SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT OCTOBER 2023
Introduction
12 Cases in October
3 Poaching Cases
3 Elephant Cases
October Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan In October, the Meru ecosystem received light showers. We are optimistic that continued rainfall will provide ample nourishment and hydration for wildlife. Over the reporting period, the SWT-KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit responded to 12 cases. These included 3 common zebras in Meru National Park that received treatment for wounds inflicted by predators; a female Eastern Mountain bongo at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy with a fight wound; 3 elephant cases in Mpala Ranch comprising a lame elephant bull, a recumbent elephant cow with a penetrating wound on the left forelimb, and an autopsy examination on the carcass of a female elephant found to have suffered gastric torsion. In Meru National Park, the veterinary team conducted an autopsy examination of a lion carcass, treated a security dog with irritant contact dermatitis and responded to a recumbent reticulated Giraffe bull. Additionally, the team treated 2 Reticulated giraffe bulls in Garissa for wire snare related injuries. Acknowledgement The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit extends heartfelt gratitude to Sylvie Chantecaille for funding the operation
of the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This support has been invaluable in safeguarding the health and well-being of wildlife in the Greater Meru Conservation Area. Additionally, the team appreciates Kenya Wildlife Service for providing effective managerial oversight through the KWS-Head of Veterinary Services and the Senior Assistant Director, Eastern Conservation Area.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
02-Oct 23
Zebra
Meru N.P.
14-Oct 23
Security Dog
15-Oct 23
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Natural Causes
Adult male common zebra with a severe wound on the right flank
Successfully treated
Meru N.P.
Natural Causes
Adult male security dog with difficulty walking after suffering paw injuries
Successfully treated
Bongo
Mt. Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
Adult female mountain bongo with a penetrating wound on the left flank
Successfully treated
17-Oct 23
Zebra
Meru N.P.
Natural Causes
Adult female common zebra with multiple injuries on the flank and rump
Successfully treated
17-Oct 23
Zebra
Meru N.P.
Natural Causes
Adult male common zebra bleeding profusely from the inguinal region
Successfully treated
18-Oct 23
Elephant
Mpala Ranch
Natural Causes
Adult elephant bull with marked lameness on the left front limb
Prognosis Poor
18-Oct 23
Elephant
Mpala Ranch
Bullet Wound
Recumbent adult female elephant treated a few days prior for a penetrating wound
Prognosis Poor
18-Oct 23
Elephant
Mpala Ranch
Postmortem
Autopsy on a euthanized adult female elephant that had exhibited impaired mobility and eventually recumbency
Died. Gastric volvulus
20-Oct 23
Giraffe
Meru N.P.
Natural Causes
Recumbent adult male Reticulated giraffe near Mutundu River
Successfully treated
28-Oct 23
Lion
Meru N.P.
Postmortem
Adult male lion carcass sighted in Meru National Park
Died. Septic Shock
30-Oct 23
Giraffe
Raya, Garissa
Snared
Sub-adult male Reticulated giraffe with a winch wire snare around its right forelimb
Successfully treated
30-Oct 23
Giraffe
Adheley, Garissa
Snared
Adult Reticulated giraffe bull with marked lameness on the left hindleg
Successfully treated
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations October 2023
Case 1 – 02nd October 2023 Zebra
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
This injured adult female common zebra eluded the team for 3 days. While on routine patrol on 02/10/2023, the team came across the injured zebra. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted on the right neck muscles with 6 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. Once the drugs took effect, the animal was swiftly secured, blindfolded, and doused with water to aid in thermoregulation. The zebra had laceration wounds on the rump and a type 2 skin tear wound on the right flank, stemming from a failed lion attack. Some portions of the skin were infested with maggots and had become infected. Compromised tissues were excised to facilitate proper wound healing. The wounds were then cleansed with water, treated with Iodine, infused with an antibiotic ointment, covered with green clay, and sprayed with an antibiotic aerosol to deter flies. 4,500 mg Amoxicillin, 60 mg Dexamethasone, and 2,000 mg Cyanocobalamin were administered intramuscularly. Subcutaneously, 5 mg Ivermectin was administered to manage both ectoparasites and endoparasites. Subsequently, anaesthesia was reversed with 150 mg Naltrexone. The zebra regained mobility within 2 minutes and retreated to the bush. Prognosis The zebra has a good prognosis for recovery.
Case 2 – 14th October 2023 Security Dog
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The dog handler at the Meru Canine Unit reported that an adult male security canine was having trouble walking after suffering paw injuries. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The canine was found inactive and displayed symptoms indicative of discomfort. Upon review of the clinical history, it was determined that the injuries were incurred during an extended walk on the scorching gravel terrain within Meru National Park. Physical examination revealed severe bruising on all paws, leading to a diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis. The wounds were cleansed with water, treated with Lugol's Iodine, and covered with an antibiotic ointment. To deter flies, an antibiotic aerosol was also administered. The dog received 450 mg Amoxicillin to address potential systemic infections, and 6 mg Dexamethasone sodium for the management of pain and inflammation. The attending veterinarian recommended the dog be given a period of rest until the wounds have fully healed. Moreover, it was advised that protective dog shoes be provided since the terrain within Meru National Park make security dogs susceptible to paw injuries. Prognosis The security dog has a good prognosis.
Case 3 – 15th October 2013 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed about an injured adult female Eastern Mountain bongo in Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted with 4 mg Etorphine and 40 mg Azaperone. The drugs took effect swiftly and the bongo assumed sternal recumbency within 5 minutes. It was promptly secured, blindfolded to prevent visual stimulation, and supplemental oxygen administered. A superficial puncture wound was observed on the left flank, it was suspected that the wound was inflicted by another bongo during a minor altercation. The wound was cleaned with normal saline, irrigated with a Metronidazole and Iodine solution, and infused with antibiotic ointment. Suturing was performed using chromic catgut 2/0 in a simple interrupted suture pattern then the area was covered with an antibiotic spray. Intramuscularly, 3,000 mg Amoxicillin, 4,000 mg Phenylbutazone, and 2,000 mg Cyanocobalamin were administered. Additionally, 5 mg Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously while 500 mg Fenbendazole was given orally. Anaesthesia was reversed with 100 mg Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein. The bongo regained mobility 3 minutes later. Prognosis The bongo has a good prognosis.
Case 4 – 17th October 2023 Zebra
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
While on routine wildlife health assessment within Meru National Park, the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit encountered an adult female common zebra with multiple injuries on the flank and rump. These injuries were suspected to have been incurred during a failed lion attack. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted from a vehicle on the left thigh muscles with a combination of 6 mgs Etorphine and 60 mgs Azaperone. The drugs quickly took effect, and the animal was recumbent after 5 minutes. The team quickly secured and blindfolded the zebra and doused its body with water. Wounds were observed on the rump and the dorsal side of the neck. The wounds were cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine, and covered with green clay. To manage bacterial infections and inflammation, 4,500 mgs Amoxicillin and 60 mgs Dexamethasone sodium were administered intramuscularly. 1,000 mgs Cyanocobalamin and 5 mgs Ivermectin were also administered accordingly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 150 mgs Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein. The zebra rose and walked away. Prognosis The zebra has a good prognosis for recovery.
Case 5 – 17th October 2023 Zebra
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The team observed a male common zebra within a nearby herd profusely bleeding from the inguinal region. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted from a vehicle with 6 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. However, the dart landed subcutaneously and did not fully discharge, prompting the use of a 2nd dart with the same dosage. The animal exhibited signs of sedation but did not achieve recumbency. A 3rd dart with 5 mg Etorphine and 50 mg Azaperone was discharged to expedite immobilization given the animal’s dire injuries. The zebra assumed recumbency within 3 minutes. Physical examination revealed wounds, suspected to be from a failed lion attack, in the inguinal area with blood oozing from severed arteries. The bleeding was controlled by ligating the arteries. The wounds were then flushed with Iodine, treated with antibiotic ointment, and covered with an antibiotic aerosol. 4,500 mg Amoxicillin, and 80 mg Dexamethasone sodium were administered intramuscularly. Despite exhibiting anaesthesia complications due to significant blood loss, the animal was stabilized successfully with an intravenous administration of 10 mg Dexamethasone. The zebra was revived with 200 mg Naltrexone. It regained consciousness within 2 minutes and bolted. Prognosis The zebra has a favourable prognosis.
Case 6 – 18th October 2023 Elephant
Natural Causes
Mpala Ranch
The Meru Veterinary team was informed about a severely injured adult elephant bull in Mpala Ranch. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was found within a densely vegetated area, it exhibited noticeable lameness on its left forelimb. A vehicle was carefully employed to approach the elephant, and it was subsequently tranquilized with 16 mg Etorphine. The dart landed on the right rump, and approximately 7 minutes later, the elephant assumed right lateral recumbency. To provide protection from the intense sun, the elephant’s body was doused with water before proceeding with a comprehensive physical examination. No cutaneous injuries were found on the affected limb. However, the mobility of the elbow joint was compromised which raised suspicions of a humeral fracture. To address the elephant's condition, 100 mg Dexamethasone sodium and 6,000 mg Amoxicillin were administered intramuscularly. Subsequently, anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone, and efforts were made to assist the elephant to stand. Prognosis Unfortunately, the elephant bull has a poor prognosis for recovery.
Case 7 – 18th October 2023 Elephant
Bullet Wound
Mpala Ranch
After attending to the elephant bull, the veterinary team was informed about a recumbent adult elephant cow treated a few days prior for a penetrating wound in the carpal region of the left forelimb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was found in left lateral recumbency, there were signs that she had struggled to stand. Wounds were observed on her perineal region, it was suspected that the wounds were inflicted by a hyena. The wounds were irrigated with Iodine, covered with green clay, and sprayed with an antibiotic aerosol to deter flies. 15,000 mgs Oxytetracycline and 120 mgs Dexamethasone sodium were administered intramuscularly for management of bacterial infections and inflammation respectively. 15 mgs Etorphine was then administered to facilitate repositioning the elephant for access to the wound on the limb. The deep penetrating wound was believed to be a bullet wound, and a fracture of the carpal bone was suspected. The wound was flushed with hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries for slow antibiotic release, covered with green clay and an antibiotic aerosol applied. Anaesthesia was reversed 5 minutes later with 300 mgs Naltrexone. She was then assisted to stand. Prognosis Unfortunately, the elephant has a poor prognosis for recovery.
Case 8 – 18th October 2023 Elephant
Post-mortem
Mpala Ranch
After attending to the 2 injured elephants, the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile veterinary team was notified about a female elephant carcass in Mpala Ranch. The team was asked to perform a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. The elephant had exhibited noticeable signs of impaired mobility, eventually becoming recumbent and unable to stand. In consideration of the animal’s poor prognosis, the elephant had been euthanized, and the ivory tusks recovered by a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) team for secure custody. Post-mortem findings The carcass was found lying on its left side with its tusks removed. It was in a good body condition, scoring 3.5 out of a possible 5 on a body condition scale, as indicated by robust muscle coverage observed on the dorsal and pelvic regions. Upon cutaneous examination, no notable skin injuries were observed, except for a penetrating wound on the ventral aspect of the neck suspected to be the point of euthanasia, possibly by a gunshot. Internal examination revealed pallid muscle tissues and a spleen characterized by areas of pinpoint necrosis. The most salient observation was a torsion occurring at the pylorus level, impeding the movement of ingesta within the digestive tract.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures for this case.
Case 9 – 20th October 2023 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The Meru Veterinary team was informed about an adult Reticulated giraffe bull in a recumbent and immobilized state near Mutundu River within Meru National Park.
Examination and treatment The giraffe was found struggling to stand. The animal was swiftly blindfolded to facilitate physical examination. Abrasion wounds were observed around the giraffe’s neck, the wounds were suspected to have resulted from an altercation with another male giraffe known as "necking". The environment around the giraffe exhibited marked signs of disturbance indicative of a fall during the confrontation. Owing to the giraffe's state of exhaustion and unfavourable body positioning, it was unable to regain upright posture without assistance. The abrasion wounds were cleaned with water and covered with an antibiotic spray. 80 mgs Dexamethasone sodium were administered intramuscularly for management of shock, pain, and inflammation. An adrenaline injection was administered then the veterinary team assisted the giraffe to stand. The giraffe stood a few minutes later and walked away slowly to browse on nearby acacia trees. Prognosis The Reticulated giraffe has a good prognosis.
Case 10 – 28th October 2023 Lion
Post-mortem
Meru National Park
The SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit team was informed about a lion carcass sighted in Meru National Park. The Vet team visited the area to conduct an autopsy examination and ascertain the cause of death. Post-mortem findings The carcass was found lying on its ventral side with most parts of the body scavenged except for the head. Examination of the remains revealed an identifiable region at the mid cervical area that exhibited pronounced autolysis. Additionally, there was notable cerebral oedema. Cause of death The lion was suspected to have incurred an injury in the mid-neck region which subsequently became infected, culminating in septic shock and eventually death.
Case 11 – 30th October 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Raya Area, Garissa
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit responded to a report of a snared Reticulated giraffe in Garissa. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The sub-adult male giraffe was darted on the rump with a combination of 13 mg Etorphine and 30 mg Azaperone after a brief pursuit. The animal was startled when the dart landed, and it initially fled before the effects of the drugs took hold. Approximately 10 minutes later, the animal was safely restrained on the ground. It was blindfolded, and the neck and head secured to facilitate examination. Anaesthesia was promptly reversed with 150 mg Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein. The giraffe had a winch wire snare around its right forelimb which was embedded into the flesh. The wire snare was carefully removed with wire cutters then the wounds were cleaned and treated. To manage inflammation and potential bacterial infections, 1,000 mg Flunixin meglumine and 6,000 mg Amoxicillin were administered intramuscularly. The giraffe was released approximately 5 minutes later and ran away. Prognosis The giraffe has a good prognosis for recovery.
Case 12 – 30th October 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Adheley Area, Garissa
After attending to the snared sub-adult Reticulated giraffe, the team was informed about an adult Reticulated giraffe bull with marked lameness on the left hindlimb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was darted on the right flank with 15 mgs Etorphine and 20 mgs Azaperone discharged from a Dan-Inject rifle. The drugs quickly took effect, and the giraffe was roped to the ground, blindfolded and the neck and head pinned to the ground to facilitate examination. Anaesthesia was immediately reversed with 200 mgs Naltrexone before proceeding with treatment. During the examination, it was determined that the giraffe had sustained an injury associated with a snare which had led to exuberant granulation tissue formation impeding the wound healing process. However, no remnants of the snare were found within the wound. The exuberant granulation tissue was excised, and the resultant wound was meticulously cleansed with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, and flushed with Iodine. An antibiotic aerosol was applied onto the wound to repel flies then 1,000 mg Flunixin meglumine and 9,000 mg Amoxicillin were administered intramuscularly to alleviate pain and prevent infection. After treatment, the giraffe was released. Prognosis The giraffe has a favourable prognosis for recovery.