SWT/KWS AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2021
Introduction
3 Cases in August
2 HWC Cases
2 Predator Cases
August Report by Dr. Kariuki Edward The Amboseli and Chyulu Ecosystem is currently very dry and much of the vegetation is either dry or shed. Consequently, wild animals are highly mobile in search of food leading to an intense interaction within human settlements. SCA-Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit (SCA-AMVU) attended three veterinary cases of different animal species during August 2021. Two lions were treated for injuries resulting from human retaliatory attacks after Human-wildlife conflicts. The tendency to feed on livestock prey predisposes the lions to poison and retaliatory attacks from the neighbouring Maasai communities. A necropsy conducted on an elephant at Kiboko demonstrated hindgut torsion as the cause of death. Torsion is a natural disease condition and has been observed to occur more frequently during the dry season and the start of rains. Mostly due to abrupt diet changes. Acknowledgement We thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for material support and Mobile Unit Funding. Staff and Rangers at KWS-Loitottok station, Chyulu. MWCT and BLF are acknowledged for their support and company during the veterinary interventions. All people who supported the monitoring of distressed animals in areas of interest are highly appreciated.
Case Details Date 27-Aug-21
28-Aug-21
31-Aug-21
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Elephant
Kiboko, Amboseli
Postmortem
Lion
Kuku Group Ranch
HumanWildlife Conflict
Lion
Mbirikani Group Ranch
Human Wildlife Conflict
The colon was twisted and bloated. It also had dark pink mucous membranes with massive ecchymotic haemorrhages On close observation, the lion was identified as one of the lions that had been poisoned at Chyulu hills by the neighbouring community after a livestock attack The lion had a spear wound at the shoulder on the left forelimb. The wound was reasonably shallow despite being extensive on the skin
Outcome Died
Successfully Treated
Successfully Treated
SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations August 2021
Case 1 – 27th August 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Kiboko, Amboseli
A report of a dead elephant was received from the Warden PAMU on 26th August 2021. None of the people contacted knew the elephant before death but the area within which the elephant died is known to host several elephants seasonally. The Amboseli vet team prepared for the necropsy and used a vehicle to access the site. Post-mortem Findings
The elephant carcass was found along the banks of the Kilunyet river in Olsinya, Kiboko. The carcass was fresh and had no flies. However, some tissues on the hind limb had been eaten away, probably by a scavenger. The tusks were removed and in the custody of KWS, Kiboko. The carcass exhibited no clear wounds or any form of injury on the external surface. The carcass was pale in colour and no blood flowed out even after several cuts. The carcass was anaemic and slightly dried. The abdominal cavity was filled with a bloody fluid that was more than normal in quantity. The colon was twisted and bloated. It also had dark pink mucous membranes with massive ecchymotic haemorrhages. Cause of Death Endotoximia due to hind gut torsion.
Case 2 – 28th August 2021 Lion
Human-wildlife Conflict
Kuku Group Ranch
Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) Community rangers reported a weak and sickly lion to AMVU. The team further assisted in locating the lion for darting and treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was darted from a vehicle for restraint. The chemical immobilization used was 300 mg Ketamine hydrochloride and 6mg Medetomidine. The lion had no physical injuries but exhibited poor body condition, was weak and unwilling to move around. On close observation, the lion was identified as one of the lions that had been poisoned at Chyulu hills by the neighbouring community after a livestock attack. The lion had been treated but disappeared for about 2 weeks before this sighting. The lion was stabilized with intravascular fluids for hydration. 30ml Amoxicillin (Betamox) and 15ml Dexamethasone covered for bacterial infection and inflammatory reactions respectively. Prognosis The lion was revived using Antisedan. Prognosis is good.
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Case 3 – 31st August 2021 Lion
Human-wildlife Conflict
Mbirikani Group Ranch
Big Life Foundation (BLF) Community rangers reported the injured lion to AMVU. The team further assisted in locating the lion for darting and treatment.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was darted from a vehicle for restraint. The dart was loaded with 300 mg Ketamine hydrochloride and 6mg Medetomidine. Examination revealed the lion had a spear wound to the shoulder on the left forelimb. The wound was reasonably shallow despite extensive skin damage. The wound was cleaned using pointed forceps stacked with swabs. The wound was left open to facilitate drainage. Hydrogen peroxide debrided the dead tissue whilst Iodine solution was irrigated into the wound to control bacterial infection. 30ml Amoxicillin (Betamox) and 15ml Dexamethasone covered for bacterial infection and the inflammatory reaction respectively. Prognosis Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
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