SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
FEBRUARY 2024
February Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho
Many parts south and north of Lake Naivasha and generally many parts of Central Rift Conservation Area during this reporting period are experiencing a dry spell though occasionally some parts near Lake Naivasha are receiving sporadic showers.
Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit visited the following areas: NINI farm, Hells Gate NP, Lake Nakuru NP, Kijabe farm, Kigio Group Ranch and Marula Estates among other areas.In summary the unit conducted general routine clinical case work and carried out routine security patrols
Acknowledgement
We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for support, resources & sponsorship of the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. Chief Executive Officer SWT, Angela Sheldrick, we acknowledge your unwavering support and interest in the work undertaken by the Mobile Veterinary Unit. Kenya Wildlife Service is acknowledged for general operational & leadership support. Wildlife Research & Training Institute (WRTI) supported the activities by hosting staff at WRTI. We sincerely thank all stakeholders and scouts and all who reported wildlife cases in distress. Thank you all.
Case Details
February 2024
Case 1 – 12th February 2024
Zebra Snared Nini Farm, Naivasha
This zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine plus 80mg Azaperone. On examination the zebra had been snared and wounded by a wire on the right hind leg and neck. We cleaned the wound using water and rinsed with tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosal) was also applied. The zebra was also given 250mg Flumeg by IM route, 9,000mg Amoxicillin and 40ml Catsol by IM route as well as 5ml Intermectin by SQ route.
Prognosis is good.
Case 2 – 15th February 2024
Zebra Natural Causes Hells Gate NP
This zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine plus 80mg Azaperone.
On examination the growth on the right ear was extensive, pendulous, haemorrhagic and invasive. It was established to be a tumour - sarcoid. It was haemorrhagic at the root, heavily vascularized and infected. The case had a poor prognosis.
The zebra was put to rest.
Rhino Black Natural Causes
Lake Nakuru NP
Lake Nakuru NP management reported a lame rhino which had a swollen left front leg.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Working with HQs Vet team, Lake Nakuru rhino security team and with helicopter support from the Air wing we immobilized and treated a black rhino. We used 4.5mg Etorphine plus 60mg Azaperone in a single dart delivered by a Dan inject dart rifle. Induction time was 8 minutes. We stabilized the anaesthesia using 10mg Butorphanol given intravenously through the ear vein. The cardiopulmonary system was also supported by intranasal oxygen and the respiratory rate was carefully monitored by pulse oximetry readings of 88/92. The rhino had suffered puncture wounds on the perineum, penis and head. The wounds were as a result of a territorial fight. On examination the swelling of the left front leg was partially due to a healed fracture which had been exacerbated by the fighting bout. The rhino looked exhausted and isolated due to this serious fight. We cleaned the wounds using water, cauterized the pyemic wounds with dilute Hydrogen peroxide and rinsed the with Iodine. A fly repellent was applied, then 1,000mg Flumeg, 15,000mg Amoxicilin and 40ml Catasol were given IM and 10ml Ivemectin given by SQ route.
Prognosis
Samples of blood, ticks and skin were taken. The rhino was then revived with a good prognosis.
Case 4 – 20th February 2024
Zebra Postmortem Kijabi Farm, Naivasha
The zebra carcass was lying on left lateral recumbency. The carcass was bloated as it was decomposing fast and rigor mortis had kicked in. The carcass had a good body condition but had very pale mucous membranes. Skin lacerations were observed on the head region, a self-inflicted trauma at the time of death. There was haemorrhagic gut especially in the small intestines up to the small colon.
The cause of death was hypovolemic shock due to severe bleeding into the gut a result of a severe colic bout.
Case 5 – 21st February 2024
Giraffe Postmortem Kigio Group Ranch
The giraffe calf carcass was lying on left lateral recumbency and rigor mortis was kicking in. The giraffe had stunted growth and appeared not to be on the right weight gain trajectory. It had a growth on the right ear which was established to be a tumour. It was haemorrhagic at the root, heavily vascularized and infected. The heart had myocardial ischemia and the small intestines were congested The intestines had been heavily impacted into the pelvic region.
The cause of death of this male giraffe calf was severe enteritis & myocardial ischemia leading to cardiac arrest. Unfortunately there are no pictures for this case.
Hyena Snared KWS Naivasha Station
This case was reported by Senior Warden - Naivasha Station. The HWC associated hyena had been captured by trapping at Kongoni Lodge.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This hyena was darted using 250mg Ketamine plus 8mg Medetomidine.
On examination the hyena had been snared, injured and wounded by a wire on the neck. The wire was deeply seated into the neck tissues. The wound was cleaned with water and rinsed with tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin) was also applied. The hyena was administered 4mg Colvasone, 6,000mg Amoxicillin and 40ml Catasol intramuscularly and 4ml Ivermectin subcutaneously.
Prognosis
We reversed the hyena from anesthesia after one hour by using 15mg of Atipamizole given by IM route
Prognosis of this case is good. The hyena was released later at Mundui Estates Conservancy.
Case 7 – 23rd February 2024
Giraffe Natural Causes
Crescent Island, Naivasha
This female giraffe calf was recumbent and could not stand up. The calf was dehydrated as she had not suckled for more than 12 hours. All major veins had collapsed. It was given 100ml Intra peritoneal glucose 50%, 500ml Ringers and subcutaneously 250ml of 5% glucose as well as 4mg Colvasone intramuscularly.
The calf remained recumbent and on thorough examination the giraffe had sustained neck and spinal injury leading to vertebra prolapse and non-alignment. Righting reflex of hind legs was absent when we supported the calf to stand up. The calf had a poor prognosis and was humanly put to rest.
Case 8 – 26th February 2024
Zebra Snared
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This zebra was darted using 5mg Etorphine plus 80mg Azaperone. On examination the zebra had had been snared and wounded by a long wire on the right front leg. The wound was cleaned with water and rinsed with tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin) was also applied. The zebra was administered with 250mg Flumeg, 9,000mg Amoxicillin, 5ml Intermectin and 40ml Catasol.
We reversed the zebra from anaesthesia using 75mg of Naltrexone given by IV and IM route Prognosis of this case is favourable to guarded.
