulating terrain. This defeated the assumption that the candidate would easily be found.

After an eight hour search the exercise was called off and planned to resume the next day. The search team was instructed to make prompt report when sighted so that a quick response would be initiated. We returned to Amboseli being on standby if found.

Prognosis Guarded prognosis because an intervention was not possible. It is until an intervention is mounted from which the prognosis can be revised.

2.

PROBLEMATIC LIONESS

Date: 10/07/2018 Species: Panthera leo Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Selenkei Conservancy History A persistent boma raider had been identified within the Selenkei Conservancy. It had predated on shoats numbering few tens nearing hundreds. The previous reported strike was of five bomas in a single night leading to six casualties.

This was confirmed by both Lion Guardian and Big Life Foundation. A decision to collar the problem lion was reached so that it could be effectively monitored and when near bomas a depredation would be mounted to repulse it away from impending raid. We set out for the exercise.

Search and attempted darting After the previous night raids the lioness had been chased away to the nearby thickets, away from the bomas. It is in this area that the search was mounted with view of enticing it to the call backs to effect darting. A dart composing of 450mgs Ketamine and 6mgs Medetomidine was prepared in three centiliter dart charged to Dan-Inject rifle. The exercise was collectively mounted in company of Big Life Foundation Unit, area Lion Guardians, the area community Chairman and area KWS Problematic Area Control Unit. We drove in one car leaving behind two other cars up at the hiding area. This was around night fall. Using rope we tied the bait tightly to the bark of a tree and parked the vehicle strategically so that the darting would be effected once the lioness was lured into the bait area. Call backs begun to be played one after the other with an interval of fifteen minutes. These consisted of calf distress calls, hyenas feeding, zebra and buffalo distress calls. The candidate was known to be shy and cunning and that difficulties to lure her were foreseen. After two hours she failed to turn up. This prompted the exercise to be called off pending for another trial day. Lion Guardians together with Big Life Foundation Units were tasked to be on the lookout and report appropriately for another attempt once sighted or following a raid.

Prognosis Guarded because the community was expressing dissatisfaction threatening to spear the lioness.

3.

ZEBRA TREATMENT

Date of death: 12/07/2017 Species: Aquus burchelli Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Maazoni Ranch History While on a mission to desnare a giraffe at the ranch having been called by Senior Warden Machakos KWS Station, we bumped into a severe lame zebra which could not bear weight on the right hind limb. We immediately set to intervene. The male zebra was standing motionless under the shade of a small acacia tree carrying the leg high up.

There were another two males in nearby thickets resting. Darting was necessary in order to carry out a thorough examination.

Immobilization, examination and treatment It was sedated using 4mgs Etorphine and 70mgs Azaperone in 1.5cc dart. It was darted on the right rump and moved a little distance and was fully sedated in five minutes assuming left lateral recumbence. It was blindfolded and examined. Skin tears were all over especially on the hind limbs and were granulating with different stages of epithelialization. The said limb had a penetrating wound just above the coronet discharging reddish pus. It seemed it was recovering from a previous traumatic snare wound which was causing soreness of the fetlock. It had begun to shed off weight as depicted by bony prominence in comparison with counterparts. Other granulating wounds seemed to have been caused by territorial bites from other stallion(s). The granulating wounds were sprayed topically with Tetracycline wound spray. The discharging wound was splashed with Hydrogen Peroxide after probing using forceps for any foreign object. It was swabbed dry followed with topical application of Tincture of Iodine. Then Tetracycline wound spray was liberally applied. It was injected into muscles at different sites with Tetracycline 20000mgs and 50ml Multivitamin. Finally, Flunixine Meglumine 400mgs was injected into the muscles as anti-inflammatory.

Reversal and prognosis A mixture of 6mgs Diprenorphine and 20mgs Naltrexone was injected into jugular vein with the animal fully up in two minutes. It trotted away slowly. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

4.

SNARED GIRAFFE

Date: 12/07/2018 Species: Maasai Giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Maazoni Lodge History Machakos KWS Station Senior Warden reported a snared maasai giraffe at Maazoni Ranch to the KWS Head Vet who eventually tasked the Amboseli Vet Unit to act. It was said to have a snare around the fetlock drugging behind about four meters. It was tight though it had not caused traumatic wound. We planned an intervention on the following day.

Search Together with Maazoni rangers and KWS Station PAC Unit, we mounted a search thorough the entire ranch incorporating the nearby private owned expansive farms. We encountered all the giraffes though in different groups.

It was after six hours of searching that we encountered the last eleven-member group to make a total of forty that we identified the snared candidate. After getting closer we established that the candidate had dropped off the snare wire leaving abrasion mark all-round the snared fetlock. It was just on the skin surface and there was no resultant traumatic wound. It was ambulating normally and keeping pace with the rest of the group members. A conclusion was reached to not engage in darting exercise because there was no compelling reason to do so. The Maazoni rangers were instructed to keep monitoring and report if they note any negative change to the abrasion area such as wound development.

Prognosis Prognosis for full recovery is good.

5.

LION DESNARING

Date: 16/07/2018 Species: Panthera Leo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History The tour guide, Joel, of Zebra Plain Mara Camp based in Masai Mara while navigating within Amboseli with visitors spotted a snared lion at around 1700hours. The snare was a winch wire which was under his right arm, at the armpit, causing extensive skin abrasion due to friction and going around the neck on the left side. The cat was walking hesitantly with a lot of pain. He quickly called the Amboseli customer care who quickly gave Joel the Mobile Vet Number. The vet was called and quickly requested Joel to keep a watch so that we don’t lose sight of him. We dashed to the location where we found Joel and his visitors patiently waiting for us to show the snared lion.

Immobilization, examination and treatment It was tracked down through the tall grass and after spotting it walking, dart was quickly made using 450mgs Ketamine and 6mgs Medetomidine. It was neared using vehicle. It laid down after spotting the vehicle on its trail. Without hesitation it was darted on the left thigh which startled it causing it to run off, only to about fifteen meters away, as the drugs started to take effect and it slowed down. It was completely immobilized assuming left lateral recumbence in fifteen minutes. By this time it was 1830hours. After probing to make sure it was fully sedated, it was blindfolded ready for desnaring. The snare wire was severed using wire cutters and carefully taken off the animal. The wounds were superficial and oozing serum. They were cleaned using Tincture of iodine at the armpit and liberally sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray. It was injected with 200mgs Flunixin Meglumine and 4000mgs Amoxycillin into different muscle sites.

Reversal and prognosis We kept monitoring the lion and after seventy-five minutes post darting it was revived using 20mgs Atipamezole injected into its right thigh muscles. Ear reflex begun after fifteen minutes and at the twentieth minute post revival it walked away into the nearby elephant grass. We left it totally aware of its’ surrounding. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2018 Introduction Nine wildlife cases were reported and attended by Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit during the month of August 2018.

Seven cases were clinical, and treatment was necessary while two did not warrant any therapeutic intervention. One elephant calf had a wound that did not need treatment as it was healing well, a second elephant bull could not be located but Big Life Foundation reported its presence and treatment in Tanzania. The Team will keep an eye out for the same elephant for further examination when it returns to Kenya. Five animals that received medical treatment comprised of two elephants with spear wounds treated at Satao-Kulalu area in Tsavo East National Park, an elephant rescued from a sticky muddy pool at Kilunyet area in Chyulu Hills National Park and a male zebra with a bleeding tumor. Two wildebeests entangled in a loose fence wire were de-snared at Amboseli National Park The case of a giraffe with hind limb fracture was attended but was found dead on vet team arrival. Response time was immediate for all reported cases and all of them received attention within the day of reporting.

1.

HIND LIMB FRACTURE IN A GIRAFFE

Date: 08/08/2018 Species: Masai Giraffe (Giraffe Camelopardalis) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Kimana Group Ranch History The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit received a report of a Giraffe with a swollen leg from Big Life Foundation. The adult giraffe was located at Kimana Group Ranch but was found dead on arrival.

Examination The giraffe had a fracture on the left hind limb. The fracture wound was old, and the giraffe was in good body condition. The giraffe is estimated to have spent some time with the fractured leg before death. There was evidence that the giraffe may have been trapped in a nearby pit which may have led to the giraffe fracturing his leg. The evidence suggests that the giraffe may have struggled for some time before eventually succumbing to his wounds.

Conclusion Cause of death was not clear, but the giraffe probably went into shock from the pain which most likely would have led to sudden unexpected death (SUD) as trauma is the usual cause of SUD.

2.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT BULL TRAPPED IN A WETLAND

Date: 12/08/2018 Species: African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Kilunyet area History KWS received reports of an adult male elephant stuck in a marshy water pan. A team composed of Rangers from KWSChyulu Hills National Park and Big Life Foundation attempted to rescue the bull from the wetland but were not successful. The Amboseli Veterinary Unit was then called in the evening to assist in the rescue.

Rescue, examination and treatment The adult bull approximately 35 years old was stuck in a mud pool at Kilunyet area. The area was mushy and hard to approach with a vehicle. This particular challenge made the rescue very difficult with the Amboseli Veterinary Unit vehicle also becoming stuck. As the vehicles kept getting stuck themselves the team had to come up with another plan. The team eventually managed to pull the large bull from the mud using three land cruisers, two heavy commercial Lorries, and a JCB. However, the bull was inactive and could not stand. Upon further examination it was found that the elephant was weak and exhausted. A whole day of therapy with Dextrose and Sodium Lactate assisted the animal in gaining energy and strength. The elephant finally stood up, with some assistance from a land cruiser that pulled a rope that was lightly attached around his tusk, at around 6pm on the 14th of August 2018. .

3.

TREATMENT OF A WOUNDED BULL ELEPHANT

Date: 16/08/2018 Species: African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Satao-Kulalu, Tsavo East National Park History A male elephant presenting with a white colored discharge was sighted at Satao-Kulalu area in Tsavo East National Park.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The bull was located and darted by helicopter using 18mgs Etorphine Hcl. Induction time was about 12 minutes after darting and the bull was immobilized resting on lateral recumbency. Examination exposed a deep wound on the lateral part of the left hind leg. Foot long forceps were used to probe for foreign material, remove pus and dead debris. No foreign matter was revealed but the excess pus and debris were debrided using Hydrogen Peroxide.

Betamox and Dexamethasone was administered intramuscularly to counter bacterial infection, reduce the inflammation and minimize pain. Oxytetracycline aerosol spray was topically applied to prevent a fly attack on the wound.

Reversal and prognosis The anesthesia was reversed using 48mgs of Diprenorphine administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein.

The elephant rose up and walked away after 2 minutes. Prognosis for full recovery is good as the animal demonstrated high chances of quick and sure recovery.

4.

TREATMENT OF A BULL ELEPHANT AT TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK

Date: 16/08/2018 Species: African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Satao-Kulalu, Tsavo East National Park History The Amboseli Veterinary Unit received a report of a male elephant with a pus discharging abdominal swelling.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The male elephant was restrained by chemical immobilization using 18mgs of Etorphine Hydrochloride darted from a helicopter. Puncture of the abdominal swelling assisted in draining the pus while the old and infected wound tissue was debrided using Hydrogen Peroxide. The wound was disinfected with Tincture of Iodine solution and Amoxicillin (Betamox 200ml) was administered intramuscularly as an antibiotic.

Reversal and prognosis The anesthesia was reversed using 48mgs of Diprenorphine administered through a prominent ear vein. The elephant rose up after 2 minutes. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

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5.

TREATMENT OF A ZEBRA WITH A BLEEDING TUMOUR

Date: 22/08/2018 Species: Common Zebra (Equus quagga) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History The Amboseli Veterinary Unit whilst on patrol spotted a male zebra with a bleeding wound on his hind right leg, which appeared to be a tumor. The zebra was in good body condition and feeding well but as the wound was bleeding the team thought it best to intervene.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The zebra was located and darted from a vehicle. A cocktail of 5 mg of Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg Azaperone was used to anaesthetize the zebra. The stallion was recumbent in about 10 minutes after darting. Physical examination revealed a swelling growing from the muscular tissue at the gluteus region of the left hind leg. The growth had a bleeding wound beside it. The wound was rinsed clean water, as well as the adjacent wound area, the tumor was removed, and the wound was sutured. Betamox and Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly for prophylaxis. A multivitamin was administered intramuscularly to reduce stress and increase vitality.

Oxytetracycline spray was topically applied to reduce infection and to deter flies.

6.

WILDEBEEST SNARED IN A FENCE WIRE

Date: 24/08/2018 Species: Wildebeest (Coinechaetes taurinus sp.)

Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Near Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park History A tourist reported a wildebeest entangled in a loose fence wire near Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli National Park.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The wildebeest was located and darted from a vehicle using a Danject darting gun. The immobilization dart contained a mixture of 5 mg of Etorphine Hydrochloride and 60mg Azaperone. The wildebeest became fully anesthetized after 8 minutes. Physical examination revealed no harm due to the wire. The noose was large and removal was easily done by hand. Samples were collected for future disease investigation work.

7.

WILDEBEEST SNARED IN A LOOSE SNARE WIRE

Date: 30/08/2018 Species: Wildebeest (Coinechaetes taurinus sp.)

Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History A wildebeest with a snare wire was sighted and reported by KWS Operation Rangers at Junction 44 in Amboseli National Park.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The wildebeest was located and darted from a vehicle using a mixture of 5 mg of Etorphine Hcl and 60mg Azaperone.

The animal was recumbent in 9 minutes. On examination, the wire was loose and had caused no harm. Removal was done by hand after cutting the wire with a wire cutter. The wildebeest was administered 10 ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox) intramuscularly to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

8. OBSERVATION OF AN ELEPHANT CALF WITH A SMALL WOUND An elephant calf, being a twin, was sighted with a flesh wound along the spine. The wound was shallow and pinkish in color and did not warrant treatment as it was not infected and the prognosis for full recovery was good.

9. REPORT OF AN INJURED ELEPHANT BULL The team received a report from the Elephant Trust of a bull with a swelling at the perineal region. Efforts to trace the bull were to no avail. However, Big Life Foundation Tanzania reported that the bull had been treated by the Tanzania Wildlife Research and Horse Farm, on the 22nd of August.

AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2018 Introduction Sixteen wildlife cases were reported and attended to by the Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit during the month of September 2018. Sixreceived therapeutic treatment while two (an elephant calf and hyena) were postmortem examination. Its the observation of the unit that any carcasses that took 24 hours to be examined was always scavenged. This is due to the stable and vicious population of hyenas and vultures in the park. Additionally, the park provides for quick visibility of the carcasses due to the low height of the natural grassland and the few shrubs available. Six elephants were considered for further monitoring while a giraffe and a zebra could not be treated due to the thick bush in which they were found. Attempts to drive the giraffe out for treatment took 2 vehicles and an aircraft 4 hours with no success. A record, description and observations of all seven cases follows in the subsequent pages of the report.

1.

TREATMENT OF A SNARED ELEPHANT

Date: 8 September 2018.

Species: African Elephant (Loxodonta Africana) Age: 5 years old (sub-adult) Sex: Male Location: Amboseli National Park, History The Veterinary Unit received a report from Ol-Tukai Lodge and the Amboseli Trust for Elephants of an elephant with a wire on the left hind leg. The first report was received on the 7th of September by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, whilst the second report was received from staff at the Ol-Tukai Lodge on the 8th of September.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Researchers at the Amboseli Trust for Elephants followed and traced the herd through the palm bushes in order to ensure treatment. The young elephant was located and darted from a vehicle. Chemical restraint was attained using Etorphine Hcl (total dose 14mgs). The elephant reached recumbent anesthesia 10 minutes after darting. He was rested on lateral recumbency to facilitate wire removal and prevent respiratory complications. A second vehicle chased away the herd in order to ensure the safety of the Vet Team during the treatment of the young male. The wire was loose and had caused no damage to the leg. The wire was easily removed by cutting it off with wire cutters, and 50ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LAÂŽ) was administered to prevent secondary infection through the darting wound.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed intravenously using Diprenorphine. Prognosis for full recovery was good as there were no complications due to the wire.

2.

TREATMENT OF A LAME ZEBRA

Date: 13 September 2018.

Species: Common Zebra (Equus gauga) Age: Adult Sex: Female Location: Amboseli National Park History Noah, a KWS driver, sighted and reported the lame zebra whilst on patrol.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The zebra was located and darted from a vehicle. A cocktail of 4mg Etorphine Hcl and 60 mg Azaperone was used to immobilize the zebra. Successful immobilization and lateral recumbency was attained 7 minutes after darting. The left foreleg was dislocated as felt by palpation and joint movement. Flunixin meglumin and Betamox LAÂŽ, Amoxicillin was administered to prevent pain and infection due to the fracture.

Reversal and prognosis The anesthesia was reversed using 2ml of Diprenorphine, which was administered intravenously. Prognosis for full recovery is fair since the animal could be easy prey for lions and hyenas.

3.

TREATMENT OF A ZEBRA WITH FORE LEG FRACTURE

Date: 23 September 2018.

Species: Common Zebra (Equus gauga) Age: Adult Sex: Female Location: Osoit, Namelok area History Big Life Rangers reported an injured zebra to the Amboseli Veterinary Unit on the 23rd of September 2018. The zebra was located at a rocky area referred to as Osoit (the local vernacular name for rocks) in Namelok. The injuries on the zebra followed a severe territorial fight between two males.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The zebra was found lying down and not willing to move away even once in sight of people. However, it had to be chemicaly restrained to prevent struggling during examination. The zebra was darted on foot. A cocktail of 4mg Etorphine Hcl and 60 mg Azaperone immobilized the male to attain complete restraint 5 minutes after darting. The stallion rested on lateral recumbency during the examination. The right foreleg was completely fractured while the body had multiple deep bite wounds.

Prognosis The prognosis was poor since the zebra could not walk and lay down in pain. 15ml of Pentobarbitone 20% (EthanazeÂŽ) euthanized the animal to stop the adverse suffering.

4.

TREATMENT OF A SNARED ZEBRA

Date: 25 September 2018.

Species: Zebra (Equus gauga) Age: Adult Sex: Female Location: Manyani Law Enforcement Academy, History The Vet Team received a report of a common zebra with a snare wire round the neck on the 25th of September 2018.

The zebra was found grazing at the periphery of Manyani Airstrip in a group of five other zebras.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The zebra was located and darted from a vehicle. Etorphine Hcl (total dose 5mg) and 60mg Azaperone were used to immobilize the female zebra. Successful restraint and lateral recumbency was attained 8 minutes after darting. The snare wire was loose and easy to remove. The wire snare was one that is normally used for in poaching attempts.

Betamox LAÂŽ, Amoxicillin was administered to prevent secondary bacterial infection via the darting wound.

Reversal and prognosis Diprenorphine was used to reverse the anesthesia. Prognosis for full recovery is good since the wire had not inflicted any injury nor was there any complication.

5.

A CASE OF AN INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 26 September 2018.

Species: Elephant, Loxodonta africana Age: Adult Sex: Male Location: Tsavo West National Park History The DSWT Mobile Vet Team reported and attended to an elephant bull in Tsavo West, with a wound on his trunk, on the 26th of September 2018.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was located and darted from a chopper. Etorphine Hcl (total dose of 20 mg) was used to immobilize the male elephant. Full restraint was attained 12 minutes after darting. The bull fell on sternal recumbency and had to be pulled down with ropes to lateral recumbency. A deep wound was observed, penetrating into the upper part of the trunk. The wound was so deep that two-foot-long forceps could go through. The wound depth runs in a direction and that could help explain a probable tusk injury after a bullfight. The bull was administered 100ml Amoxicillin (Betamox LAÂŽ) to prevent bacterial infection. Green clay paste was injected into the wound to facilitate healing and prevent infection.

Reversal and prognosis Anesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

6.

TREATMENT OF LAME BLACK RHINO

Date: 28 September 2018.

Species: Black rhino, diceros michaeli Age: adult Sex: Male Location: Ngulia, sanctuary, Tsavo West National Park History A lame rhino was reported by KWS Rangers after the case was noted during the Night Rhino Night census.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The rhino was located and darted from a chopper. A cocktail of 4mg Etorphine Hcl and 70 mg Azaperone was used to immobilize the male. The drug was delivered using a projectile dart and the animal was successfully restrained 10 minutes after darting. The rhino was examined whilst on sternal recumbency.

Upon physical examination it was found that the rhino had an old healed injury. The old injury healed with a deformity that led to abnormal posture while walking. The rhino was in good body condition and had no other complications due to the injury apart from the abnormal walking posture. Betamox LAÂŽ, Amoxicillin was administered to prevent secondary infections.

Reversal and prognosis Butorphanol (10mg) was used to stabilize anesthesia, while Diprenorphine (12mg) was used to reverse anesthesia.

7.

POST MORTEM EXAMINATION OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Date: 29 September 2018.

Species: African elephant (Loxodonta africana) Age: 5-month-old calf Sex: Female Location: Amboseli National Park History The female elephant calf was born of a twin with a male calf. The calf died on the 28th of September 2018 at about 3.30 pm. The mother (Paru) and the twin male are healthy and well.

Examination and findings The carcass was scavenged by hyenas and vultures during the night, before the 29th of September 2018 when the postmortem was done. The carcass remains were not enough to conduct a full pathological examination and analysis.

However, the skeleton was good enough to demonstrate that the backline wound was not beyond the skin Cause of death Unclear and deficient. However, the amount of milk a lactating female can produce, current feed availability and the aggressive feeding behavior of the twin male, could assist in explaining the natural rarity and low survival of such births.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS  An elephant calf reported to be dragging one foot, had an old injury that completely affected the joints. The old injury healed with a swelling that reduced joint mobility. The elephant was healthy and had no wound or any visible foreign material, like a snare. The elephant was not desperate for treatment and was acquitted the stress of darting.  Four elephants were reported with wobbling walking gait. One calf was almost unable to move. Among the four cases, the calves were more affected than the adults. Monitoring was prescribed after a history of such periodical cases was observed by the Amboseli Trust for Elephants.  A dead hyena requiring a postmortem examination was reported by the KWS Patrol Team. The carcass was old and eviscerated thereby lacking enough material for a comprehensive pathological examination.  An elephant (named Jackson) was reported with a sagging abdominal swelling. The swelling later to be determined as a hernia is complicated for a surgical intervention which is the ideal treatment. Jackson’s normal feeding area is in the marshy pools and a surgical wound is prone to an immeasurable challenge of secondary bacterial infection. The elephant is under monitoring for future intervention in case of health deterioration. So far the elephant has dealt with and adapted to living with the condition. Jackson is about 35 years old.  A giraffe and a grevy zebra at Rukinga Ranch could not be traced for darting and treatment. However, monitoring is ongoing for treatment in the future.

MOUNT KENYA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2018

MOUNT KENYA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2018 Introduction During the month of July the veterinary unit in Mt Kenya and Laikipia attended to several wildlife cases that required urgent veterinary intervention including repeat treatment of an injured black rhino at Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, treatment of an adult male White rhino with cutaneous wounds caused by territorial fights, treatment of a sub-adult male elephant suffering from a dislocated front leg at Mugie Wildlife Conservancy, treatment of a lioness with severe injuries on the shoulder and inguinal caused by a buffalo during hunting, capture and translocation of 5 lions involved in livestock predation and conflict with humans from Mt. Kenya Holiday homes in Naromoru area to Meru National park, capture and relocation of 2 lions involved in livestock predation in Mutara ranch to Meru National park, capture and relocation of 4 mountain bongos from one enclosure to the other to enhance breeding by mixing potential breeders, joined the Meru veterinary unit in treatment of a male White rhino with a cancerous growth on the genitals and inguinal regions among other cases as highlighted below;

1.

CAPTURE AND TRANSLOCATION OF 5 LIONS FROM NAROMORU AREA TO MERU NATIONAL PARK

Animals: Lions Species: Panthera leo Sex: 2 Females & 3 Males Age: Adults Location: Naromoru Date of immobilization: 10.07.2018 History This was a pride of 6 lions that strayed in Mt. Kenya Holiday homes near Narumoru settlements. The facility is about 10 acres large with electric fence hence the lions could not come out easily, there was a dense thicket in which the lions were hiding and predating on horses and other livestock at night. The owner of the facility called KWS and requested the vets to capture and translocate the lions to a protected area to avert human attacks and loss of livestock.

Chemical Immobilization Several attempts were made to search and dart the lions from a vehicle, but this was not easy because of the dense thicket and poor visibility and risk of losing a darted lion. The helicopter was sought by KWS and the lions were searched and located using a helicopter and safely darted from helicopter, 3 lions were captured using a lion trap and later anaesthetised while inside the trap. The lions were darted using 300 - 350mg of Ketamine combined with 4-8 mg of Medetomidine depending on the age, sex and size. Immediately after darting the lions were followed by helicopter until anaesthesia took effect and the lion was recumbent.

Physical examination Physical and medical examination was carried out and the lions were found to be healthy and in good body condition.

Blood and tissue samples were also collected for disease screening.

Care and Transportation After successful anaesthesia and capture the lions were loaded inside lion cages and on to a landcruiser pick-up then revived from anaesthesia and transported from Naromoru to KWS Laikipia station in Nanyuki. They were then immediately transferred to a lorry truck and translocated to Meru National park where they were released the same day. Two lions (male & female) were fitted with satellite collars to facilitate follow up and monitoring in Meru National park.

2.

CAPTURE AND TRANSLOCATION OF AN ADULT LIONESS AND ADULT LION FROM MUTARA RANCH TO MERU NATIONAL PARK

Animals: Lions Species: Panthera leo Sex: 1 female & 1 male Age: Adults Location: Mutara Ranch Date of immobilization: 11.07.2018 History This was part of a larger pride that has been predating on livestock in Mutara ranch and the management had requested the veterinary unit to capture and relocate them to a safe protected area.

After a long time of searching for the lions using a helicopter, we managed to locate the female and male, the two were successfully captured by darting from a helicopter and translocated to Meru National park.

Chemical Immobilization The lioness was darted from a helicopter using 300mgs of Ketamine combined with 4 mgs of Medetomidine. The drug took effect and the lioness went down after about 8 minutes. The male lion was also darted from a helicopter using 350mgs of Ketamine combined with 6 mgs of Medetomidine and took about 10 minutes for the drug to take effect.

Physical examination Physical and medical examination was carried out and the lions were found to be in good health and good body condition. Blood and tissue samples were collected for disease screening.

Care and Transportation The two lions were loaded inside a lion trap and onto a lorry truck then revived from anesthesia and transported from Mutara Ranch to Meru National park. They are currently being monitored daily and reported to be adapting well in their new environment.

3.

REPEAT TREATMENT OF AN ADULT MALE BLACK RHINO IN OL JOGI WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal identification: Species: Black Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy Date of intervention: 10th July, 2018 History This was an injured black rhino that had been treated for traumatic front leg injury about two months ago in Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, the injury had healed but the rhino was still weak and limping and needed re-examination and repeat treatment.

Chemical Immobilization The rhino was located and darted from a helicopter Clinical examination & treatment On examination, the deep wound on the dorsal part of the left front leg just above the carpal joint that was treated earlier had completely healed and formed a scar. Several other small lacerative wounds around the thighs and abdomen had also healed nicely.

Unfortunately, the ligaments and cartilages at the affected carpal joint had not healed and this made the animal to limp, but the prognosis was quite good.

Further treatments The rhino was then treated using Procaine penicillin and dexamethasone administered intramuscularly to enhance ligament/cartilage healing process, reduce the inflammation and minimize the pain. It was also administered with multivitamins intramuscularly. The affected joint was also sprayed using oxytetracycline spray.

Prognosis Prognosis was quite good after the repeat treatment so far the rhino is responding well to medication.

4.

RELOCATION OF A FEMALE GREVY’S ZEBRA FROM A RHINO BOMA TO MUKWE AREA WITHIN OL PEJETA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: Grevy’s zebra (Equuis grevyi) Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy Dates: 11th July, 2018 History The vet unit was requested to assist in capture and relocation of the remaining one female grevy’s zebra that evaded capture during the earlier translocation. The rhino enclosure is quite small in size and does not have adequate pasture and water to sustain grevy’s zebras and other herbivores in the enclosure. It was feared that with the current looming droughts those grevy’s zebras might suffer from starvation that might lead to their mortalities.

Other grevy’s zebras had been relocated in a similar operation earlier this year except one female that was quite shy and escaped darting.

Chemical immobilization & Relocation The female Grevy’s zebra was successfully darted from a helicopter using 7mgs of etorphine Hcl combined with 80mgs of azaperone. After darting the animal was placed on a specially designed animal stretcher and loaded onto the lorry truck.

Inside the truck, tissue, ticks and blood samples were collected then the animal revived from anaesthesia and driven to Mukwe area.

Revival of anaesthesia The anaesthesia was revived using 12mgs of diprenorphine Hcl combined with 100mgs of Naltrexone administered through the jugular vein. The zebra rose up after about 2 minutes and was immediately driven to the new area about 10Kms away.

5.

TREATMENT OF AN ADULT MALE WHITE RHINO IN SOLIO RHINO SANCTUARY

Animal identification: Species: White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Solio Rhino Sanctuary Date of intervention: 25th July, 2018 History This was a case of a sick white rhino that was reported by KWS security rangers patrolling Solio Rhino Sanctuary, the rhino had a large cutaneous lacerative wounds on the right shoulder, head, thighs and abdomen suspected to have been caused by territorial fight with other males. The wounds were beginning to heal but they were being contaminated and irritated by flies hence they were getting infected and required urgent veterinary attention.

Chemical Immobilization The rhino was then darted from a vehicle. On examination, the rhino had several lacerative cutaneous wounds on the right and left shoulders, neck and head regions that were getting infected.

The wounds were cleaned with water, cauterized with dilute Hydrogen peroxide then applied tincture of iodine and sprayed with oxytetracycline spray.

Other treatments Procaine penicillin and dexamethasone anti-inflammatory drugs were administered intramuscularly to enhance wound healing process.

Collection of samples Blood, tissue, and tick samples were collected and processed for disease screening and surveillance.

Revival of anaesthesia Soon after treatment, anaesthesia was revived using 24mgs of diprenorphine combined with 80mgs of Naltrexone administered through the ear vein, then 36mg of diprenorphine administered intramuscularly. Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and the rhino woke up feeling relieved.

Prognosis Prognosis was quite good after treatment the rhino is being monitored and has good response.

6.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED MALE ELEPHANT IN MUGIE WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Approximately 15 years old Location: Mugie Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 26th July, 2018 History This was a case of a sub-adult male elephant sighted in Mugie Wildlife Conservancy, it was quite weak, limping and unable to move, the right front leg was weak and swollen at the elbow joint and could not support the body. It had remained in one location for long without much movement. It had no visible external injuries and was in good body condition. The veterinary team were informed on time to attend to the case and save the elephant.

Animal care during anaesthesia Soon after anaesthesia took effect the elephant eyes were covered with the ear-pinna and the trunk was kept patent using a piece of stick and anaesthesia monitored throughout the treatment process. The respiratory rate, pulse rate, heart rate and body temperature were constantly monitored to ensure the elephant was under stable anaesthesia.

Examination There was no visible traumatic injury on the entire body, the affected front right leg was heavily swollen at the level of the elbow joint. The elephant was suspected to have sustained a joint dislocation either due to a territorial fight from other males and got stuck in a deep pit.

Treatment The elephant was then treated with Vitamin B12 and Dexamethason injection to revitalize the nerves and reduce pain on the joint, further treatment with BetamoxÂŽ antibiotic intramuscularly to treat possible internal infection.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was guarded due to pain and its inability to move but it had good appetite and remained near the water source hence it has good chances of recovery. The elephant will be monitored and progress reported to the vet unit.

7.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED LIONESS IN OL PEJETA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: Lioness (Panthera leo) Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 27th July, 2018 History This was a case of an adult lioness that had sustained several body injuries while hunting buffaloes in Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy. It had very deep wound on the shoulder, on the inguinal region and severely injured mouth particularly the right mandibles.

General Observation The lioness was found alone lying in open grassland with severe injuries, it had a lot of haemorrhage and required urgent treatment and suture of the wounds. The wounds were still fresh and could be sutured back to avoid wound infection.

Physical examination and treatment The animal was quite weak and unable to stand or move due to pain and excessive loss of blood. Physical examination revealed deep fresh wounds particularly on the medial side of the right armpit and a deep wound on the inguinal region.The wounds were cleaned using ethanol then shaved and sutured using chromic cat-gut absorbable sutures no 3. The injured mouth parts were also sutured using the same suture materials.

The sutured wounds were cleaned with povidone iodine, OpticloxÂŽ ointment and oxytetracycline spray.

Reversal of anaesthesia After suturing and treatment of the wounds, anaesthesia was revived using 10mgs of atipamezole given intramuscularly approximately one hour after the Ketamine dose, the lioness gradually recovered from anaesthesia and was up within a few minutes.

Prognosis of the case The prognosis was quite good as the injuries only affected soft tissues which will respond faster to medication. The lioness has since recovered and moved away to join the rest of the pride.

8.

SEARCH FOR AN ELEPHANT CALF SUSPECTED TO HAVE A WIRE SNARE IN CHOLOLO RANCH, LAIKIPIA

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Juvenile (calf) Location: Chololo ranch, Laikipia Date of clinical intervention: 23rd July, 2018 Case History A young elephant calf of about 2 months old was reported to have a snare on the front leg within Chololo ranch. The calf was in a herd of several other elephant families and was not easy to locate in the thicket. Several attempts were made to locate it but not successful until darkness.

The team decided to dart one of the females suspected to be the mother of that calf so that the calf would remain with her after immobilization but unfortunately the calf followed the rest of the herd and disappeared. Darkness soon crept in and the operation stopped, the herd has not been sighted but the team at the Mpala ranch continues to monitor. The mother was then revived from anaesthesia and released.

9.

TREATMENT AND GENE MIXING OF MOUNTAIN BONGO ANTELOPES IN MT. KENYA GAME RANCH

Animal identification: Species: Mountain bongo ((Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) Sex: 2 Males & 2 females Age: Adult Location: Mount Kenya Game Ranch Date of intervention: 28th July, 2018 History The management of Mt Kenya Game ranch requested the veterinary unit to help in chemical immobilization, capture, samples collection and treatment of 2 adult males and 2 adult female mountain bongos selected as active breeders and finally relocate them to chosen enclosures where they would mate and enhance breeding. This was also to minimize the in-breeding effect to promote the growth of bongo population in the facility.

Chemical Immobilization and relocation The selected bongos were approached and darted on foot using 5mgs of etorphine Hcl combined with 50mgs of azaperone one at a time. The bongos were put on a stretcher and carried by people then loaded onto a pick-up van padded with hay and driven to another enclosure about 2 kilometers away. The anaesthesia was monitored throughout the process of transportation and the team kept on pouring water on the animal to ensure they were in stable condition during the operation.

Collection of samples and treatment Soon after off-loading blood samples were collected from the jugular vein in EDTA coated tubes and plain tubes, tissue and tick samples were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol and blood smears were also prepared these will be preserved in the laboratory and later analysed as part of disease surveillance among the bongo population.

Treatment The animals were given pre-treatment using antibiotics, multivitamins and ivermectin to manage possible infections and gastrointestinal parasites.

Revival of anaesthesia The relocated bongos were then revived from anaesthesia using 18mgs of diprenorphine Hcl combined with 50mgs of Naltrexon administered through the jugular vein and rose up after 1 or 2 minutes.

MOUNT KENYA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT AUGUST 2018 Introduction During the month of August, the veterinary the Mt Kenya Veterinary unit attended to many wildlife cases that required urgent veterinary intervention particularly elephants. These included treatment of a wounded female elephant at Lentile Wildlife Conservancy, treatment of a lame female elephant at Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy, treatment of an injured male elephant at Namunyak Conservancy, treatment a sick elephant calf at Buffalo Springs National Reserve, treatment of an elephant with a dislocated hind leg at Mpala Wildlife Conservancy, euthanasia and post-mortem examination of a giraffe with a complete closed fracture of the front leg, treatment of a wounded male elephant at Milgis (Lokumkum area) Samburu County, capture and deworming of 5 mountain bongos at Mt. Kenya Game ranch and post-mortem examination of a dikdik that was knocked by an over speeding vehicle along Nanyuki – Ewasongiro road among others as highlighted in the report below;

1.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED FEMALE ELEPHANT IN LENTILE WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY, LAIKIPIA

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Female Age: Approximately 30 years old Location: Lentile Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 01/08/2018 History This was a case of an adult female elephant sighted in Lentile Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia County, it was in a family of five elephants and had a 2-year-old calf. The injured elephant was quite weak, limping with extremely swollen right front leg and unable to move. It had a small visible wound on the swollen part of the leg and was losing its body condition. The veterinary team were informed on time by the security team at Lentile lodge to attend to the case and help save the elephant.

Examination The affected right front leg was largely swollen at the level of the elbow joint with a small wound on the swelling suspected to be a gun-shot wound. There was no other visible traumatic injury on the entire body. The swollen leg was flexed and pressed but there was no pus or exudates coming out, on palpation and needle aspiration there was no fluid coming out, the swelling was as a result of inflammation of the tissues around he injured part of the leg.

Treatment The small wound was probed using long forceps and no foreign body was found in the wound, it was then treated with 10% hydrogen peroxide and tincture of iodine and oxytetracycline spray. The elephant was further treated with Dexamethason injection and BetamoxÂŽ antibiotic administered intramuscularly to reduce pain on the joint and treat possible internal infection.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was guarded due to pain and its inability to move but it had good appetite and remained near the water source hence it had good chances of recovery.

2.

TREATMENT OF A LAME FEMALE ELEPHANT IN LOISABA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Female Age: Approximately 25 years old Location: Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 13/08/2018 History An adult female elephant sighted in Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy it had a one and half year-old calf. It was found alone with the calf along the river, it was quite weak and limping with a swollen right front leg. It had been treated earlier but had not healed fully hence required repeat treatment.

Examination The affected right front leg was swollen at the level of the elbow joint but had no wound or any other external injury.

The swollen leg was flexed and palpated to confirm the cause of the injury, it was suspected to have got dislocated either during mating or accidentally fell into the cliff.

Treatment The elephant was treated with Vitamin B12 and Calcium (CalcijectÂŽ) followed by Dexamethason injection and BetamoxÂŽ antibiotic administered intramuscularly to reduce pain on the joint and treat possible internal infection as the recovery process continued.

Prognosis of the case After treatment, the elephant was revived from anaesthesia using 48mgs of diprenorphine Hcl administered intravenous through the superficial ear-vein. The elephant rose up and was joined by the calf.

Prognosis was good as it had good body condition and it was strong enough to support itself and protect its calf.

3.

TREATMENT OF A LAME ADULT MALE ELEPHANT IN NAMUNYAK WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Adult approximately 35 years old Location: Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 14/08/2018 History This was a case of an adult male elephant sighted in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Samburu County, the elephant was unable to move and just remained in one location for long hours. It had a very large swelling at the left front leg which extended from the shoulder down to the lower extremities. The cause of the injury was not known but suspected to be a dislocation or fracture caused by territorial fights.

Examination and Treatment The swollen leg was palpated by hand and was pitting on palpation and when aspirated using a needle and syringe it had clear coloured fluid accumulation a sign of edema. The edema extended from the shoulder to the lower parts of the leg and this caused a lot of pain hence the elephant could not walk. There was no external wound or injury on the affected leg or any other parts of the elephant. The elephant was then treated with calcium injection to enhance bone formation around the dislocated joint, Dexamethasone injection intramuscular was given to reduce inflammation and minimize pain and a high dose of Procaine penicillin to treat possible infection.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was poor but the area is safe and it was being monitored by security rangers daily to report its progress.

4.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT CALF AT BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVE

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Female Age: A Juvenile approximately 3years old Location: Buffalo Springs National Reserve Date of clinical intervention: 18/08/2018 History This was a case of a 3 year old elephant calf in Buffalo Springs National Reserve that had poor body condition, reluctant to feed and could not keep pace with the mother or the rest of the elephant family. It was quite weak and obviously showed signs of illness. It was observed and reported by the research team at The Save the Elephants camp. The calf required clinical examination and possible treatment before the condition got worse.

Examination and Treatment The mother and other family groups refused to leave the calf and we had to use several vehicles to pressure them away and surround the calf, so it could be attended to. The calf was severely emaciated with a very sharp spine, thin neck, sunken crest and eye-ball the ribs were quite visible with minimum muscle cover. Respiration was quite irregular with very low pulse rate. The calf was suspected to have cardio-pulmonary insufficiency due to either infection or congenital defect. Blood samples were collected for further laboratory analysis, tissue samples were also collected for genetics studies. The elephant was then treated using long-acting antibiotics and multivitamins awaiting laboratory findings.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was favourable after the treatment, but the calf will be monitored closely to see how it progresses.

5.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED MALE ELEPHANT AT MPALA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Approximately 15 years old Location: Mpala Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 23/08/2018 History A sub-adult male elephant was sighted in Mpala Wildlife Conservancy, while quite weak and limping and dragging its left rare foot. It was suspected to have sustained a fracture or dislocation of the left hind leg. The elephant was left alone as it could not cope up with the pace of the other elephants. This required veterinary examination and assessment on how the case could be managed.

Examination The affected left hind leg was stiff and not flexing, it had no wound or any other external injury on the affected leg.

The affected leg was flexed and palpated to confirm the cause of the injury, it was found to have sustained a closed partial fracture at the level of the stiffle joint that had started to heal and formed callus around the stiffle joint hence the elephant could not flex the leg or put weight on it. The cause of the fracture is not established probably due to territorial fight or getting stuck in a deep hole.

Treatment Due to the young age and with the obvious signs of recovery, the elephant was treated with Vitamin B12 and Calcium (CalcijectÂŽ) followed by Dexamethason injection and BetamoxÂŽ antibiotic administered intramuscularly to reduce pain and treat possible internal infection as the recovery process continued.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was good as it was still young and could easily recover from partial fracture and it was still strong enough to support itself. The elephant is being closely monitored by the security team at the Mpala Conservancy but so far its improving.

6.

EUTHANASIA AND POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION OF A MALE RETICULATED GIRAFFE AT EL KARAMA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: El Karama Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 23/08/2018 History This was an adult male Reticulated giraffe that was found with a complete closed fracture of the humerus bone of the right front leg. The giraffe was in a very deep pain and unable to move mostly lying down. The fractured leg could not support the weight of the giraffe and it kept dragging it and preferred lying down.

Euthanasia The giraffe was found lying and unable to stand due to the broken leg, due to the heavy weight of the giraffe and nature of the fracture there was no possibility of recovery from the fracture. A decision was then made to euthanize the animal to relieve it from pain and suffering and conduct post-mortem.

Postmortem findings The giraffe had a complete closed fracture of the humerus bone that had broken into several pieces but he skin was intact, it could not have recovered from the injury. There was heavy myonecrosis and internal hemorrhage resulting from the fracture that elicited severe pain that the giraffe could not bear.

Carcass disposal The carcass was disposed by burial in a deep pit to avoid scavengers or environmental contamination.

7.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ADULT MALE ELEPHANT AT MILGIS (LOKUMKUM) AREA IN SAMBURU COUNTY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Adult approximately 35 years old Location: Milgis (Lokumkum) area Date of clinical intervention: 21/08/2018 History This was a case of an adult male elephant sighted by community scouts from Milgis Trust at Lokumkum area of Samburu County, it had deep penetrating wounds on the distal part of the right front leg and upper thigh. The elephant was quite weak and could be seen limping along the river and remained isolated from the rest of the elephant herds. The veterinary team was flown on a chartered flight from Nanyuki airstrip and responded immediately the same day and managed to treat the elephant.

Examination and Treatment The elephant had a deep penetrating wound on the distal lateral part of the right front leg, the wound extended latero-medially into the carpal joint, some carpal bones were splintered and could be felt upon probing with long forceps. The entire leg was also swollen due to heavy inflammation. The wound was probed using sterile gauze swabs attached to long forceps to remove all the necrotic debri and ensure no foreign material was left inside.

Thereafter the wound was cleaned with copious amounts of water then debrided with dilute 10% hydrogen peroxide then cleaned and flushed with tincture of iodine. The wound was further treated using OpticloxÂŽ ointment applied topically and green clay applied to plug off the wound, the deep wound on the upper thigh was also probed and treated in a similar way.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was guarded due to its inability to move and defend itself and the possibility of developing arthritis which has poor prognosis in elephants. The security rangers were informed to monitor the progress and report to the veterinary team in case it required repeat treatment or possibility of euthanasia.

8.

POSTMORTEM EXAMINATION AND SAMPLING OF A MALE DIK DIK KILLED BY THE ROAD-SIDE

Animals: Dik dik Species: Madoqua guentheri Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Nanyuki-Ewasongiro murram road near Ol Jogi Date of Intervention: 23/08/2018 History The male Dik dik was knocked down by a speeding vehicle along the Nanyuki-Ewasongiro murram road near Ol Jogi.

The veterinary team came across it and collected the carcass for post-mortem examination then collected tissue samples for genetics studies.

Postmortem Findings The animal was knocked on the head and shoulder while crossing the road and died of head and brain injuries and broken rib-cage.

Samples Collection Tissue samples collected and preserved in absolute ethanol for genetics studies.

Carcass disposal The carcass was collected and then disposed of in a nearby thicket.

9.

MASS DEWORMING OF 5 JUVENILE MOUNTAIN BONGOS IN MT. KENYA GAME RANCH

Animal identification: Species: Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) Sex: 3 Males & 2 Females Age: Juveniles Location: Mount Kenya Game Ranch Date of intervention: 24/08/2018 History Several young mountain bongos were reported to have been progressively losing body weight despite being given mineral supplements and quality feeds. They had rough hair coat and some with distended abdomens. They have been suspected to have heavy worm infestations. They therefore required mass deworming and treatment to protect them from severe helminthosis. A similar treatment was done 2 months earlier with good response and there was need to repeat the treatment due to change in weather conditions in the area.

Treatment The 5 young animals were physically restrained by capture net and hand then treated using Levamisole anthelminthic administered orally. Blood samples were also collected for further investigations and health monitoring.

Prognosis Prognosis was good after oral deworming and the animals will be monitored daily by the keepers.

MOUNT KENYA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT SEPTEMBER 2018 Introduction The Mt Kenya Wildlife Veterinary unit attended to several wildlife cases that required urgent veterinary intervention in the whole of Laikipia-Samburu ecosystem and Mt. Kenya region during the month of September 2018. Some of the cases successfully attended to included treatment of an injured male Grevyi zebra at Ol Donyiro area of Isiolo County, treatment of a juvenile Mountain bongo at Mt. Kenya Game ranch, repeat treatment of an injured sub-adult male elephant with leg deformity, treatment of a female elephant with a cancerous growth on the abdomen, treatment of a wounded elephants at Mugie and Loldaiga wildlife conservancy respectively. We also attended to an injured lame giraffe at Olenashu Wildlife Conservancy, desnaring of a male impala at Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy among other cases as reported below;

1.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED MALE GREVY ZEBRA IN OL DONYIRO, ISIOLO COUNTY

Animal Identification Species: Grevy’s zebra (Equuis grevyi) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ol donyiro, Isiolo County Date of clinical intervention: 9/09/2018 History This was a case of an adult male Grevy zebra reported to be limping and bleeding on its left front leg. The cause of the injury was not established. The veterinary team responded promptly to treat the animal.

Examination & Treatment It had lacerative wounds around the carpal joint and the leg had a closed fracture that had formed callus and beginning to heal. The animal was suspected to have been caught on a tight snare and escaped with a fracture and lacerative injuries. The wounds were cleaned with lots of water, cauterized and debrided using 10% Hydrogen peroxide and thereafter covered with povidone iodine. Further topical treatments included application oxytetracycline spray to enhance the healing process.

Other treatments using Amoxycillin (BetamoxÂŽ) was administered and dexamethasone anti-inflammatory drug administered intramuscularly to enhance wound healing process.

Prognosis The anesthesia was revived using 12mgs of diprenorphine Hcl administered through the jugular vein. The zebra rose up after 1 minute and ran away feeling relieved. Prognosis was fair and KWS rangers and community scouts were informed to monitor and report.

2.

TREATMENT OF A JUVENILE BONGO WITH KERATOCONJUCTIVITIS (EYE INFECTION) IN MT. KENYA GAME RANCH

Species: Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) Sex: Female Age: Juvenile Location: Mount Kenya Game Ranch Date of intervention: 9/09/2018 History A two-month old Mountain bongo was reported to have bilateral swelling of both eyes and was becoming blind and very much irritated, this required urgent veterinary intervention.

Examination and treatment The young animal was physically restrained by hand then treated then the eyes were closely examined. It had a very severe keratoconjuctivitis most likely caused by bacterial infection. It was treated by injection of Amoxycillin (Betamox®) combined with dexamethasone administered through the intra-conjuctival route. Different syringes and needles were used for each eye to avoid cross-infection of the eyes. Cloxacillin (Opticlox®) eye ointment was then applied topically. Blood samples were also collected for further investigations and health monitoring. Application of eye ointment was repeated three times at an interval of every 3 days. Intramuscular injection of Amoxycillin (Betamox®) and multivitamin was also given.

Prognosis Prognosis was good after treatment and the animals will be monitored daily by the keepers.

3.

REPEAT TREATMENT OF AN INJURED MALE ELEPHANT AT MPALA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Approximately 15 years old Location: Mpala Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 12/9/2018 History This was a repeat treatment a sub-adult male elephant in Mpala Wildlife Conservancy that was suspected to have sustained a fracture or dislocation of the left hind leg. The elephant had made quite good improvements after the first treatment about a month ago, but it required re-examination and repeat treatment to enhance its recovery.

Examination The affected left hind leg was still stiff and not flexing, it had no wound or any other external injury on the affected leg.

Treatment The elephant was then treated with Vitamin B12 and Calcium (CalcijectÂŽ) followed by Dexamethason injection and BetamoxÂŽ antibiotic administered intramuscularly to reduce pain and treat possible internal infection as the recovery process continued. This was the same treatment as last time and it had made very good improvements.

Revival of anaesthesia Soon after treatment, the elephant was revived from anaesthesia using 36mgs of diprenorphine Hcl combined with 50mgs of Naltrexone administered intravenously through the superficial ear-vein. The elephant rose up shortly and walked away feeling much relieved.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was good as it had responded quite well to the previous treatment and expected to recover fully after the second treatment. The elephant is being closely monitored by the security team at the Mpala Conservancy who have reported good progress.

4.

TREATMENT OF AN ADULT FEMALE ELEPHANT WITH A BENIGN SKIN CANCEROUS GROWTH AT MPALA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Female Age: Approx. 35 years old Location: Mpala Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 25/9/2018 History The elephant was sighted with a large rounded swelling on the latero-ventral side of the right abdomen. The swelling looked like a fresh wound with slight haemorrhages and covered with thin layer of necrotic tissues. The elephant required to be immobilized, examined and samples collected for confirmatory diagnosis then treatment where possible.

Examination and Treatment The swelling was palpated by hands and then aspirated by a needle and syringe, it was a well consolidated lump of live tissue that was fresh and growing. Any slight cut on the swelling led to profuse bleeding and revealed live tissues parenchyma. The swelling seemed to have grown over time and was still growing. Morphologically it was confirmed to be a cancerous growth of the skin, probably a benign tumor. Attempts to excise (cut it off) proved futile due to excessive haemorrhage and prolapsed of abdominal organs (intestines).

Samples Collection Tissue samples were collected from the swelling and preserved in ethanol and some parts frozen for histopathology tests to confirm which type of cancer this is. Blood samples were also collected and preserved by freezing.

Supportive treatment The wound on the swelling was then debrided with 10% hydrogen peroxide then cleaned and flushed with tincture of Lugol’s iodine. It was further treated using oxytetracycline spray and green clay applied. Other treatments were intramuscular injection of Procaine penicillin (NorocillinŽ) and dexamethasone to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Prognosis Prognosis was quite poor due to the intensive pain and haemorrhage from the swelling and also the likelihood of metastasis of the cancerous cells. However, it will still continue with supportive therapy to manage the wound.

5.

TREATMENT AND RELOCATION OF TWO MOUNTAIN BONGO ANTELOPES IN MT. KENYA GAME RANCH

Animal identification: Species: Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) Sex: 2 Females Age: Adult Location: Mount Kenya Game Ranch Date of intervention: History The management of Mt Kenya Game ranch requested the veterinary unit to help in chemical immobilization, capture, samples collection and treatment of 2 adult female mountain bongos which were in deep thicket and very much isolated from the rest of the herds. They were at security risk and could not be accessed by males for breeding purposes. The bongos were put on a stretcher and carried by people then loaded onto a pick-up van padded with hay and driven to another enclosure about 3 kilometers away. The team kept on pouring water on the animals to ensure they were in stable condition during the relocation process.

Collection of samples and treatment Soon after off-loading blood samples were collected from the jugular vein in EDTA coated tubes and plain tubes, tissue and tick samples were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol and blood smears were also prepared these will be preserved in the laboratory and later analysed as part of disease surveillance among the bongo population. A similar exercise had been undertaken earlier on 4 bongos.

Treatment The animals were given pre-treatment using antibiotics, multivitamins and ivermectin to manage possible infections and gastrointestinal parasites.

Revival of anaesthesia The relocated bongos were then revived from anaesthesia using 18mgs of diprenorphine Hcl combined with 50mgs of Naltrexon administered through the jugular vein and released to the new enclosure where they can be easily monitored and participate in breeding with the rest of the herds.

6.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED SUB-ADULT MALE ELEPHANT AT LOLDAIGA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Sub-adult Location: Loldaiga Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 14/9/2018 History This was a case of a sub-adult male elephant sighted by community scouts from Loldaiga Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia County, it had deep penetrating wounds on the medial side of the left front leg. The elephant was left lonely in the deep thickets of Loldaiga hills and could be seen limping and remained isolated from the rest of the elephant herds.

Examination and Treatment The elephant had deep penetrating wounds on the medial side of the left front leg. The wound was quite septic with lots of pus and exudates and necrotic tissue debris. The wound was cleaned with lots of clean water then probed using sterile gauze swabs attached to long forceps to remove all the necrotic debri and ensure no foreign material was left inside. Thereafter the wound was then debrided with dilute 10% hydrogen peroxide then cleaned and flushed with tincture of iodine. It was further treated using OpticloxÂŽ ointment applied topically and oxytetracycline spray applied. Other treatments were intramuscular injection of Procaine penicillin (NorocillinÂŽ) and dexamethasone to support the wound healing process.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was quite good after treatment and quick recovery was expected since the wound was higher up with minimum contamination and only affected soft tissues. The security rangers at Loldaiga were informed to monitor the progress and report to the veterinary team in case it required repeat treatment.

7.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ADULT MALE ELEPHANT AT MUGIE WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Animal Identification Species: African Elephant (Loxodanta africana) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mugie Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 17/09/2018 History This was a case of an adult male elephant sighted in Mugie Wildlife Conservancy, it was quite weak, limping and unable to move, the left front leg was weak and heavily swollen at the carpal joint and could not support the body. It had minor external injuries around the swollen leg and the elephant was still in good body condition.

Animal care during anaesthesia The elephant eyes were covered with the ear-pinna and the trunk was kept patent using a piece of stick and anaesthesia monitored throughout the treatment process. The respiratory rate, pulse rate, heart rate and body temperature were constantly monitored to ensure the elephant was under stable anaesthesia.

Examination There were minor visible traumatic injuries around the swollen leg, the affected leg was flexed and palpated thoroughly. It was suspected to have sustained partial bone fracture or dislocation around the carpal joint, this injury caused inflammation and a lot of pain hence the elephant could barely move. The cause of the injury could not be established.

Treatment The elephant was then treated with Calcium injection (CalcijectÂŽ), Vitamin B12 and dexamethasone injection to revitalize the nerves and reduce pain on the joint, further treatment with long-acting BetamoxÂŽ antibiotic intramuscularly to treat possible internal infection.

Prognosis of the case Prognosis was guarded due to pain and its inability to move but it had good appetite and remained near the water source hence it has good chances of recovery. The elephant has since improved and moved away from the area where it was treated.

8.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ADULT MALE GIRAFFE IN OLENASHU WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

Species: Reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Olenashu Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: History An adult male giraffe was reported to be limping and had open wounds on the right front leg. The animal was quite weak and could not keep pace with other giraffes hence required immediate veterinary intervention.

Chemical immobilization The injured giraffe was found browsing in a fairly thicket area from where it was darted from a vehicle using 12mgs of etorphine Hcl combined with 50mgs of azaperone delivered by Dan-inject remote delivery system. It took about 11 minutes for the immobilization drug to take effect and the giraffe was roped down by the veterinary team assisted by the team at the conservancy.

Examination and Treatment The giraffe had a deep wound on the right carpal joint that affected the joint capsule, the wound had lots of pus, exudates and necrotic tissue debris. The wound was cleaned with water then cauterized and debrided using 10% Hydrogen peroxide and thereafter covered with Lugol’s iodine. Further treatments included application of opticlox ointment then oxytetracycline spray. Amoxycillin (BetamoxŽ) was administered and dexamethasone antiinflammatory drug administered intramuscularly to enhance wound healing process.

Prognosis Prognosis was quite good after the wound was adequately treated.

9.

TREATMENT OF A MALE MOUNTAIN BONGO WITH TRAUMATIC INJURY ON THE FORE HEAD

Species: Mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mount Kenya Game Ranch Date of intervention: 23/9/2018 History One of the male bongos had a traumatic injury on the fore-head between the horns, the injuries were sustained when he animal tried to break through the fence around the enclosures. The injuries were quite painful and required urgent veterinary intervention before infection sets in.

Examination and treatment The cut wounds were cleaned properly using a forceps and gauze swabs severally, then cleaned using 10% hydrogen peroxide and povidone iodine. The wound was topical treated using OpticloxÂŽ ointment and oxytetracycline spray. It was then treated using Procaine penicillin and dexamethasone administered intramuscularly.

Prognosis Prognosis was quite good after treatment of the traumatic wounds. The animal has since recovered quite well following the treatment.

10. DESNARING OF AN ADULT MALE IMPALA AT OL PEJETA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY Animal Identification Species: Impala (Aepyceros melampus) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy Date of clinical intervention: 25/9/2018 History An adult male impala was sighted with a tight snare around the neck in Mukwe area of Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, the veterinary team responded to the case and removed the snare.

Examination & Treatment The snare was quite tight around the neck, but it had not cut through the tissues. The wire was untied and removed, and the impala got revived from anaesthesia.