SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2021
Introduction
17 Cases in March
8 Bongo Cases
65% Success
March Report by Dr. Dominic Mijele During the month of March 2021, the Mt Kenya Wildlife Veterinary unit attended to 17 wildlife cases that required veterinary intervention in the Laikipia ecosystem and Mt. Kenya region. Some of the wildlife veterinary cases attended to include intervention of a giraffe with lameness and a shoulder dislocation, treatment of two elephants for natural causes and one lion for bite wounds as well as post-mortems of a rhino, elephant and kudu calf. The Unit visited Ol Pejeta twice to assist with the Northern White Rhino Implantation Project. The Unit also visited Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy for various cases involving 8 mountain bongos. Acknowledgement We greatly acknowledge Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their continued support that has enabled the Mt Kenya veterinary unit team to offer treatment to all wildlife cases requiring veterinary intervention. This support has made it possible for the team to respond promptly to reported wildlife cases saving many animals lives.
SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations March 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
02-Mar-21
Elephant
Laikipia Conservancy
Postmortem
The carcass was very swollen and decomposing. Suspected Anthrax poisoning
Died
04-Mar-21
Giraffe
Mugie Ranch
Natural Causes
Examination of the shoulder also revealed a major dislocation of the shoulder
Died
05-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya A sub-adult bongo escaped from its boma to Relocation Conservancy the orphanage compound
05-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
It had a recent wound and on examination was noted to be deep
Successfully Treated
10-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
A male bongo was reported to have bloody diarrhoea and loss of condition
Successfully Treated
12-Mar-21
Kudu
Mt Kenya Conservancy
Postmortem
A female kudu calf died overnight and an autopsy was performed
Died
13-Mar-21
Rhino White
Lewa Conservancy
Postmortem
Three rhino monitors spotted a dead rhino in a dam
Died
14-Mar-21
Elephant
14-Mar-21
Lion
Nanapa, Laikipia Loisaba Ranch
Natural Causes Natural Causes
There was crepitation indicative of a major fracture There were multiple bite wounds on the arm and auxiliary region
19-Mar-21
Bongo
27-Mar-21
Rhino White
Mt Kenya Conservancy Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Natural Causes Technical Cases
Had a recurring vaginal prolapse that had been treated since 2020 To be prepared for use as a teaser bull for heat detection in white rhino females
Task Successful
27-Mar-21
Elephant
Chyulu Hills
Natural Causes
Deep penetrating wound caused by a stick/branch.
Successfully Treated
28-Mar-21
Rhino White
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Technical Cases
Oocyte recovery in the rhinoceros was performed
Task Successful
29-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
A female that had loose stool and had loss of body condition
Successfully Treated
29-Mar-21
Bongo
31-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya Conservancy Mt Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes Technical Cases
Another female that had loose stool and had loss of body condition Had entangling its horns on a rope that it had probably picked up within the boma
Successfully Treated Task Successful
31-Mar-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
Injury to the tip of the hoof which was bleeding
Successfully Treated
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Task Successful
Died Successfully Treated Died
Case 1 – 2nd March 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Laikipia Conservancy
On 1st March 2021, a wild elephant was found dead on the Laikipia Nature Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, and the cause of death was uncertain at the time. By 2nd March 2021, when the elephant was examined, putrefaction had already started. General Observation The carcass was very swollen and undergoing decomposition. The tasks had been retrieved by the KWS Rumuruti officers. Blood oozed from external orifices and there were no major external injuries on the carcass. A decision was made to not open the carcass as anthrax was suspected. A blood smear was made to investigate presence or absence of anthrax. Stomach contents were also taken for toxicological examination. Cause of Death Anthrax or poisoning was suspected. Laboratory reports were negative for anthrax however there was presence of Clostridium botulinum. Toxicology tests are on-going to ascertain the cause of death.
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Case 2 – 4th March 2021 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Mugie Ranch
An adult female giraffe was reported to have been limping for three days with limited movement. It was also noted that the giraffe had a dislocated right shoulder seen when the animal was walking. General Observation The giraffe was darted from foot with 15mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 50mg Azaperone tartate and she went down in 7 minutes. The animal was roped and guided to lateral recumbency. Once down, the giraffe was restrained and blindfolded to avoid light stimulation. The giraffe had a swelling on the left forelimb at the level of the fetlock. Aspiration of the swelling revealed a malodorous, brown-yellow, bloody fluid. Examination of the shoulder also revealed a major dislocation of the shoulder and manipulation revealed that the scapula was dislocated and ‘floating’. The animal was noted to be in a lot of pain and was therefore euthanized on grounds of animal welfare to relieve it from suffering. Post-mortem examination On examination of the shoulder joint, it was found that the scapula had fully detached from the joint and was floating with the shoulder musculature being totally destroyed and severely necrotized. Examination of the swollen limb showed major inflammation and destruction of the joint integrity of the fetlock.
Case 3 – 5th March 2021 Bongo
Relocation
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A sub-adult, male Mountain bongo escaped from its boma to the orphanage compound after passing through the barrier. The bongo was to be returned to prevent any altercations with other animals. Immobilisation The bongo was darted with 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 40mg Azaperone tartate. The animal was darted from foot in the musculature of the neck. The drug took effect after about 6 minutes and the animal went down on left lateral recumbency. Oxygen was supplemented intra-nasally and a blindfold was placed to prevent light stimulation. Relocation, revival and recommendation The animal was loaded onto a stretcher and lifted onto a moving truck where it was transported back to its boma. During transportation, respiration was monitored by observation of chest expirations. The anaesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine. A supplementary 50mg Naltrexone was administered through the ear vein. The animal had recovered and was standing after 2 minutes. To prevent the bongo from escaping again it is recommended that minor renovations be made to the enclosure entry.
Case 4 – 5th March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Mpya, a female Mountain bongo was seen by keepers to have a traumatic wound on the perineal area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted with 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 40mg Azaperone tartate, delivered using a Dan-Inject rifle, fired from foot. The dart was delivered on the musculature of the right rump. The animal went down in 5 minutes and was blindfolded to avoid light stimulation. The wound was determined to be a recent wound and was noted to be deep. The wound was debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine was used to provide topical antibiotic cover. Chlortetracycline pessary was placed deep into the wound and Opticlox ointment was also applied topically. Alamycin spray was applied for topical antibiosis and to deter flies. 20mg Dexamethasone, for pain relief and to decrease inflammation, and 6000mg Amoxicillin, as a systemic antibiotic, were administered intramuscularly. Prognosis Prognosis is favourable as the wound was treated in time before further infection occurred. It is recommended that the animal be monitored for at least a week to determine the progress of healing.
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Case 5 – 10th March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A male Mountain bongo, Ndume, was reported to have bloody diarrhoea and loss of condition. The animal was attended to promptly to prevent further deterioration of the condition. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted from foot with 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 40mg Azaperone tartate. The dart was delivered on the musculature of the left rump. The animal was calm prior to darting. The animal went down in 7 minutes on right lateral recumbency and was blindfolded to avoid light stimulation. Once the animal was properly restrained, treatments were administered. 20mls Levamisole was given orally for deworming. Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously for control of internal and external parasites. Multivitamins were also administered intramuscularly to stimulate immunity and appetite. A faecal sample was collected for microscopic examination and faecal egg count. Blood was also collected for bio-banking. Prognosis The prognosis is favourable as the diarrhoea is expected to resolve within a few days post-treatment. The animal will be closely monitored and it is recommended that a regular faecal sample is collected to assess and determine the effectiveness of recovery. .
Case 6 – 12th March 2021 Kudu
Post-mortem
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A female kudu calf was reported to have died overnight by keepers at the Mt. Kenya Animal Orphanage. The animal was thought to have been scared and resultantly ran into a fence, bashing its head and dying. General Observation The animal had deep bruises and wounds on the head that occurred due to the traumatic impact of hitting the wall. There was haemorrhage on the tissues surrounding the head and the neck. There was generalised haemorrhage, inflammation and oedema of the brain tissue. There was no significant pathology observed in other body systems. Cause of Death Traumatic brain injury resulting in haemorrhage and severe brain tissue inflammation.
Case 7 – 13th March 2021 Rhino
Post-mortem
Lewa Conservancy
A male Southern White rhino, identified as Robin, was found dead on 13th March 2021 in one of the dams by Rhino Monitor Rangers. He was last seen on 12th March at 8:30 am, 1km away from the site. They observed that half of the rhino’s body and 90% of the head was immersed in water. General Observation More than 24hours had elapsed after death and there was evidence of post-mortem changes due to high temperatures including hypostatic congestion throughout the entire body, discoloration of tissues, autolysis and post-mortem emphysema. Part of the toe on the left hind leg was missing, possibly scavenged by hyenas. The animal was in good body condition. There was generalized haemorrhage and oedema in the musculature of the limbs, neck and flank. There was froth throughout the airways and a large volume of oedematous fluid in the thoracic cavity. The lungs were oedematous with blunted edges, friable and soft in consistency with autolysis noted. The stomach and intestines were full of ingesta indicating that the rhino was well fed. The fluid in the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract are indicative of fluid aspiration/swallowing as the animal was drowning. This caused pulmonary oedema and subsequent respiratory impairment resulting in cerebral hypoxia caused irreversible injury to various region of the brain, inevitably leading to death. Cause of Death The animal died of drowning: respiratory impairment and cerebral hypoxia from submersion in water.
Case 8 – 14th March 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Nanapa, Laikipia
An adult elephant bull was reported to be limping with limited movement at Nanapa Community Conservancy. The animal was reportedly seen limping for the past 2 days and had been dragging its limp. General Observation The elephant was examined from a safe distance and was noted to have severe lameness and was unable to move even when approached. Due to limited mobility the elephant was easily darted from foot with 17mg Etorphine hydrochloride. The dart was delivered on the musculature of the right shoulder and induction time was 6 minutes. The animal went down in sternal recumbency and was gently guided to left lateral recumbency. On examination of the right hind limb, it was noted that it was swollen at the level of the tibia and fibula. There was a sloughing off of the skin and on manipulation of the limb; there was crepitation indicative of a major facture. It was determined that the animal was suffering and in pain with a poor prognosis for recovery as and was therefore humanely euthanized. Post-mortem examination On post-mortem investigation of the limb, the tibia and fibula had severe multiple fractures with a lot of inflammation and bleeding in the surrounding tissues. These post-mortem findings showed that the animal truly was suffering and euthanasia was warranted.
Case 9 – 14th March 2021 Lion
Natural Causes
Loisaba Ranch
A young adult male lion was reported by the Loisaba Rangers to have been in a fight with another lion. The lion was limping with multiple wounds. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was darted with 300mg Ketamine and 8mg Medetomidine, in the musculature of the right shoulder, and went down 7 minutes after darting. A blindfold was then applied to prevent light stimulation. The lion was first thoroughly assessed; there were multiple bite wounds on the arm and auxiliary region. There was also an extensive puncture wound on the upper lip. Other than the injuries the lion appeared to be in good condition. The wounds were cleaned with 6% Hydrogen peroxide and irrigated with Iodine for topical antibiotic cover. Opticlox ointment was also applied topically as an antibiotic and Alamycin spray applied to deter flies. Ticks were collected for future investigation and blood samples were for bio banking. Post-mortem examination The animal is young and in good body condition and the wounds were fresh and were managed on time. Prognosis for a full recovery is good. The lion was to be monitored in the following week to assess the recovery progress.
Case 10 – 19th March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
An adult mountain bongo has had a recurring vaginal prolapse that has been treated several times since 2020. The condition was surgically corrected each time and the animal was also separated from others to prevent further trauma/mating and placed in the Suni Sanctuary. Unfortunately, the prolapse recurred again. Immobilisation and examination The bongo was darted with 5mgs Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 40mgs Azaperone tartate. When the animal was recumbent, more vaginal tissue was pushed out due to the pressure exerted on the abdomen. The opening of the cervix was also visible. The tissue was very congested with several major lacerations thought to have occurred when the animal was running around. Palpation of the vaginal tissue resulted in expulsion of large volumes of urine indicating that the animal had experienced urinary retention for some time. The tissue was washed thoroughly with normal saline solution to remove dirt. The tissue was then gently manipulated back into the body and held in place using a purse string suture. She was administered with 3000mg Amoxicillin and 60mg Dexamethasone. Prognosis and Post-mortem examination The prognosis was guarded after treatment because although the surgical intervention went well, the recurring nature of the prolapse resulted in the poor health and welfare of the animal. A day after treatment, it was reported that the animal had jumped over a gate an injured itself causing bleeding from the vulva. Due to welfare concerns, as the animal was in pain, the animal was humanely euthanized. Postmortem assessment of the reproductive tract revealed presence of pus in the uterus and a generalised inflammation of the uterine and vaginal tissue. There was also internal bleeding that may have occurred as the animal jumped the gate. Hard fibrosed scar tissue had formed on the edges of the vulva at the sites of previous interventions. The animal was not going to have a good quality of life therefore euthanasia was warranted on grounds of animal welfare.
Case 11 – 27th March 2021 Rhino White
Technical Case
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia
A mature, free-ranging Southern White rhino bull was to be prepared for use as a teaser bull for heat detection in Northern White rhino females. The animal had been captured in the Lewa Conservancy and translocated to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. A vasectomy was performed on the animal in December 2021; therefore, electro-ejaculation was to be performed to determine whether the sterilization was successful. If there was presence of sperm on microscopic examination, the vasectomy would be performed again. Immobilisation and Electro-ejaculation A non-Etorphine anaesthesia was used to prevent respiratory depression associated with Etorphine as the procedure was lengthy. The rhino was darted with 20mg Medetomidine, 200mg Butorphanol and 750mg Ketamine. A combination of various drugs was used to manage anaesthesia during the procedure. Once the rhinoceros was sedated safely under a surgical plane of anaesthesia, ropes were used to anchor the rear legs and the procedure began. Electrical stimulation was administered using an electro ejaculator at a voltage of 5 volts. Semen was the collected and examined for presence of spermatozoa. Results The collected semen thankfully revealed no presence of spermatozoa indicative that the vasectomy was successful and the animal could be introduced to the surrogate rhinos.
Case 12 – 27th March 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Chyulu Hills, Tsavo
One Ton, a large adult, elephant bull was reported to have a large infected wound on its neck. The big tusker is one of the few in the Tsavo - Amboseli ecosystem and is notably one of the most recognizable elephants. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted with 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride, delivered using a Dan-Inject CO2 rifle, fired from a helicopter. The elephant was recumbent 9 minutes after darting and fell on sternal recumbency then was quickly roped and pulled onto right lateral recumbency. The wound was more than 6 inches deep and the surrounding tissue was inflamed and infected. The cause was possibly from an accidental puncture with a branch or tree stump and there was no evidence that it was human inflicted. The wound was flushed with 6% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with Iodine. Afterwards, 20cc Amoxicillin was inserted into the wound, and a layer of green clay applied to cover the wound. Topical Alamycin spray was applied to deter parasites and as an antibiotic. He was also administered with 1,500mg Amoxicillin and 240mg Dexamethasone as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory respectively. Prognosis The prognosis is good. The animal is to be monitored for at least a week to assess the progress of the healing.
Case 13 – 28th March 2021 Rhino White
Technical Case
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The first ground breaking ovum pick up was done in August 2019 which was repeated in 14th December 2020, with the Northern White rhinos Fatu and Najin. Prior to the procedure, the animals were injected with 1.5mg Histerine acetate. This was done three times every other day, to super ovulate the animals. Immobilisation, ovum pickup A non-Etorphine immobilization protocol was used for both animals. The rhinos were injected by hand with a combination of Detomidine, Butorphanol, Midazolam and Ketamine. The anaesthesia was maintained with varying dosages of the drug mixture and plain Ketamine. Oxygen was supplemented throughout, intranasally. Oocyte recovery in the rhinoceros was performed transrectally under ultrasound guidance using a guided probe. Puncture of the rectal wall and subsequent aspiration of multiple follicles resulted in the recovery of two to nine oocytes per collection. The procedure was not successful in Najin as she was discovered to have a tumour on her left ovary. Prognosis The animals responded well to anaesthesia and recovered successfully. However, Najin will be excluded as a candidate in future procedures due to her advanced age and adenocarcinoma on her ovaries.
Case 14 – 29th March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The keepers noted that there was a female that had loose stool. She was active, feeding well and had loss of body condition. The perineal area was stained with stool and the fur around the area matted.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was calm and walking near the feeding trough area. Taking advantage of this, she was immobilized with 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 40mg Azaperone tartate. The animal was startled and ran off into the bushes, she was followed on foot until she exited into an open field where she went down. The bongo had lost body condition and was heavily matted at the anal opening and tail. The stool was loose and smelly. The coat was smooth and shiny but there was a wound to the right abdomen and another on the left side of the neck. The animal was treated with 20ml Catosal and 500mg of Enrofloxacin. An oral dose of 25ml of Fenbendazole was given to cover for worms. The wounds were cleaned and lavaged with tincture of Iodine then sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The area around the anus was slightly inflamed and so Opticlox ointment was applied. A fecal sample was collected for microscopic examination and faecal egg count. Prognosis The prognosis is favourable as the diarrhoea is expected to resolve within a few days post-treatment.
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Case 15 – 29th March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The keepers noted that there was a female that had loose stool. She was active, feeding well and had loss of body condition. The perineal area was stained with stool and the fur around the area matted. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was calm but very shy and so was pursued on foot by the vet and a few people to avoid scaring her. She was darted from foot with 4mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone. The dart landed on the right hind limb and she went down within 5 minutes inside a bushy area. The team immediately rushed in to blindfold her and immediately begin oxygen insufflation with a flow rate of 4mmHg. The animal was treated using intramuscular injections of 20ml Catosal and 500mg of Enrofloxacin. An oral dose of 30ml Fenbendazole was given to cover for worms while making sure not to deposit the suspension in the reproductive tract. Fecal samples was collected for microscopic examination and faecal egg count. The stool was loose and smelly. Prognosis The team was advised to keep a close eye on the bongo to ensure that it was responding to treatment. Monitoring of other members in the enclosure was recommended to ensure that they were in good health. .
Case 16 – 31st March 2021 Bongo
Technical Case
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The keepers reported that the bongo had ended up entangling its horns on some rope that it had probably picked up within the boma. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was calm and found resting inside a shelter. It was coaxed out of the shelter to for darting and so it didn’t injure itself within the shelter. The bongo was immobilized using 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 40mg Azaperone tartate fired from a Dan-inject dart gun on foot. The animal was startled and ran off into the bushes and around the enclosure. The drug took effect after 6 minutes. The team immediately rushed in to begin the treatment required and free the horns from the rope. Once the animal was restrained, the rope was cut away and removed. As the animal was down, deworming was done. 40ml of Levamizole (Levamisole 37.5mg/ml and Praziquantel 18.8mg/ml) was administered orally and 50mg Ivermectin was given subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected for bio-banking. Prognosis The prognosis is good as the animal had no injuries. It is recommended that the animal’s enclosure be cleaned and any debris removed.
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Case 17 – 31st March 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Busara, a female bongo was limping on its left front leg. The bongo was not bearing weight on the limb. On examination, it was noticed that the hoof had cracked as there was also a trail of blood as the animal moved.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted from foot with 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 30mg Azaperone tartate. The drug took effect after about 5 minutes and the animal went down on left lateral recumbency. Once the animal was down, a thorough assessment was done to determine the extent of injury. There was a traumatic injury on the tip of the hoof of the left forelimb that was bleeding. The wound was debrided with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide and irrigated with Iodine for topical antibiotic cover. Opticlox ointment and Alamycin spray were also applied for topical antibiotic cover. The other hooves were trimmed for proper management. The bongo was also administered with 6,000mg Amoxicillin and 1,500mg Flunixin meglumine as an antibiotic and for control of pain and inflammation respectively. 20ml of Multivitamins was also given to stimulate appetite and boost the immune system. Blood samples were collected for bio-banking. Relocation, revival and prognosis The prognosis is good.
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