SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JULY 2021
Introduction
12 Cases in July
5 Poaching Cases
8 Elephant Cases
July Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon July saw a substantial drop in the water levels of the permanent rivers throughout the Tsavo Ecosystem. Most waterholes and seasonal rivers changed from their soothing ripples to sullen and ominous silence. The TMVU attended to 12 cases including 8 elephant cases. One was treated for lameness, another for a snare and 3 for penetrating wounds. Another elephant was rescued after he fell into a pit latrine. The team also translocated an elephant bull in Kibwezi. A male cheetah, a security dog and a female waterbuck were also attended for various ailments. Acknowledgement The Unit acknowledges the support of its sponsors ViER PFOTEN through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT). We also thank the Kenya Wildlife Service through the Assistant director and the head, veterinary services department.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
2-Jul-21
Elephant
Tsavo West
Natural Causes
She had a fractured limb
Prognosis Poor
3-Jul-21
Elephant
Tsavo West
Collared
Collaring of a bull to aid in monitoring of the movement of the elephant herd in the area.
Task Successful
5-Jul-21
Other
Tsavo East
Natural Causes
A security dog was brought in with fever, inappetence, inactiveness and diarrhoea
Successfully Treated
7-Jul-21
Zebra
Mombasa
Postmortem
The post-mortem revealed the zebra died of injuries caused during a territorial fight
Died
8-Jul-21
Elephant
Galana Ranch
Snared
The elephant was found struggling to free himself from the wire snare
Poaching Death
10-Jul-21
Elephant
Tsavo East
Spear
The spear wound had massive necrotic tissue requiring treatment
Successfully Treated
11-Jul-21
Elephant
Chyulu Hills
Arrow
Penetrating wounds to the right forelimb and left flank that had started to heal
Successfully Treated
12-Jul-21
Elephant
Tsavo East
HWC
An elephant had to be relocated as it was posing a danger to the community
Task Successful
14-Jul-21
Waterbuck
Tsavo East
Snared
A wire snare around the neck caused strangulation, alopecia and abrasions
Successfully Treated
15-Jul-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
HWC
The elephant had stumbled into a pit latrine on its search for water
Task Successful
16-Jul-21
Cheetah
Galana Ranch
Natural Causes
From physical examination, she was diagnosed with mange
Successfully Treated
19-Jul-21
Elephant
Tsavo East
Arrow
A penetrating wound to the elbow that was superficial, suspected to be from an arrow
Successfully Treated
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations July 2021
Case 1 – 2nd July 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Ziwani, Tsavo West
The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit received a report from KWS rangers at Ziwani Base of a lame elephant cow. The elephant was reported to be limping on the left hindlimb and not moving far from a nearby water stream. The vet team moved with haste to the area to treat the elephant and relieve any suffering.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The cow was found on open ground near the water stream. She was darted from foot with 16mg of Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. She was secured and water poured on her to enhance cooling of the body before proceeding with a physical examination. She was diagnosed with a fracture in the lame limb. She was administered with 200mg of Dexamethasone to manage pain/inflammation and 30,000 mg of Amoxicillin against bacterial infections. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg of Diprenorphine and 40mg of Naltrexone. She stood up without assistance and walked away slowly. The prognosis for recovery is guarded.
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Case 2 – 3rd July 2021 Elephant
Collaring
Mariakani Barracks, Tsavo West
Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict are the major factors affecting wildlife populations in Kenya and globally which results in a substantial decline in wildlife species. Regular monitoring of animals’ movements helps limit cases of human-wildlife conflict. The TMVU was involved in the collaring of one elephant bull in Mariakani army barracks to aid in monitoring of the movement of the elephant herds in the area. Immobilisation, examination and collaring The vet was airlifted by a helicopter and darted the elephant bull with 16mg of Etorphine. He achieved full immobilization after 10minutes and was quickly secured. Copious amount of water was poured on the elephant to aid in cooling before proceeding with fitting a GPS collar. Different body measurements were taken by a team from Save the Elephants to identify the elephant. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg of Naltrexone once the GPS collar was in place. Since the Elephant had no physical problems and with a good body condition.
Case 3 – 5th July 2021 Security Dog
Natural Causes
Voi Headquarters, Tsavo East
On the morning of 5th July, a security dog was brought in for veterinary examination with a history of fever, inappetence, inactiveness and slight diarrhoea. The periodical prophylactic treatment records were also not up to date. Diagnosis of canine Trypanasomosis was made. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The dog was allowed to familiarize with the surrounding environment and the people to avoid excitation. Once calm, the Vet proceeded to do a physical examination which revealed a body temperature of 40.3 and pale mucus membranes. The dog was administered with 0.6mls of Triquin subcutaneously, 10mg of Dexamethasone and 300mg of Amoxicillin intramuscularly. Prognosis Since no adverse reactions were noted after treatment, the prognosis for recovery is good.
Case 4 – 7th July 2021 Zebra
Post-mortem
Borabora Wildlife Park, Mombasa
The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit responded to a report of a zebra carcass in Borabora Wildlife Park, Mombasa. Post-mortem Findings The carcass was found lying on its right side and all the anatomy intact. Examination of the thoracic cavity revealed haemorrhagic fluid in the thoracic cavity, haemorrhages in the pericardium of the heart and bloody fluid in the lungs. There was trauma to the ribcage with rib 8,9 and 12 of the left side and rib 10 and 12 of the right side being broken. The abdominal cavity was also opened and noted to have liver haemorrhages, hemorrhagic abdominal fluids and localized congested areas along the intestinal mucosa. Cause of Death Due to the behaviour of zebra stallions killing new-borns from another stallion in order to sire their own, the post-mortem findings showed that the sub-adult female zebra sustained traumatic injuries from the resident stallion. Therefore, the cause of death is trauma that resulted to haemorrhages and lung injuries.
Case 5 – 8th July 2021 Elephant
Snare
Kulalu, Galana Ranch
Snares are one of the cruelest means of hunting as many animals suffer for days before dying from their injuries, lack of water, or starvation. The TMVU received a report regarding an elephant stuck in a snare. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant had lost weight and was still struggling to free himself from the wire snare. He was immobilized with 14mg Etorphine intramuscularly. Once fully immobilized, the wire snare was removed with wire cutters as water was poured on him to keep him cool. 15,000mg Amoxicillin and 100mg Dexamethasone were administered to counter bacterial infections & inflammation respectively. Management The anaesthesia was reversed and due to the state of his limb, he was helped to stand with a landcruiser but unfortunately, his limbs couldn’t bear weight. The vet administered intravenous fluids to manage dehydration and give him energy but still he couldn’t stand on his own. He was given more drinking water and food overnight under close monitoring, but he was still unable to stand the following day due to an old injury that was limiting flexion. Due to animal welfare reasons, he was euthanized, and post-mortem examination revealed a mucus covered intestinal mucosa indicative of starvation and a liver that was heavily infested with worms. The right forelimb was examined and noted to have a tear of ligament joining the carpal joint.
Case 6 – 10th July 2021 Elephant
Spear
Ithumba, Tsavo East National Park
The TMVU received a report of an injured elephant bull with a contaminated wound. The Vet team was airlifted from Voi to the Ithumba airstrip where a ground team was on stand-by and a helicopter was waiting. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The helicopter pushed the elephant from the dense bush to open ground for ease of access by the ground teams. He was darted from the helicopter with 18mg of Etorphine and went down after 15 minutes. The wound had massive necrotic tissue. Incisions were made to enlarge the wound edges to allow for removal of the necrotic tissue. It was pulled out with copious amounts of pus. Another skin incision was made at the lowest end of the injury as drainage for pus. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and tincture of Iodine. Oxytetracycline pessaries were inserted into the wound along then Opticlox ointment was applied before the wound was packed with green clay for its healing properties. 30,000mg of Amoxicillin and 200mg Dexamethasone were also administered. Prognosis He woke up 3 minutes after the anaesthetic was reversed. The prognosis for recovery is good.
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Case 7 – 11th July 2021 Elephant
Arrow
Oldonyo Wuas, Chyulu Hills
A report was received by the TMVU regarding a wounded elephant bull sighted in Oldonyo by Big Life Foundation Rangers. To access the area, the Vet was airlifted from Voi to Oldonyo where a ground team was on standby.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 18mg Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. He was quickly secured and water poured on him to keep him cool. Physical examination revealed an old penetrating wound to the elbow of the right forelimb and left flank that had started to heal. The wounds were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, then infused with Opticlox ointment and covered with Oxytetracycline spray. Green clay was also packed in the wounds for its healing properties Prognosis The elephant rose 4 minutes after the anaesthetic was reversed and walked away. Based on the state of the wounds and body condition of the elephant, the prognosis for recovery is good.
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Case 8 – 12th July 2021 Elephant
Human Wildlife Conflict
Misunni, Tsavo
Complaints were raised by locals in Misuuni area of an elephant bull that had been treated for limb injuries. The elephant was reported to pose danger to the locals in their search for water and food. To avoid loss of human lives and property, a decision was made to translocate the problem elephant to Tsavo West National Park; Komboyo area. This would also aid in limiting his movements due to availability of water and food thus speeding up wound healing. The TMVU visited the area to immobilize the elephant for translocation. Immobilisation, examination and relocation A helicopter was used to drive the elephant from the dense bush cover to open ground. Once opportunity struck, the Vet darted the elephant in the rump and he went down after 13 minutes.He was secured with straps and loaded on a carrier lorry. Once at Komboyo, he was offloaded and the wounds to the limb were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, then packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries and green clay. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were also administered. Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed with 36mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. He stood up after 3 minutes
and walked towards bails of Lucerne that were nearby. The prognosis for recovery is favorable.
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Case 9 – 14th July 2021 Waterbuck
Snare
Tsavo East National Park
The use of wire snares by bush meat poachers continues to be a major cause of wildlife deaths in Kenya. The TMVU were notified of a female waterbuck with a wire snare around the neck sighted at the Voi Mashariki Camp area in Tsavo National Park and responded immediately.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Vet team searched for the waterbuck and found her in a group within a dense bushy area. The vet prepared a dart based on the approximate weight and body condition of the animal. She was approached by a vehicle which she attempted to evade. When an opportunity struck, the vet successfully darted her with 6mg of Etorphine and 7mg of Xylazine. The wire had caused some degree of strangulation around the neck thus leading to alopecia and slight abrasions of the neck. The wire was removed and the wounds sprayed with Oxytetracycline. Prognosis 24mg of Diprenorphine and 2.5mg of Atipamezole were given intravenously to reverse the anaesthetic effects. She rose after 5 minutes and rushed up some rocks nearby. The prognosis for recovery is good.
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Case 10 – 15th July 2021 Elephant
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Manyatta Village, Tsavo
Reports were received by the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit of an elephant in distress. The elephant had stumbled into a pit latrine foundation on its search for water and from its weight, it fell into the pit. The Vet team made haste to the scene to rescue the elephant.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment With help from the local community, the pit was filled with stones and soil which enabled the elephant to get out as the depth declined. Once he was in a position to make attempts to climb out, ropes were placed distal to the perineal area and tied to a Landcruiser. A little pull by the Landcruiser and the elephant was able to get out of the pit and make his way back into the dense bush cover nearby. Prognosis He looked back with a sigh of relief and walked away. Since no injuries were observed, the prognosis is good.
Case 11 – 16th July 2021 Cheetah
Natural Causes
Galana Conservancy
The TMVU received a report from KWS Rangers in Galana concerning a male cheetah in a haggard and feeble state. The cheetah had difficulties in walking, was weak and with skin indicative of mange infection.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment After accessing the state of the animal, a dart was prepared combining 1mg Medetomidine and 70mg Ketamine. The cheetah was in the company of another male. The two were approached by a vehicle and the injured cheetah was darted in the thigh muscle. He achieved full immobilization after just 3 minutes. He was quickly secured with a blindfold and moved to a shady area. Physical examination revealed he had mange, which was treated with 450mg Amoxicillin, 6mg Dexamethasone and 2mls of Vitamin B12 parenterally. The cheetah was also administered subcutaneously with 0.5mls of Ivermectin for the control of the mange. Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed after 1 hour to allow for metabolization of Ketamine using 2.5 mg of Atipamezole and 1.25mg of Yohimbine. He rose after 15 minutes and walked towards the river. The prognosis for recovery is good..
Case 12 – 19th July 2021 Elephant
Arrow
Ithumba, Tsavo East
The TMVU received a report from the Keepers at the SWT Ithumba Reintegration Unit of an ex-orphan bull sighted at a water hole with a wound on his left elbow. To carry out the treatment, the Vet team was airlifted to the Ithumba airstrip where a ground team was waiting. Immobilisation, examination and relocation The elephant was driven by a helicopter to an area that was easy for the ground team to access. He was then darted with 16mg of Etorphine and achieved full immobilization after 8 minutes. The elephant was quickly secured, and the trunk straightened to ensure normal breathing. Water was poured on him to aid in thermoregulation due to the high temperatures before proceeding with medical examination. There was a penetrating wound to the elbow that was superficial but suspected to be from a foreign object, most likely an arrow. The wound and adjacent abrasion wound were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide then cleaned with Iodine. Green clay was packed into the wounds for its healing properties and covered with an Oxytetracycline aerosol. Anti-inflammatories and antibiotics were administered parenterally. Prognosis Based on the nature of the wounds and body condition of the elephant, a good prognosis for recovery is indicated. 18.5
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