SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2021
Introduction
10 Cases in August
80% Success
3 Elephant Cases
August Report by Dr. Ndambiri Ephantus During August, the Conservation Area experienced dry weather through-out. The once well covered prairies are rapidly becoming barren as wild animal continue to utilize the remaining vegetation. Hopefully there will be enough to take them through the next two months before the rainy season begins. During the month, the Unit attended to 10 cases involving rhinos, elephants, a bongo, zebra, and security dog. The majority of these cases were successful. The biggest undertaking was the ear-notching of rhinos, 6 of which were also translocated. There were no poaching cases and only 1 HWC case involving a speared elephant, unfortunately the animal was unable to survive the infection of the wound. Acknowledgement The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust being the key sponsor for the Meru Mobile Vet Unit is hereby appreciated whole heartedly. We also appreciate the Government of Kenya for fully sponsoring the rhino notching and translocation and the KWS Director General and Management for supporting and facilitating the exercise, National Air Support Department, Veterinary Services Department, Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Rhino Program, Meru National Park Management and all those who made their contributions in different ways to make the exercise a reality.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
6-Aug-21
Rhino Black
Meru National Park
Technical Cases
7 black and 21 white rhinos were immobilized and ear notched
Task Successful
6-Aug-21
Rhino White
Meru National Park
Technical Cases
7 black and 21 white rhinos were immobilized and ear notched
Task Successful
8-Aug-21
Rhino White
Meru National Park
Relocation
Translocated 6 adult white rhinos to Nairobi National Park for gene biodiversity
Task Successful
15-Aug-21
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Natural Causes
Two puncture wounds, with the most posterior one severing muscle
Successfully Treated
15-Aug-21
Buffalo
Mount Kenya NR
Natural Causes
The abscesses were lanced and completely drained of all the pus they were carrying
Successfully Treated
23-Aug-21
Elephant
Meru Environs
Postmortem
Post-mortem changes and predation did not allow for intensive post-mortem
Died
24-Aug-21
Other
Meru National Park
Technical Cases
The Canine unit received a new dog that needed examination and vaccination
Task Successful
25-Aug-21
Zebra
Meru National Park
Natural Causes
It had a 3-inch-puncture wound caused by a sharp stick within the ragged terrain
Successfully Treated
28-Aug-21
Elephant
Loisaba Ranch
Natural Causes
A swollen upper left arm with intact possibly caused by blunt trauma
Successfully Treated
29-Aug-21
Elephant
Imenti Forest
HWC
A chronic infection due to an abscess thought to have been inflicted due to HWC
HWC Death
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations August 2021
Case 1, 2 & 3 – 6th – 14th August 2021 Black/White Rhino
Technical Cases/Relocation
Meru National Park
This report describes a 10-day rhinoceros’ ear notching exercise at Meru National Park where 28 (7 black and 21white) rhinos were immobilized and ear notched. The main objective was to identify individual rhinoceros by a specific notch pattern (a coded number) and a particular name. This activity presented an opportunity to collect biological samples for forensic (RHODIS) and laboratory research work. The objectives of the exercise were: • To fix transmitters and microchips, ear notch black rhinos and white rhinos in Meru Rhino Sanctuary. • Translocate 6 adult white rhinos to Nairobi National Park for gene biodiversity
Immobilisation This was facilitated by a fixed wing plane and a helicopter to locate the animals. Candidate rhinos were selected by a Ranger who was knowledgeable enough to identify individuals by name, understands the area and classify the same animals according to age. All the rhinos were darted from a helicopter and then the ground team would be directed to the position of the darted animal. Most animals went down on their lateral recumbency, some on sternal and only one was managed on standing position as it was stuck on trees therefore it was difficult to put him down. Animals that went down in bad orientation were quickly corrected using ropes.
Immobilisation Protocol The adult Black and White rhinos were darted with 4mg Etorphine and 80mg Azaperone Tartrate. The subadult Black Rhinos were darted with 3.5mg Etorphine and 80mg Azaperone Tartrate, but the sub-adult white rhinos were darted with 3mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone. The White rhinos anaesthesia was reversed using Naltrexone combined with Diprenorphine given by the intramuscular route. Anaesthesia in black rhinos was reversed using Diprenorphine Hcl given by intravenous route and a ¼ of the dose by intramuscular route.
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Examination, Monitoring, Ear notching and Translocation The immobilized rhino’s were quickly placed in the correct position to ensure there was no obstruction to the airway. When ready, the ears were notched according to a predefined pattern and horns fitted with transmitters. During the procedure, vital parameters were monitored, including respiratory rate/depth of respiration, blood circulation/tissue perfusion (pulse rate), mucous membrane colour, moisture and rectal body temperature. All rhino’s were examined for injuries/wounds and wound lesions caused by filarial worms. Rhino’s showing signs of respiratory distress were intravenously administered 20mg Butorphanol to ensure stable and safe levels of anaesthesia. Ear notch wounds were liberally sprayed with Oxytetracycline. For the translocation candidates, an additional 2mg Diprenorphine was administered intravenously to maintain anaesthesia during the time spent loading. 20 ml Flunixin Meglumine was given to cover for any inflammation caused during loading and transportation and prevent colic. To lower elevated body temperature, animals were doused liberally with cold water.
Sample Collection Several samples were collected, mainly for the Rhino DNA Index System (RHODIS) that will be processed and stored at newly established KWS forensic laboratory. Samples for this purpose were tissues (from earnotched pieces) and tail hair. These were collected with specialized routine forensic kits and stored in envelopes under ambient environmental conditions with special forms regarding the sample. Other routine samples were collected: • • •
Whole blood in EDTA (stored in -196°C, in liquid nitrogen) Serum (stored in -196°C, in liquid nitrogen) Tissues from earpieces (stored in 70% Ethanol), horn trimmings and toenails
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Ticks (stored in absolute ethanol and liquid nitrogen).
Challenges Despite a good coverage of 88%, the exercise faced some challenges during its execution. Some of the challenges were: animals in the thickets and hills being difficult to locate and rhinos running/hiding after being scared by the helicopter noise making darting extremely difficult, sometimes impossible. Despite the challenges faced, the exercise was done very successfully with high degree of professionalism. No casualties and mortalities were encountered in animals.
Case 4 – 15th August 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Wildlife Conservancy, Mount Kenya
The bongo had a wound on the right side of the abdomen, with something visibly protruding from the wound. Immobilisation, examination and treatment She was successfully darted from foot with 5mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone. The animal was startled and ran off into the bushes where she went down and had to be moved out with a stretcher. She was immediately blindfolded and oxygen insufflation done to assist with respiration. Examination revealed two puncture wounds; the posterior one had a severed muscle and the insertion tendon was sticking out which was necrotic. The area was cleaned with water and doused with surgical spirit. The muscle tissue was ligated and transfixed with Catgut to obstruct blood vessels to allow the necrotic part of the muscle to be removed. The wound was then irrigated with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine and packed with pessaries then stitched closed after refreshing the wound edged using a blade. Once secure the wound was infused with Opticlox and a ventral area left for wound drainage. The anterior wound was treated in the same manner, but with an additional infusion with Enrofloxacin done into the wound. They were both generously sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The bongo was also administered 30mg Dexamethasone, 20ml Enrofloxacin, 20ml Fenbendazole (oral) and 20ml Multivitamin. Prognosis Prognosis was fair owing to the intervention done. However, due to the terrain, observation was key to ensure the wound stayed closed allowing for healing. She was however in good health and body condition.
Case 5 – 15th August 2021 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Wildlife Conservancy, Mount Kenya
The team noted that there was a buffalo calf with bilateral swellings at the angular end of the mandible. The adults had loss of hair around the same area and what appeared as friction wounds possibly from scratching. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The young calf was in the company of the mother who had to be chased away with a vehicle when the calf was immobilised. The calf was successfully darted with a combination of 2mg Etorphine HCl and 20mg Azaperone tartate. The calf went down on sternal recumbency. The dart was successfully recovered and the dart wound treated. The swellings were palpated and discovered to be abscesses. The ears and eyes had numerous ticks that were clearly causing irritation causing itching that led to wounds that became infected. The abscesses were lanced and completely drained of all the pus they were carrying. The pocket was then filled with Hydrogen peroxide repeatedly until all the pus was removed. The pockets were then flushed with a tincture of iodine and packed with pessaries. The area was then sprayed using Oxytetracycline spray. The calf was administered with 20ml Enrofloxacin (I.M), 30mg Dexamethasone (I.M), 50mg of Ivermectin (S.Q) and a topical pour-on treatment of 20ml Bayticol. Prognosis The prognosis was fair due as treatment gave relief and allowed for healing. The herd needed ectoparasite control to avoid recurrence of the condition especially due to the rubbing. The team was advised to organize for possible pour on or spray on to help control the heavy parasite load on the animals.
Case 6 – 23rd August 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Meru Environs
The Vet Unit were requested to conduct a post-mortem on an elephant carcass found by the Rhino Monitoring Team while on patrol. Post-mortem Findings • • •
Carcass was on right lateral recumbency, approximately 4-5 days old and was confirmed as a male The abdomen and its contents, the tail, the penis and the trunk had been scavenged upon Aside from the predatorial wounds there were no wounds/injuries or abnormalities
• • • • • •
There was interference with internal organs and putrefaction which hindered the post-mortem The elephant had an intact left tusk which was retrieved easily and estimated at approximately 25kgs The carcass was flipped revealing the sloughing off of the skin as a result of putrefaction The right tusk had broken off ,but the small remaining piece was retrieved The tusk was notably deformed at the base most likely as attempted healing The teeth were examined and measured revealing that the elephant was between 40-50years old.
Cause of Death The post-mortem changes and predation did not allow for a conclusive examination. The elephant was not that old and did not seem to have any external damage therefore cause of death was likely to be natural.
Case 7 – 24th August 2021 Security Dog
Technical Case
Meru National Park
The Canine unit at Meru Park received a new dog (Belgian Malinos Cross) that needed examination and vaccination against Trypanosomiasis as the disease carrying vector population is high in the park. Examination and Treatment She was fully vaccinated against Rabies and DHLP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus). Examination revealed she was alert and very active. Her body condition was good, 3/5. Lymph nodes were normal and mucus membranes pink and moist with a capillary refill time of < 3secs. Temperature was within normal range at 38.7˚C. The coat was smooth and shiny with no presence of any external parasites or skin abnormalities. All other systems were clear, and she was in good health. Stool was reported to be of normal consistency with a few colour changes that could be attributed to a new environment and change in diet. Drug of treatment was Quinapyramine sulphate (1.5g) and Quinapyramine chloride (1g) given at 0.03ml/kg body weight and the dog was 24.1kg. Therefore, 0.8ml of the drug was administered subcutaneously. 2.5ml of Multivitamin was administered to help with settling in especially in the diet and feeding. Following the treatment, the dog was walked to see if there was any change in the behaviour of the animal. Prognosis The prognosis was good as the dog did not have any adverse reactions to the treatment and the injection would act as a cover for the next three months. The handler was advised to continue monitoring and to avoid exercise for 24hr.
Case 8 – 25th August 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The zebra was on its own and walking with difficulty. There was notable lameness of the left forelimb and marked head bobbing when moving. The team that sighted the animal noted that it didn’t travel far and stayed within the same area. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted from a vehicle with 5mg Etorphine and 70mg Azaperone tartate but the dart bounced off the animal and discharged outside. A second dart was quickly made, and the stallion was successfully darted in the right rump. Startled, the zebra took off running and within 8 minutes went down on right lateral recumbency. The team applied the blindfold and poured on the animal to keep him cool. The forelimbs were examined fully for consistency and musculoskeletal integrity. The left limb had a wound on the caudal aspect of the limb right above the fetlock joint. After washing the leg, it was discovered that there was a 3-inch-deep puncture wound. This could have been caused by a sharp stick within the ragged terrain. With the help of forceps, it was cleaned with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide, flushed with Iodine then packed with 750mg Betamox and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The zebra was also given injections of 4,000mg Oxytetracycline, 30ml Multivitamin and a subcutaneous injection of 60mg Ivermectin. Prognosis The prognosis was fair as the wound was not heavily infected and with the treatment it would heal well. Infection and inflammation of the fetlock joint was of concern and the Unit will review in a week to assess the progress of healing.
Case 9 – 28th August 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Loisaba Conservancy
A young calf was reported seriously lame and needed immediate veterinary attention. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The baby was in a big family enjoying good security together with other young ones. Its’ left forelimb was depicting lameness. Both mother and calf had to be darted for the baby to be treated to ensure they stayed together. The mother was sedated first with 15mgs Etorphine then the calf was darted with 2mgs Etorphine. She tried attacking the Unit but went down in three minutes. Examination revealed a swollen upper left arm with intact skeletal component. No fluid was extracted when the swelling was aspirated with a needle and syringe. This could have been caused by blunt trauma possibly from rough terrain or being stepped on by the mother or other family member. The calf was covered systemically with 30mgs Dexamethasone, 1000mgs Enrofloxacin and 20ml Multivitamin into different muscle sites. 8mgs Ivermectin given subcutaneously to prevent external and internal parasites. Prognosis The calf was placed facing the mum and both were revived almost concurrently. The calf came too first and despite manual restraint took off in the direction of the herd and welcomed by the matriarch. The mother remained at the darting site so the Unit drove the family towards her and they were all reunited and the calf started suckling. Prognosis is fair as the baby was strong, aggressive and keep pace with the herd. This means the bones of the limb were intact.
Case 10 – 29th August 2021 Elephant
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Upper Imenti Forest
The Meru Patrol Team found a weak elephant in the forest that was not able to stand up or move. Unfortunately, the elephant succumbed before the Unit were able to respond. Post-mortem Findings • •
The carcass was a sub-adult female on left lateral recumbency. KWS had already removed the tusks General body condition of the carcass was poor. The back bone was prominent from tail to shoulders and the pelvic bone and its prominences were visible with depressions
• • • •
The left forelimb had a bone deformity that was caused by an injury and had healed abnormally There was a raised circular lesion on the right flank just posterior to where the ribs ended The area was opened revealing a pocket full of yellow doughy pus, indicating that it was longstanding The muscle layers were opened to track how far the pocket had gone and it ended blindly on the outer surface of the peritoneum There were many pus pockets found in the abdomen
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Cause of Death Cause of death was ultimately sepsis following a chronic infection from an abscess which spread infection throughout the body. The abscess was likely caused by a human weapon during human-wildlife conflict