SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT APRIL 2021
Introduction
15 Cases in April
6 Bongo Cases
7 Elephant Cases
April Report by Dr. Domnic Mijele During the month of April 2021, the Mt Kenya Wildlife Veterinary unit attended to many wildlife cases that required urgent veterinary intervention in Laikipia ecosystem and Mt. Kenya region. Some of the veterinary cases attended to include treatment of 3 elephants for natural causes, de-collaring 1 elephant, rescue of a juvenile elephant and 2 post-mortems, one of which was related to HWC. The Unit treated a lioness at Isiolo for fight wounds, but it did not survive and investigated the deaths of hippos in the Abedares. The Unit also assisted the Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy with relocation and treatment of several endangered bongo. Acknowledgement We greatly acknowledge Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their continued support that has enabled the Mt Kenya Veterinary Unit team to respond promptly and offer treatment to all wildlife cases that required intervention. This support has made it possible for the team to respond and provide veterinary attention essential for their survival.
SWT/KWS Mt Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations April 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
3-Apr-21
Elephant
Dol Dol, Laikipia
Natural Causes
Manipulation revealed that the elephant had suffered a shoulder dislocation
Prognosis Poor
4-Apr-21
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Relocation
Escaped from its enclosure and had to be returned
Task Successful
4-Apr-21
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Relocation
Transfer of several bongos to a new after several bouts of helminthiasis in a short period of time
Task Successful
7-Apr-21
Lion
Leparua, Laikipia
Natural Causes
Was attacked by other lions and was weak and limping with multiple wounds
Died
14-Apr-21
Elephant
Mpala Ranch
Rescue
Was abandoned by its herd and had a swelling on its abdomen
Taken to Orphanage
20-Apr-21
Elephant
Nanyuki
HWC
Suspected that the animal had been poisoned
HWC Death
20-Apr-21
Elephant
Mutara Ranch
Postmortem
Prior to death, the elephant was reported to be limping and not bearing any weight on the limb
Died
20-Apr-21
Elephant
Ngorare, Laikipia
Natural Causes
It was discovered that the elephant had suffered a dislocation
Successfully Treated
21-Apr-21
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Postmortem
She had loss of condition, severe dehydration, sunken eyeballs, and hyper salivation
Died
21-Apr-21
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Natural Causes
Had a swelling on the perineal area, noted to be growing for the last 2 days
Successfully Treated
23-Apr-21
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Natural Causes
Had a swelling on the inner thigh area
Successfully Treated
23-Apr-21
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Natural Causes
Busara, an adult female bongo was had a swelling on the right rump
Successfully Treated
24-Apr-21
Elephant
Loisaba Ranch
Technical Cases
A female elephant was spotted to be strangled with a dysfunctional collar around its neck
Task Successful
28-Apr-21
Other
Nyandarua. Abedares
Postmortem
A hippo calf had been reported to have died overnight. 2 adults were also found dead
Died
28-Apr-21
Elephant
Maralal, Samburu
Natural Causes
The left forelimb was noted to be swollen. The elephant had suffered a dislocation
Successfully Treated
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Case 1 – 3rd April 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Dol dol, Laikipia
Dol Dol Community reported to the local Rangers that they had sighted a limping elephant. The injured elephant was among a herd of five other elephants that were protecting the injured bull. The terrain was challenging so a helicopter was requested to dart the elephant and to separate the group for treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The helicopter managed to successfully separate most of the herd. Two elephants remained with the injured elephant, including the injured bull’s mother. The mother refused to leave the injured elephant and so the vet had to dart the mother first. She was darted from the helicopter with 18mg Etorphine. The remaining elephant was driven away with the helicopter then the injured elephant was darted with 16mg Etorphine. The team divided into two groups, one to ensure that the mother was safe and another to the injured candidate for treatment. The general body condition of the mother was ideal and there was no need for treatment. The mother was then reversed and driven away by the helicopter so the team could treat the injured elephant. The injured limb did not have any wounds of concern. Manipulation of the limb revealed that the shoulder was dislocated. There wasn’t any physical treatment that could be done but he was given prophylactic antibiotic treatment of 15,000mg Amoxicillin and 800mg of Flunixin Meglumine for inflammation and pain as well as 20ml Catosal as a metabolic stimulant. Prognosis Prognosis was guarded, as the injury was untreatable and terrain challenging, but he is being cared for by his herd.
Case 2 – 4th April 2021 Bongo
Relocation
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
This male bongo escaped from his enclosure and wandered to the orphanage area. He was resting in a bush and seemed to be healthy. He was to be moved to an enclosure Mid-forest 2 where he can’t escape so easily. Immobilisation and treatment The bongo was calm so was easily darted from foot in the rump with 4mg Etorphine and 20mg Azaperone. The animal was startled and ran into a shaded area; he was in an open area so the team let him take time for the drug to set in. He went down at 9:53am on right lateral recumbency. Feacal samples were collected for parasites egg count and identification, blood samples were collected for haematology tests and bio banking. He was then given an oral drench of 20ml Fenbendazole to help deal with the endoparasites. Relocation, revival and prognosis The bongo was blindfolded and loaded onto the moving truck. He was put on sternal recumbency with the head held in an upright position to keep the airway patent then moved to Mid Forest 2 where he was offloaded. The area was cleared from all material and the anaesthetic was reversed. He was quick to stand after reversal and immediately took off into the bush. The keepers were advised to ensure that the animals had enough feed and clean water. They were also to report on the sighting of the animals within their new enclosures to ascertain that they were settling in.
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Case 3 – 4th April 2021 Bongo
Relocation
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Two adult males, 1 adult female, and 2 sub-adult females were moved from the enclosure that had become contaminated with worm infested faeces to allow the area to decontaminate to avoid infection transmission. Immobilisation All three adults were calm and one of the sub adults was fed de-worming pellets before darting. One of the sub adults was apprehensive and shy, but all were easily darted from foot with a combination of Etorphine and Azaperone at dosages depending on their weight. The animals were startled and had to be pursued on foot until the drugs took effect. The dart for 1 of the sub-adult didn’t discharge and a 2nd dart was prepared which was successful. The bongos were all rolled onto carrying mats, blindfolded and loaded onto the moving truck separately. The bongos were put on sternal recumbency with the head held in an upright position to keep the airway open. Four were given an oral drench of Fenbendazole to help with the endoparasite load. Blood samples, faecal samples and ticks were collected. Relocation and Recommendation One adult male was moved to Mid Forest 2, whilst the other 4 were moved to Lower Forest. At the release site the area was cleared of any debris, the animal offloaded and the anaesthetic reversed. The sub adults were reversed with Naltrezone and the adults with Diprenorphine. The adult female required a top of Naltrezone as her revival was not as rapid as intended. After reversal the bongos slowly walked into the bushes to familiarise with the new environment. Keepers were advised to ensure that there was enough feed and clean water and to report if they settled in well.
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Case 4 – 7th April 2021 Lion
Natural Causes
Leparua, Laikipia
An adult, female lioness was reported by Rangers to have been attacked by other lions. The lion was weak and limping with multiple wounds. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lioness was noted to be weak. She was darted from a vehicle with 300mg Ketamine combined with 8mg Medetomidine. The lioness did not react to the dart but rather hid in the bushes. The lioness presented with a poor body condition, and it was noted that she was pregnant. There were multiple bite wounds all over the body with deep, severe wounds on the hind limbs. The wounds were aged and necrotic with maggots infested. Ants were also noted to be crawling and biting the lioness. The wounds were debrided with 6% Hydrogen peroxide, disinfected with Iodine, infused with Opticlox then covered with green clay and sprayed with Alamycin.. The lioness was also given 20mls of Multivitamins to boost immunity, 12000mg Amoxicillin antibiotic cover and 4000mg Phenylbutazone for pain management. Prognosis Prognosis was grave and intervention was to give her a chance, however, the injures, lack of feeding and pregnancy fatigue had taken a toll and the lioness had little survival chance so was humanely euthanized. .
Case 5 – 14th April 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Mpala Ranch, Lakipia
On 14th April 2021, a young juvenile male elephant was noted to have been abandoned by its herd by Mpala rangers. The elephant was reported to be weak and slow moving, with a swelling on its abdomen. The rangers had also noted tracks of 3 lions following the elephant. It was decided that the elephant need to be rescued. Immobilisation and examination The elephant was approached on foot and immobilized with 2.5mgs Etorphine. The drug took effect after 7 minutes and the animal became recumbent. The trunk was straightened, and respiration monitored as the animal was prepared for loading. The abdominal swelling was assessed, and it aspirated a clear, serous fluid. The elephant was placed on a stretcher and gently lifted into the moving truck. The transportation crate had straw to give the animal comfort during transportation. The anaesthetic was reversed 20 minutes later, and the elephant was standing up in the truck in 3 minutes. The elephant spent the night inside the truck at the Research centre where it was fed and given water. Relocation In the morning, the elephant was loaded to a larger truck and his condition checked. The swelling had decreased and fluid drained. To counter the effects of transportation stress, treatment of the abscess, boost the immune system and counter parasites, 60ml Noroclav, 20mg Dexamethasone, 20ml Catosal and 1% Ivermectin were administered. The elephant arrived in Nairobi safely, 4 hours after departure. The animal was gently blindfolded and lifted to its new boma. Prognosis is guarded, because despite the specialist care at the SWT nursery, he is very weak and lethargic.
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Case 6 – 20th April 2021 Elephant
Human-wildlife Conflict
Laikipa Ranching, Nanyuki
KWS rangers from the Nanyuki station were informed of an adult, elephant bull that was recumbent and barely moving at the Laikipia Ranching area. They quickly went to assess the animal to ascertain if veterinary intervention was necessary. They found the elephant alive but on the brink of death as the elephant developed a ‘star-gazing’ stance and died after a few minutes. They suspected that the animal had been poisoned as there was a deep penetrating wound on the right forelimb. Post-mortem Examination The carcass was more than 48 hours old and there was evidence of post-mortem changes brought about by the high environmental temperature. These changes included marked hypostatic congestion throughout the entire body and decomposition, discoloration of tissues, autolysis and post-mortem emphysema. The animal was noted to be in good body condition. There was a deep penetrative wound on the left forelimb, about 30cm deep. Cause of Death A tentative diagnosis of poisoning was made and to make a definitive diagnosis, deep tissue samples of the musculature was taken for toxicology analysis and to determine the type of poison used.
Case 7 – 20th April 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Mutara Ranch
An adult, female elephant was reported to have died on Friday. Prior to death, the elephant was limping and not bearing any weight on the limb. Post-mortem Examination The animal submitted for necropsy was an adult, female elephant. The animal was noted to be in good body condition. The tusks had been recovered by KWS rangers for secure storage. It was noted that more than 48 hours had elapsed after death as there was evidence of post-mortem changes brought about by high environmental temperature included marked hypostatic congestion, discoloration of tissues, autolysis and post-mortem emphysema. Parts of the abdomen and thorax had been scavenged. The entire left forelimb was very swollen. The palmer area had a severe, deep wound tract that was necrotic. Cause of Death The wound on the limb had caused the animal a lot of pain and was necrotic and infected. Sepsis from the wound caused multiple organ failure eventually leading to death. The wound was possibly caused by penetration by a foreign body such as a tree stump.
Case 8 – 20th April 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Ngorare Ranch, Laikipia
Community Scouts reported to local Rangers that they had sighted an elephant with lameness. The elephant was with an older elephant that was also limping but had been treated before (congenital lameness). Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from foot with 17mg Etorphine Hydrochloride. The dart landed on the left rump and the drug took effect after 6 minutes. The elephant went down on right lateral recumbency. The affected limb did not have any wounds of concern. The limb was manipulated, and it was discovered that the elephant had suffered a dislocation and there wasn’t any physical treatment that could be done. A prophylactic antibiotic treatment of 15,000mg Amoxicillin was given and 4,000mg Phenylbutazone was administered to cover for inflammation and pain while 20ml of Catosal was administered as a metabolic stimulant. Blood (EDTA and serum) were collected for bio banking as well as ticks for future investigation. Cause of Death The prognosis was good, since the injury was not severe and is expected to heal. The presence of another elephant increases the chances of his survival. The Community and Rangers will monitor the elephant and report on the progress, movement and health of the elephant.
Case 9 – 21st April 2021 Bongo
Post-mortem
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Sasha, an 11-year-old female bongo, has had several bouts of diarrhoea since 2020. She was treated each time but her condition remained poor. Earlier this month the rest of the bongos were moved to a new enclosure, but Sasha was left behind for treatment, observation and supplementary feeding. Treatments given included oral Fenbendazole, Enrofloxacin and Catosal injections. Her condition still deteriorated and in April 2021, she was weak, barely standing and not feeding. She had severe dehydration, sunken eyeballs and hyper salivation. She was moved to an orphanage enclosure for intensive and was given emergency IV fluid therapy of 750ml Ringer’s Lactate and 50ml Glucose. The animal appeared to gain a bit of strength; however, her condition did not improve and she died shortly after. Post-mortem Findings All orifices were first examined for discharges; there was a thin, mucoid discharge from the nostrils. The animal was emaciated with inadequate muscle coverage and fat distribution as well as protrusion of bony prominences. The eyes were sunken. The tail hairs were matted and soiled with faeces and the coat was rough. Integumentary system: Postmortem examination revealed that the animal had rough hair coat. The lungs were soft with slight congestion of the left lobe. There were ulcers in the abomasum and the duodenum. There was marked congestion and inflammation throughout the entire length of the of the small and large intestines. The stomach and intestines were abnormally full of ingesta in volume and consistency. The urine was aspirated for urinalysisand was clear and bright yellow in colour. Cause of Death Immediate cause of death was dehydration and hypoglycaemia due to parasitic enteritis caused by Coccidia.
Case 10 – 21st April 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Mpya, an adult female mountain bongo was seen to have a swelling on the perineal area, noted to be growing for the last 2 days.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was calm and easily darted from foot with 4mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone. The dart landed on the right hind limb rump area at 11.43 am and the drugs took effect after 6 minutes with the animal assuming right lateral recumbency. The swelling was assessed and determined to be an abscess. On lancing, a copious amount of thick pus was drained out. 6% Hydrogen peroxide was used to flush the remaining pus out of the pocket and Iodine was used to provide topical antibiotic cover. Alamycin spray was also applied for topical antibiosis and to deter flies. 1,000mg Phenylbutazone was administered intramuscularly for pain relief and to decrease inflammation while 6,000mg Amoxicillin antibiotic was administered intramuscularly and 10cc was infused into the pocket wound. Blood was collected for bio banking for future examination and research. Prognosis Prognosis is favourable as the abscess was spotted and treated in time. It is recommended that the animal be monitored for at least a week to determine the progress of healing.
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Case 11 – 23rd April 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Machachari, an adult female mountain bongo was seen to have a swelling on the inner thigh area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted from foot with 4mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone. The dart landed on the right hind limb rump area and the drugs took effect after 7 minutes with the animal assuming right lateral recumbency. The swelling was assessed and determined to be an abscess The abscess was lanced and drained then rinsed with 6% Hydrogen peroxide to flush the remaining pus out of the pocket and Iodine was used to provide topical antibiotic cover. Alamycin spray was also applied for topical antibiosis and to deter flies. Further treatment included 1,000mg Phenylbutazone, administered intramuscularly for pain relief and to decrease inflammation and 9,000mg Amoxicillin for systemic antibiotic cover. 20cc of Catosal® was administered intramuscularly as a metabolic stimulant. Blood was collected for bio banking for future examination and research. Prognosis Prognosis is favourable as the abscess was spotted and treated in time. It is recommended that the animal be monitored for at least a week to determine the progress of healing.
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Case 12 – 23rd April 2021 Bongo
Post-mortem
Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Busara, an adult female mountain bongo was seen to have a swelling on the right rump. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Bongo was darted from foot with 4mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone. The dart landed on the left rump area at 10.15 am. The drug took effect after 5 minutes and the animal went down on left lateral recumbency. The swelling was assessed and determined to be an abscess. The abscess was lanced and drained. 6% Hydrogen peroxide was used to flush the remaining pus out of the pocket and Iodine was used to provide topical antibiotic cover. Alamycin spray was also applied for topical antibiosis and to deter flies. Further treatments included 1,000mg Phenylbutazone, administered intramuscularly for pain relief and to decrease inflammation, while 9,000mg (60cc) Amoxicillin was administered intramuscularly for systemic antibiotic cover. 20cc of Catosal was administered intramuscularly as a metabolic stimulant. Blood (EDTA and serum) was collected for bio banking for future examination and research. Cause of Death Prognosis is favourable as the abscess was spotted and treated in time. It is recommended that the animal be monitored for at least a week to determine the progress of healing.
Case 13 – 24th April 2021 Elephant
Technical Case
Loisaba Ranch, Laikipia
An adult female elephant was spotted to be strangled with a dysfunctional collar around its neck. The elephant was to be immobilized and the collar removed to prevent further discomfort and injury.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted with 17mg Etorphine Hydrochloride, delivered using a Dart-inject gun from foot. The dart landed in the left rump and the drug took effect after 7 minutes. The elephant went down on right lateral recumbency. The trunk was straightened to keep it patent and facilitate proper respiration. The elephant was noted to be in good body condition. No major injuries were seen on general examination. The collar was quickly removed from the animal. This will lessen the discomfort a great deal and prevent any traumatic injuries. Blood (EDTA and serum) were collected for bio banking as well as ticks for future investigation. Prognosis The anaesthetic was successfully reversed with 48mg Diprenorphine through the ear vein. The elephant was relieved with removal of the collar and with no traumatic injuries, will make a quick recovery.
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Case 14 – 28th April 2021 Hippo
Post-mortem
Nyandarua, Aberdares
A two-month-old female hippo calf was discovered to have died overnight by locals who reported the incidence to the KWS offices in Nyahururu. They reported that the calf and its mother had swum to the shore, where the calf died, and the mother abandoned it. Two other hippo carcasses were also spotted floating on the shores of the water. A surveillance investigation was necessary to understand the cause of death. Post-mortem Examination Blood smears were made from the calf carcass to rule out anthrax. Because of the risk of anthrax, it was determined that the carcass should not be opened until an anthrax confirmation was done. No other major post-mortem findings were reported. Cause of Death and Recommendation A tentative diagnosis of anthrax was made. Samples were taken to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory. No Bacillus anthracis rods were seen although Clostridium rods were present. Continuous monitoring of the other hippos in the area should be done and future investigations should also consider toxicological examination to rule out poisoning as the area has rampant human-wildlife conflict. .
Case 15 – 28th April 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Kirisia Forest, Maralal
An adult elephant bull was reported to be limping and walking slowly by to the local Rangers and Community
members at Kirisia forest, Maralal, Samburu County. They elephant was spotted 2 days previously and KWS Rangers monitored the animal until the Mt. Kenya Mobile Vet Unit arrived. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted with 18mg Etorphine, delivered using a Dart-inject gun from foot. The dart landed on the left rump and the drug took effect after 9 minutes. The elephant went down on left lateral recumbency although it was lying between two trees. The team quickly rushed to the animal to position it better and straighten the trunk to facilitate proper respiration. The animal was treated quickly due to the poor position. The left forelimb was swollen. Manipulation revealed the elephant had suffered a dislocation. 15,000mg Amoxicillin was given as a prophylactic antibiotic, then 4,000mg Phenylbutazone to cover for inflammation and pain. Blood (EDTA and serum) were collected for bio banking as well as ticks for investigation. Prognosis The prognosis is good as treatment will help with fast recovery. The thick, dense terrain will help lessen movement to facilitate for better healing. Rangers will monitor the elephant’s progress for at least one week.
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