SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MAY 2021
Introduction
3 Cases in May
1 Poaching Case
1 Elephant Case
May Report by Dr. Campaign Limo The month was characterised by prolonged rainy spells with most luggas and seasonal rivers getting flooded. This rendered movement across the ecosystem difficult. Visitation to Mara Ecosystem is still low owing to the current global COVID 19 pandemic. Few cases were reported and attended to during the period. The Unit attended to a lioness that had been previously treated for territorial fight injuries, during the treatment the Unit also spotted a lion cub with an injury which was also treated. An elephant was found with a spear still lodged in its back which was treated and given a guarded prognosis. Acknowledgement Mara Mobile veterinary Unit would like to extend gratitude to all stakeholders who helped report and follow up cases requiring intervention during the period. Many thanks to Minara foundation through SWT and KWS management for their partnership which has seen many wildlife case interventions by the unit succeed .
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
23-May-21
Lion
Masai Mara NR
Natural Causes
23-May-21
Lion
Masai Mara NR
Natural Causes
23-May-21
Elephant
Pardamat Conservancy
Spear
This collared lioness had been treated towards the end of the previous month for severe injuries caused by territorial fight with members of a rival pride Apart from the gaping wound slightly proximal to his left hock, no other injury was detected. This was likely caused by a bite from anther lion The spear was gently pulled back and estimated length of 1.5 meters had penetrated into the tissues
Outcome Successfully Treated
Successfully Treated Prognosis Poor
SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations May 2021
Case 1 – 23rd May 2021 Lion
Natural Causes
Masai Mara National Reserve
This collared lioness had been treated towards the end of April for severe injuries caused by territorial fight with members of a rival pride. The injuries were severe with rectal perforation that required repair. A second treatment was necessary to bolster chances of her survival. The Unit found her with a pride of 22 individuals. She appeared shy compared to the other members though generally improved in body condition. Within the pride was another male cub with a big bite wound just above his left hock which required attention. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lioness was darted from a vehicle with 6mgs Medetomidine and 230mgs Ketamine hydrochloride. The drugs took full effect after ten minutes after which she was blindfolded and taken into the shade. All the wounds were recovering well with the rectum regaining its functions. Topical Oxytetracycline spray was applied to the healing wounds and parenteral administration of Amoxicillin antibiotic given. She also received ivermectin subcutaneously to control both internal and external parasites. Prognosis Her condition had greatly improved. She woke up four minutes after reversal of the anaesthetic, with the rest of the pride members coming to join her.
Case 2 – 23rd May 2021 Lion
Natural Causes
Masai Mara National Reserve
This male lion cub was seen with a big injury on his left hind leg while the veterinary team was assessing the above previously treated female. This was one of her cubs. The team felt that he required help and he was immobilized at the same time with the mother and treated together before being revived at the same time. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of a combination of 3mgs medetomidine hydrochloride and 150mgs ketamine hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml dan-inject dart from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with this cub assuming sternal recumbency. A blindfold was put in place before being carried to a shade where the mother had also been placed for simultaneous treatment. Apart from the gaping wound slightly proximal to his left hock, no other injury was detected. This was likely caused by a bite from anther lion. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide and rinsed with clean water. It was disinfected with Iodine and Oxytetracycline wound spray was applied topically. He additionally received Amoxicillin antibiotic and Ivermectin parasiticide parenterally. Prognosis Both woke up four minutes after reversal of anaesthetic where they were joined by the rest of the pride.
Case 3 – 23rd May 2021 Elephant
Spear
Pardamat Conservancy, Masai Mara
This elephant was seen with a spear protruding from the dorsal aspect of his right lumbar region by Pardamat Conservancy Rangers. This was considered an emergency and the team responded swiftly. He was found standing under a big tree with the spear still in place. He appeared restless and with a lot of pain. Immobilisation, examination and treatment He was darted from a vehicle with 15mgs Etorphine hydrochloride and was overwhelmed by the drugs after ten minutes, falling on right lateral recumbency. Examination revealed a deeply embedded spear, half of its entire length deep in the elephant tissues. The spear was gently pulled back and an estimated length of 1.5 meters had penetrated into the tissue. There was evidence, the spear had damaged some abdominal organs with possible peritoneal contamination. The normally prominent ear veins had collapsed to a significant degree and Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory was given intravenously to help prevent him from drifting into shock. The resultant wound was flushed with tincture of Iodine and infused with Cloxacillin antibiotics. He was given Amoxicillin antibiotics. Prognosis Guarded. There is possibility of acute peritonitis from peritoneal contamination and internal organ damage. The ground teams were tasked to closely monitor him and report progress.