SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JUNE 2021
Introduction
16 Cases in June
4 Poaching Cases
9 Elephant Cases
June Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon The month of June was marked by a substantial drop in temperature. Wildlife numbers have declined due to movement in search of food and water since most seasonal rivers and water holes have dried up. During June the TMVU attended to a diverse range of activities. Five elephants were fitted with collars, three elephants were attended to for arrow wounds and one for marked lameness. The vet team also attended to two zebras with lameness and undertook a translocation exercise in the Gicheha farm and a collaring exercise in the Sobo Rhino Sanctuary that saw more than 70 animals get fitted with GPS collars. Acknowledgement The unit acknowledges the support of its sponsors ViER PFOTEN through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their huge financial support to the unit. We also thank Kenya Wildlife Service through the Assistant director Tsavo conservation area and the Head, Veterinary Services Department.
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations June 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
2-Jun-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
The bull suffered from an old dislocation
Successfully Treated
2-Jun-21
Elephant
Amboseli Environs
Arrow
A contaminated penetrating wound on the right forelimb due to an arrow
Successfully Treated
5-Jun-21
Zebra
Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
There was a contaminated penetrating wound proximal to the carpal joint
Successfully Treated
10-Jun-21
Zebra
Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
A penetrating wound around the carpal joint and a ripe abscess to the neck
Successfully Treated
11-Jun-21
Antelope
Tsavo East NP
Relocation
20 males (1 hartebeest, 5 wildebeests, 13 zebras & 1 impala) and 9 females (1 hartebeest, 3 wildebeest and 7 zebras) were translocated
Task Successful
14-Jun-21
Elephant
Chyulu Area
Spear
A contaminated penetrating wound on the right elbow suspected to be from a spear
Successfully Treated
15-Jun-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Collared
A GPS collar was fitted around her neck to mitigate HWC issues
Task Successful
17-Jun-21
Zebra
Tsavo East NP
Collared
17-Jun-21
Antelope
Tsavo East NP
Collared
17-Jun-21
Hyena
Tsavo East NP
Collared
17-Jun-21
Lion
Tsavo East NP
Collared
19-Jun-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
Dry feed-filled stomach and large colon that was covered in mucosa
Died
20-Jun-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Spear
The elephant was treated for bad penetrating wound into its ankle joint
Successfully Treated
21-Jun-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Collared
The TMVU was involved in the collaring of 4 adult bulls on the 21st of June, 2 bulls and 2 cows
Task Successful
22-Jun-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
Maisha, an orphaned elephant had stiff hind limbs and a locking jaw
Died
29-Jun-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Arrow
The bull had a contaminated penetrating wounds on the left flank
Successfully Treated
Reason for Intervention
The exercise was part of a bigger project to understand predator and poacher disturbance on wildlife herbivores The exercise was part of a bigger project to understand predator and poacher disturbance on wildlife herbivores The exercise was part of a bigger project to understand predator and poacher disturbance on wildlife herbivores The exercise was part of a bigger project to understand predator and poacher disturbance on wildlife herbivores
Outcome
Task Successful Task Successful Task Successful Task Successful
Case 1 – 2nd June 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Mudanda, Tsavo East National Park
The TMVU received a report of a lame elephant bull sighted by KWS Rangers on patrol around the Mudanda area in Tsavo East. The elephant was said to be experiencing difficulties in walking and appeared to be dragging the left hindlimb. Based on the urgency of treatment needed for the elephant, the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Team drove to the area to perform a physical examination and carry out the needed treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was in thick bush and the terrain was challenging for vehicles. For darting and ease of treatment, a helicopter was used to drive the affected elephant to open ground. He was darted with 18mg Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. The elephant bull suffered from an old dislocation that resulted in the fusion of the femoral shaft and the tibial and fibula condyles. He was administered with 40mg Dexamethasone and 15,000mg of Amoxicillin to manage pain/inflammation and bacterial infections respectively before being revived with 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone intravenously. Prognosis The prognosis for recovery is favourable.
Case 2 – 2nd June 2021 Elephant
Arrow
Amboseli
The TMVU were notified of an elephant bull with a wound on the forelimb and responded by visiting the area to access the wound and carry out the needed treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Due to the rocky and bushy terrain, the bull was darted from foot with 20mg Etorphine and full immobilization was achieved after 8 minutes. He was quickly secured and water poured on him to aid in thermoregulation due to the prevailing hot conditions. Examination revealed a contaminated penetrating wound on the right forelimb suspected to be due to an arrow. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with Iodine, packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries and sealed with green clay for its healing properties. 100mg of Dexamethasone and 30,000mg of Amoxicillin were administered to manage inflammation/pain and bacterial infections respectively. Prognosis The bull was later revived with 36mg of Diprenorphine and 40mg of Naltrexone and stood up after 3 minutes. The prognosis for recovery is good.
Case 3 – 5th June 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report of a lame zebra near a water hole a few kilometres from the park HQs. The vet team drove to the area to administer the needed treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The male zebra was darted with 6mg etorphine and 60mg xylazine and went down after 7 minutes. He was quickly secured and a blindfolded to prevent visual excitation and damage to the cornea. Copious amount of water was poured on him to protect him from the scorching sun before proceeding with examination. The zebra had an old dislocation that led to limited movement of the elbow joint due to callus tissue formation. There was also a contaminated penetrating wound proximal to the carpal joint that was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine then sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray applied. 3,000mg of Amoxicillin and 20mg of Dexamethasone were administered parenterally. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 12mg Diprenorphine and 5mg Atipamezole. The zebra stood after 3 minutes and walked away. The prognosis for recovery is favourable.
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Case 4 – 10th June 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Manyani Gate, Tsavo East National Park
A report was received by the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit of a zebra stallion with marked lameness around Tsavo East National Park, Manyani Gate. The report indicated that the stallion in question had been seen limping on the left forelimb. To perform examination and treatment, the Vet drove to the area. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra stallion was chemically immobilized with 7mg of M99 and 60mg of Xylazine. He was examined and noted to have a penetrating wound around the carpal joint that was suspected to have infected the knee joint causing lameness. He also had a ripe abscess around the neck that was lanced, cleaned with Iodine and Hydrogen peroxide and infused with Opticlox ointment. The stallion was administered with 30mg of Dexamethasone, 3,000mg of Amoxicillin and Vitamin B12 Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine and 2.5mg Atipamezole. He stood up after 5 minutes, the prognosis for recovery is good. .
Case 5 – 11th June 2021 Antelope
Relocation
Tsavo East National Park
Wildlife translocations into different geographical areas has become a common conservation technique although it is considered to be laborious and expensive. It is accepted that a suitable translocation site and translocation of many individuals increases the success. The TMVU were involved in a wildlife capture and translocation exercise for a week geared at increasing the biodiversity of different wildlife species. The target species included zebras, hartebeests and wildebeests. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet prepared darts containing 6mg of Etorphine and 60mg of Azaperone. Once the target was isolated from the herd, they were darted from a vehicle. Once immobilised the animals were blindfolded o protect the cornea from damage and minimize visual stimulation. Thermoregulation was aided by pouring water on them before proceeding to load them into a lorry for transportation. A total of 31 animals were translocated. This included 20 males (1 hartebeest, 5 wildebeests, 13 zebras & 1 Impala) and 9 females (1 hartebeest, 3 wildebeest and 7 zebras). All the animals were in good body condition, with no injuries. Prognosis Once immobilized, they were loaded into a lorry and the anaesthesia reversed with 4 times the Etorphine dose. Since no abnormalities were noted after reversal of the anaesthesia, the prognosis is good and the animals are expected to settle well in the new area due to availability of adequate feed resources.
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Case 6 – 14th June 2021 Elephant
Spear
Chyulu Hills
An elephant bull with a penetrating wound was sighted by KWS Rangers near the Masimba community area north of Chyulu hills. This information was relayed to the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit who responded by visiting the area to examine the Elephant and carry out any needed treatment.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment A dart was prepared with 18mg of Etorphine and the bull darted from a helicopter. Full immobilization was achieved after 10 minutes then the Vet proceed to carry out a physical examination. The elephant bull had a contaminated penetrating wound on the right elbow near the pinna suspected to be from a spear. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, then packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries. Alamycin spray and green clay were then applied to protect against infection and for its healing properties. The elephant was also administered with 3,0000mg of Amoxicillin, 8mg of Clindamycin and 80mg of Dexamethasone. Prognosis The anaesthetic was reversed with 36mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. He stood up after 5 minutes and walked back into a thick bush cover nearby. The prognosis for recovery is good.
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Case 7 – 15th June 2021 Elephant
Collared
Taita Ranches
A rise in cases of human-wildlife conflict results in a substantial decline in wildlife populations especially for elephants. With the recent listing of the African elephant in the IUCN’s red list of endangered species, conservation of these giants is critical and collaring plays a big role in wildlife conservation. The TMVU was involved in an elephant collaring exercise in support with a team from Save the Elephant.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The cow was darted from a helicopter with 16mg of Etorphine and went down on lateral recumbency after 10 minutes. She was quickly secured and airways ensured to be patent to aid in normal breathing. The elephant had no cutaneous injuries or any physical abnormalities. A GPS collar was successfully fitted around her neck then the anaesthetic was reversed. Prognosis The anaesthetic was reversed with 12mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. She stood after 3 minutes and walked away. Since the cow had no significant injuries or physical conditions, the prognosis is good.
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Case 8 - 11 – 17th June 2021 Antelope/Predator
Collared
Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was involved in a collaring exercise at the Sobo Rhino sanctuary, Tsavo East. The target species were zebras, hartebeests, hyenas and lions. The exercise was part of a bigger project to understand predator and poacher disturbance on wildlife herbivores.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment Based on the animal species, appropriate drug combinations were used with Etorphine and Azaperone for the herbivores and Ketamine plus Medetomidine for the predators. A total of 64 zebras, 7 hartebeests, 5 lions and 1 hyena were fitted with collars. The animals were examined for any abnormalities or cutaneous injuries before the collars were fitted. Prognosis Since non-showed signs of reaction to the drug, the anaesthesia was reversed with drug combinations based on the anaesthetic, such as M5050 and Atipamezole. Since all the animals had good body condition, the prognosis is good. .
Case 12 – 19th June 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit received a report of a weak elephant bull that was spotted in a shady area in Satao unable to walk. The elephant in question was said to be lying down most of the time. Based on the severity of the situation, the TMVU rushed to the area to offer critically needed treatment. Examination and Management Upon arrival, the Vet examined the bull and noticed there was little to be done due to the progress of the bull’s condition. For animal welfare reasons, the bull was euthanized and a post-mortem carried out. Cause of Death The post-mortem found copious amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity, congested intestinal mucosa, dry feed-filled stomach and large colon that was covered in mucosa. The findings pointed to impaction as the cause of death.
Case 13 – 20th June 2021 Elephant
Spear
Tsavo East National Park
A report was received by the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit of a wounded elephant bull in Misuuni Area within the Tsavo East National Park. The Vet team was airlifted to the area by SWT aircraft to examine the sick elephant and carry out the needed treatments Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was darted from a helicopter with 18mg of Etorphine and went down on lateral recumbency after 10 minutes. Physical examination, revealed that the bull suffered from a contaminated penetrating wound to the lower right hind leg. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine before being packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries then sprayed with Oxytetracycline and packed with green clay. Dr Poghon suspects something sharp and metallic like a spear. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. He stood after 3 minutes and entered back into thick bush. The prognosis for recovery is good. .
Case 14 – 21st June 2021 Elephant
Collared
Tsavo East National Park
In order to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, limiting the interaction between wildlife and humans is essential. This can be achieved by tracking the movement of wildlife across the different ecosystems. The TMVU was involved in the collaring of 4 adult elephants on the 21st of June, 2 bulls and 2 cows. Immobilisation and collaring The elephants were darted from a helicopter with 18mg Etorphine for the cows and 20mg of Etorphine for bulls. The elephants achieved fully immobilization after 10minutes. The GPS trackers were fitted, and the animals revived with 36mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. Prognosis None of the elephants had any injuries requiring treatment and were all in good condition. After the anaesthetic was reversed, the animals stood up and moved off. A good prognosis is indicated.
Case 15 – 22nd June 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Ithumba, Tsavo East National Park
A report was received by the TMVU of a elephant orphan at the SWT Ithumba Reintegration Unit. The history indicated that the cow had stiff hind limbs and a locking jaw. The vet was airlifted to the area for examination and carrying out the needed medication. Immobilisation and collaring The cow was manually restrained to allow for physical examination and treatment. She was administered with 20mg Azaperone and 600mg of Clindamycin. She was monitored and put under antibiotics for subsequent days but succumbed to the illness after 4 days. Post-mortem Findings Post-mortem examination revealed marked enteritis with an unknown cause of death.
Case 16 – 29th une 2021 Elephant
Arrow
Taita Ranches
The TMVU received a report of a wounded elephant seen near a water hole in Teita Sisal Conservancy. The Veterinary team visited the area to carry out treatment.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was darted on foot with 18mg of Etorphine and went down on lateral recumbency after 10 minutes. He was quickly secured, and the airways ensured to be patent to aid in normal breathing before proceeding with physical examination. The bull had contaminated penetrating wounds on the left flank. The wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, then packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries and Alamycin spray also applied. The elephant was discovered to have oral ulcers that were suspected to be the cause of his low appetite. He was administered with 80mg Dexamethasone, and 15,000mg of Amoxicillin. Prognosis The anaesthetic was reversed with 36mg of Diprenorphine and 40mg of Naltrexone. He stood up after 5 minutes and walked away. The prognosis for recovery is good. .