SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JUNE 2021
Introduction
10 Cases in June
2 Poaching Cases
4 Rhino Cases
June Report by Dr. Ndambiri Ephantus The Eastern Conservation Area is now experiencing the start of the dry season with vegetation drying up and trees shedding leaves in order to cope with water shortages. The prevailing weather conditions are dry, windy with bouts of sunny and cloudy periods. Various interventions have been carried out during the month, including post-mortems of a giraffe, elephant and black rhino, treatment of a snared giraffe and lion, treatment of a lion for bite wounds, relocation of a leopard due to livestock predation as well as treatment of three White rhinos; two for natural causes and one for a bullet wound. Acknowledgement We sincerely express our appreciation for the sponsorship offered by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the partners to the Mobile Vet Unit. This has ensured all interventions are offered successfully and timely. Through the tireless efforts of all the conservation partners, including governmental and non-governmental institutions, private conservancies/ranches and community wildlife continue to thrive. Thanks all.
Case Details SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations Date
Species
Area Found
9-Jun-21
Giraffe
Meru National Park
Postmortem
It is likely that the male suffered neck blunt trauma sustained during territorial fights
Died
9-Jun-21
Rhino White
Meru National P
Natural Causes
A small abrasion wound to the armpit and dislocation of the right forelimb
Prognosis Poor
10-Jun-21
Rhino White
Meru NP
Natural Causes
The body had superficial scratches and wounds on the inguinal area
Successfully Treated
21-Jun-21
Giraffe
Meru NP
Snared
Poor gait and conformation of the limb caused possibly by a snare wire
Successfully Treated
21-Jun-21
Lion
Meru NP
Natural Causes
injuries on the right side of the body on head just behind the eye and shoulder
Successfully Treated
23-Jun-21
Rhino White
Solio Ranch
Bullet Wound
A wound caused by a high velocity projectile and a bullet was retrieved
Poaching Death
25-Jun-21
Rhino Black
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Postmortem
A sub adult male black rhino in Ol pejeta was found dead
Died
25-Jun-21
Elephant
Mutara Ranch
Postmortem
The ground team at Mutara reported an elephant that had died within their farm.
Died
27-Jun-21
Lion
Meru NP
Snared
An injured male lion that had a wire snare around the neck
Successfully Treated
29-Jun-21
Leopard
Meru NP
HWC
Killing cattle and needed to be trapped and released away from the community
Task Successful
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
June 2021
Case 1 – 9th June 2021 Giraffe
Post-mortem
Meru National Park
The rhino patrol team came across a sick looking giraffe and they decided that they would monitor it to ascertain its condition. However, on the 8th June 2021, they found that the giraffe had died. Post-mortem The carcass was found partially eaten with the abdominal cavity opened and part of the head eaten along with the tongue. The neck was kinked to the right, but there were no external wounds to the body. There was a lot of gas build-up, and the muscles were slightly bruised. On further investigation of the neck, it was observed that there was a cervical vertebra that’s socket was displaced from the connecting disk; there were noticeable rough edges on the transverse processes. The spinal cord was easily visible. Cause of Death It is likely that the male suffered neck blunt trauma suspected to have been sustained during necking in territorial fights. The force used in such fights may sometimes end in fatalities. In this case it is highly likely that the blow caused a disk prolapse. Swelling of the surrounding soft tissue inserts pressure on the spinal cord interfering with effective sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous coordination resulting to death.
Case 2 – 9th June 2021 White Rhino
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
This female, in the company of a male calf, was found walking with a limp in May. The team was requested to attend to her at Muriri swamp, however, intervention was not possible due to separation of the mother and calf, with the mother running into the swampy area. The mother and calf reunited that evening and the rhino was left to rest and recover after exertion of the limb. A second assessment revealed that the forelimb was still affected, and she was hesitant to move. A fixed wing aircraft was requested to assist. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The rhino was immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 80mg Azaperone. The dart was fired from foot and vehicles lined the boundary to ensure the rhino did not run into the swamp with support from the aircraft. When she went down, the team rushed in to push the calf away, recover the dart, blindfold and pour water on her. 10mg Butorphanol was administered to keep the rhino on a light, but safe plane of anaesthesia to counter the respiratory effects of the opioid. There was a small abrasion wound to the armpit of the right forelimb. This was cleaned with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide, flushed with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The limbs were flexed to determine the integrity of the bones and there was no fracture. However, manipulation revealed noticeable reaction to pain. The rhino was also administered with 4,000mg of Phenylbutazone and 9,000mg Amoxicillin to counter pain and secondary infections. Reversal and Prognosis After the anaesthetic was reversed, the rhino had difficulty getting up due to the pain. She seemed to be drowsy so 100mg Naltrexone and 12mg Diprenorphine was injected intramuscularly, from the safety of the vehicle and within a short time she was more alert. The calf had not gone far and a team was left to monitor the mother and the calf. The prognosis was guarded, as the elbow was possibly dislocated which is a very mobile joint. This could have been caused by slipping in ragged terrain or possibly during mating and would make healing slow. The rhino may experience pain over a period of time, but she was in good condition despite the pain and difficulty moving. Constant monitoring was advised.
Case 3 – 10th June 2021 White Rhino
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The female was limping on the right forelimb. Closer assessment revealed that she had a wound on the inner side of the limb at the elbow joint that was oozing pus and blood when the rhino moved. The mother pushed her away when she had a second calf, and she went to join a group of males who also pushed her away. She finally settled with a female and her calf who she was found with. Immobilisation, examination and treatment A dart loaded with 3mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone was fired but it landed in the rhino’s foot. The rhino was startled and ran towards some plains where she was separated from the mother and calf who left her behind. The drugs did not take effect so a second dart of 3mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone was made, and the rhino was pursued with a vehicle and darted. The dart landed in the rump and after a few minutes the rhino went down ion left lateral recumbency then administered with 10mg Butorphan to keep the rhino on a light but safe plane of anaesthesia. She was rolled onto sternal recumbency to help with respiration as it takes the pressure off the respiratory tracts and lungs. There were scratch-like wounds to the side of the body which were superficial, cleaned and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. There were a few wounds on the inguinal area which were also cleaned, sprayed with Oxytetracycline and covered with green clay. The rhino was then rolled over to right lateral recumbency to allow easy access to the right limb that had a deep 1.5ft deep puncture wound, extending into the elbow. Thankfully the bone was not broken. The wound was cleaned with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide to debride the dead tissues, flushed with Iodine, and packed with pessaries and green clay then sprayed with Oxytetracycline. She was also administered 4,000mg of Phenylbutazone and 6,000mg of Amoxicillin. Prognosis Following successful treatment, the rhino was rolled back onto sternal recumbency, and the anaesthetic reversed with 100mg Naltrexone and 24mg Diprenorphine. The rhino was up within a short time and walked off into the bushes to recover. The prognosis was fair as the treatment provided would prevent pain and infection. Close assessment was recommended to see if she would re-join the group or settle in another one to help protect her from predators as she was still vulnerable.
Case 4 – 21st June 2021 Giraffe
Snared
Meru National Park
The team came across a giraffe exhibiting peculiar gait and standing with the forelimbs spread out, like it was bending to drink water. On inspection, it was discovered that it had a wound on the left hind limb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was shy and alert hiding amongst other giraffes. He was successfully immobilized from a vehicle with 15mg Etorphine and 20mg Azaperone. The giraffe was startled and ran off for quite a distance before signs of ataxia were seen, then the team rushed in using a rope to guide him to the ground, blindfolded him and reversed the anaesthetic with 48mg Diprenorphine. He was manually restrained for treatment. There was an old snare wound that severed the skin, suspensory ligament and the digital flexor tendons with extensive swelling. The wound was cleaned with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide, irrigated with Iodine to help further sterilize the wound and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The wound was finally packed with green clay then the giraffe administered with 15,000mg of Amoxicillin, 80mg of Dexamethasone and Ivermectin. Prognosis The prognosis was fair as it could ambulate fairly well and was able to reach for water and fodder. The limb will never return to the natural configuration, but the giraffe should be able to live with the disconformity.
Case 5 – 21st June 2021 Lion
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The Born Free Team while assessing and monitoring lions, came across an injured male that they identified as Mfalme. The lion had severe injuries, possibly caused by territorial fights, to the right side of the body, head just behind the eye, and shoulder. There were superficial skin injuries to the stomach and gluteal areas. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was immobilised with 600mg Ketamine and 10mg Medetomidine He ran off a short distance into a bush and was left undisturbed to avoid him running further whilst the drugs took effect. There were no wounds or lesions of concern on the right side, but after being rolled over to the other side, wounds were found on the face(cheek), the right shoulder, the inner side of the left forelimb, and the back right rump. The right forelimb had a through and through wound. The wounds were contaminated but not heavily infected so cleaned with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide. The pocket puncture wound was cleansed several times, then irrigated with Iodine. All the wounds were packed with healing green clay to help draw out the infection, dry the wound, promote healing and protect the wounds from natural elements, then sprayed with Oxytetracycline. He was then administered with 3,000mg of Amoxicillin, 40mg Dexamethasone, 20ml Multivitamin and 37mg of Ivermectin. Prognosis The prognosis was good as none of the wounds had punctured into the body cavities. Monitoring of his condition was encouraged so as to determine the health status and recovery progress.
Case 6 – 23rd June 2021 White Rhino
Bullet Wound
Solio Ranch
The Solio team reported a fresh White rhino carcass and requested the veterinary team to determine the cause of death. The carcass was less than 24 hours old, she was in a good condition and in good health. Post-mortem Findings There was a penetrating wound on the left side at the level of the upper fourth rib. The shape and size indicated that it was caused by a high velocity projectile and a bullet was retrieved. The fourth rib had been fractured by the force of the projectile and there was massive internal bleeding. The left lung lobes had been ruptured and heat from the projectile caused a lot of damage. The carcass was turned over and it was confirmed that there was no exit wound. She was pregnant, most likely in the third trimester. The thoracic cavity contained a lot of bloody fluid, a sign of massive internal haemorrhage. A metal detector found the projectile imbedded in the mid side of the right third rib. It had caused fracturing of the bone but did not pass through. The bullet head was retrieved, cleaned with water and placed in an evidence container for forensics. Horn and nail tissue was collected for analysis and DNA sequencing that would allow for ID of the animal. Ticks and intestinal worms were collected for further laboratory analysis and identification. Cause of Death Hypovolemic shock – caused by internal loss of blood from a bullet to the heart and associated organs.
Case 7 – 25th June 2021 Black Rhino
Post-mortem
Meru National Park
A sub adult male black rhino in Olpejeta was reported was found dead. Three lionesses were consuming the carcass but both trophies were intact. Post-mortem The carcass was on right lateral recumbence and less than 24 hours old. It was flipped over to the left recumbence for thorough examination. There were teeth marks on the neck and claw marks to the body. The perineum, ears, tail and snout had been scavenged. The stomach content had spilled from the lower perineal area. There were signs of struggle at the scene of death. There was congestion of the lungs which were partially collapsed (atelectasis) depicting visible interstitial partitions (ectasis). Bloody froth was traced from the bronchus downward the respiratory tree. The right side of the heart was abnormally engorged with large amount of blood.The two horns were retrieved and handed to Nanyuki KWS Station for safe custody and onward transmission. Cause of Death Death most likely caused by predation. This was supported by the presence of a pride of lions with three
lionesses feeding on the carcass.
Case 8 – 25th June 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Mutara Ranch
The ground team at Mutara reported an elephant that had died within their farm. The tusks were retrieved and the veterinary team were requested to do a post mortem to determine cause of death. Post-mortem The carcass was found with vultures surrounding it but they had not tampered much with the carcass. The elephant was a bull and there were no obvious external marks. The elephant was turned around by help of the vehicle to assess the opposite side that was found to also be clear from external injuries. The teeth since they were accessible were examined and size measured so as to help age the elephant. The molar tooth was noted to be the last set (6th) by the position in the jaw, the layers of the dentine and cement on the root and length measurement. Cause of Death Death Natural causes (Old age). As the elephants’ final molar begins to smoothen and wear out, it becomes increasingly difficult for the elephant to chew and process food. This causes a decline in the animals wellbeing and death occurs either due to starvation or malnutrition. The elephant in this case was a mature bull that had come to its time.
Case 9 – 27th June 2021 Lion
Snare
Meru National Park
The Born Free Team came across an injured male lion that had a wire snare around the neck. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was immobilised with 500mg Ketamine and 12mg Medetomidine. He went down on sternal recumbency with the head facing down, which was not good for respiration, so the team quickly and carefully moved him onto right lateral recumbency. The snare was around the neck and had caused damage to the skin and muscle. It was removed carefully. The wound was old, contaminated and becoming infected. It was flushed with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide, irrigated with Iodine, packed with green clay and sprayed with Oxytetracycline then coated with a healing oil containing Phenoloids. The lion was then carefully turned to treat the other side of the neck in the same manner. The lion had not fed in a while and was slightly dehydrated. There were some superficial wounds on the claws that were treated with Oxytetracycline. The lion was also given 16mg Dexamethasone, 3,000mg Enrofloxacin, 12ml Multivitamin and 30mg Ivermectin. Prognosis The prognosis was fair as the wire had not cut into the deeper tissues which was a relief in terms of healing and infection. The Born free team was advised to monitor and report on the lion’s progress.
Case 10 – 29th June 2021 Leopard
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The male leopard was captured in Ol Pejeta where he, along with another leopard, had been killing cattle. They needed to be trapped and released in an area away from the community and herders. The male was captured in a trap but the older female escaped and moved into an area nearby. The cage was loaded onto the back of a Landcruiser and covered with a heavy canvass to reduce disturbance during transport. Translocation and Release The area of release was near the Kenmare airstrip in Meru National Park, in an open field as it was far from the park boundaries and close to a water source. The cage was carefully offloaded from the vehicle near some bushes. It was then propped to the side and a rope anchored to the trap door and the vehicle. Once everything was secured and everyone was safely situated in the vehicles, the door was pulled open and after a few minutes the leopard was out of the cage running into the bush in the direction of the stream. Prognosis The leopard did not sustain any injury or acquire health issues. Being a young leopard, it will be a challenge to create a territory in a foreign place, however, he’s healthy and big enough to fend for himself. Translocation of problem animals is important to avoid human wildlife conflict. It also increases and enriches the biodiversity in the release area.