SWT/KWS Tsavo Veterinary Unit Report for July 2025
SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
JULY 2025
July 2025 Report by Dr. Campaign Limo
Poaching Cases
Elephant Cases
The conservation area received less rainfall during this month; however, most water pans still contain water; both grazers and browsers had enough food. There was an increase in cases this month with 25 cases attended to including 13 poaching cases.
Acknowledgement
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit would like to appreciate all stakeholders who aided in monitoring and reporting of the cases that required veterinary intervention. A big thank you to KWS management for the technical support to the unit and the SWT for their continuous facilitation to the unit.
SWT/KWS
July 2025 25 Cases in July 2025
Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations
Date
2-Jul-25 Elephant Vitengeni Spear
2-Jul-25 Elephant Vitengeni Arrow
4-Jul-25 Elephant Taita Ranches
5-Jul-25
Elephant Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
Arrow
6-Jul-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Arrow
6-Jul-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
9-Jul-25 Buffalo Kaluku Snared
Examination revealed a deep septic spear wound on the left rump and flank Successfully Treated
A septic arrow wound on his right abdomen with an arrowhead embedded Successfully Treated
Severe bite wounds on the right ear and on the medial aspect of the right femur
Taken to Orphanage
A deep septic arrow wound on the lateral side of the left humerus Successfully Treated
A deep septic arrow wound on the left flank area. With an embedded arrowhead Successfully Treated
The calf was weak, dehydrated and unable to stand on her own Taken to Orphanage
A winch wire snare on the neck and an arrow lodged in the spine Successfully Treated
9-Jul-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Arrow An arrow wound on the left flank area
10-Jul-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Postmortem
12-Jul-25 Giraffe Taita Ranches Snared
13-Jul-25
Elephant Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
16-Jul-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Snared
18-Jul-25
Zebra Lamu Snared
18-Jul-25 Zebra Lamu Suspected Poaching
19-Jul-25 Zebra Shimba Hills Reserve Postmortem
Death resulted from compromised gastrointestinal tract movement Died
A winch wire snare on his neck which had inflicted a cut wound on the neck Successfully Treated
This calf was reported to have collapsed suddenly. She was with her mother Successfully Treated
Examination revealed a plain wire snare on the trunk Successfully Treated
A nylon rope snare on the left forelimb with ipsilateral inflammation Successfully Treated
Examination revealed a machete wound on the posterior left hindlimb Successfully Treated
This zebra was reported to have been recumbent for 24 hours before death Died
19-Jul-25 Elephant Silaloni Poaching Postmortem The cause of death could not be determined Poaching Death
20-Jul-25 Lion Tsavo East NP
23-Jul-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP
23-Jul-25
25-Jul-25
27-Jul-25
27-Jul-25
28-Jul-25
30-Jul-25
Natural Causes Had wounds suspected to have been inflicted by a buffalo’s horns Successfully Treated
Natural Causes This was a repeat treatment of an elephant with an inflamed right joint Prognosis Poor
Elephant Tsavo West NP Postmortem
Elephant Tsavo West NP Arrow
Elephant Kilifi Poaching Postmortem
Lion Tsavo East NP
Lion Tsavo East NP
On opening the inflamed carpal joint, there was excessive calcification of tissues Died
Examination revealed an arrow wound at the left carpal joint Taken to Orphanage
The carcass had been concealed using twigs. Both tusks were missing Poaching Death
Natural Causes Examination revealed a shallow wound at the foot of the right paw Successfully Treated
Natural Causes
Lion Tsavo East NP Collared
Examination revealed a fight wound on his left hindlimb Successfully Treated
The Unit undertook an activity to collar lions in Tsavo East National Park Task Successful
Case
Elephant Spear Vitengeni, North Coast
This elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot during routine patrols in Vitengeni area having a wound on his perianal area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Daninject dart. Darting was done from the helicopter, and it took 8 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a deep septic spear wound on the perianal area, left rump and left flank. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of iodine. The wounds were thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries, green clay and then sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
He also received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from narcosis using 200mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the ear vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away. Prognosis is good.
Case
Elephant Arrow
Vitengeni, North Coast
This injured elephant was spotted with a wound on his right lower abdomen at Vitengeni area by the SWT pilot during the routine patrols.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was immobilized from the helicopter using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3 cc Dan-inject dart. It took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a septic arrow wound on his right abdominal area. An arrowhead was also discovered lodged in the abdominal muscles. The arrow was surgically retrieved. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, debrided, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with clean water, infused with tincture of Iodine and then packed with antibiotic pessaries and a topical antibiotic spray was applied. He was additionally given Amoxicillin antibiotics, Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally and dexamethasone intravenously
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose few minutes later and slowly walked away. Prognosis is good.
Elephant Natural Causes
Lualenyi, Taita Ranches
This elephant was spotted by the KWS team in Lualenyi area wounded and recumbent. He was reported to have been attacked by hyenas.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Examination revealed severe bite wounds on the right ear and on the medial aspect of the right femur. He was immediately started on rehydrating fluids and glucose.
The wounds on the ear were thoroughly cleaned with water to remove dirt and then the wound margins surgically trimmed, and the dead tissues scrapped off the wound. Both the wounds were thoroughly cleaned and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide. This was followed by rinsing the wound thoroughly with water. The wounds were thereafter infused with tincture of Iodine, packed with green clay and then sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Additionally, he received shots of amoxicillin antibiotics and flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally. A review of the case was done on 5th July. He was given rehydrating fluids and glucose. He was also assisted to stand up, but he could not support himself. He was recommended for further monitoring.
Prognosis
He was translocated by vehicle to Voi stockade for further monitoring. Sadly, on the 6th July, he passed away.
Elephant Arrow Kamboyo, Tsavo East National Park
This elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot during routine patrols in Kamboyo area limping on his left forelimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the helicopter, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a deep septic arrow wound on the lateral side of the left humerus. The septic wound was cleaned and pus completely evacuated. This was followed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsing thoroughly with water and infusing with tincture of Iodine. The wound was then packed with antibiotic pessaries, green clay and topical antibiotic spray application.
Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose few minutes later and slowly walked away. Prognosis is good.
Case 5 – 5th July 2025
Elephant Arrow Satao, Tsavo East National Park
This injured elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot during routine patrols near Satao camp with a wound on the left flank.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized using 18mg etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was from a vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a deep septic arrow wound on the left flank area. An arrowhead was also found lodged on to the flank muscles which was then surgically removed. The wound was thoroughly cleaned and the pus removed from the wound. This was followed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide and rinsing the wound thoroughly with water. The wound was thereafter infused with tincture of Iodine, packed with antibiotic pessaries and topical antibiotic spray applied. Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Prognosis
He was reversed from narcosis using 180 mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away slowly.
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Elephant Rescue
Shirango, Tsavo East National Park
This elephant was spotted recumbent by the SWT rangers in Shirango area near a dam. She was found on right lateral recumbency. She was reported to have been abandoned by her family.
Examination and rescue
Examination revealed that the calf was weak, dehydrated and unable to stand on his own. She was immediately started on rehydrating fluids and glucose.
She was later translocated to Voi stockade; Tsavo East National Park for further monitoring.
Prognosis
Guarded – Grave.
A review was done on the morning of 7th July. She was additionally given rehydrating fluids and glucose. She passed away on the night of 7th July.
This buffalo was spotted by the SWT rangers in Kaluku area with a snare on his neck and stuck in a bush.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
He was successfully darted from food using 8mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart and it took 7 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a winch wire snare on the neck which had inflicted bruises on the neck. There was also an arrow lodged in his spine. The wire snare was cut using wire cutters and the bruises topically sprayed with an antibiotic.
The arrow was surgically retrieved, and the wound was thereafter cleaned and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed thoroughly with water, infused with tincture of Iodine and topical antibiotic spray application. Additionally, he received shots of amoxicillin antibiotics parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 80mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away into the bushes Prognosis is good.
Buffalo Snared
Kaluku, Tsavo
Elephant Arrow Irima, Tsavo East National Park
This injured elephant was spotted by the SWT team in Irima area injured on his left flank
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and the bull was under anaesthesia 11 minutes later.
Examination revealed an arrow wound on the left flank area. The wound had a little pus and appeared to be healing.
The wound was thoroughly cleaned, debrided, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with clean water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries, and a topical antibiotic spray was applied. He was additionally given Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin parenterally.
Prognosis
He was revived from anaesthesia using 200 mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose few minutes later and slowly walked away.
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Case
Elephant Postmortem
Pipeline, Tsavo East National Park
This carcass was found on the morning of 10th July in Pipeline area by the KWS rangers during their routine patrol. Post-mortem examination of the carcass was done on that same morning.
Postmortem examination
The male elephant was found on right lateral recumbency. The carcass was fairly fresh. There were no external wounds seen.
There was extreme ascites. There were degenerated fat masses covering a third of the abdominal cavity.
The liver was severely congested. The mesenteric lymph nodes were congested and enlarged.
Cause of death
It was concluded that the elephant had lipoma. Death resulted from complications associated with compromised gastrointestinal tract movement and enterohepatic blood vessels.
Giraffe Snared
This giraffe was spotted by KWS and Wildlife Works Rangers with a winch wire snare on his neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This giraffe was successfully immobilized using 13mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the helicopter, and it took 8 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a winch wire snare on his neck which had inflicted a cut wound on the neck region. The wound was cleaned thoroughly and disinfected using tincture of Iodine and sprayed using a topical antibiotic.
He was additionally given Amoxicillin antibiotic parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was revived using 130 mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away. Prognosis is good.
Sagala Ranch, Taita
Elephant
Natural Causes
Aruba, Tsavo East National Park
This calf was reported to have collapsed suddenly by KWS/SWT team in Aruba area. She was with her mother.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The adult female elephant was immobilized using 16mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
The calf was immediately started on rehydrating fluids and glucose. She was additionally given metabolic stimulants, Flunixin anti-inflammatories and Amoxicillin antibiotics.
Prognosis
The female adult elephant was reversed using 160mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. She rose 3 minutes later and was reunited with her calf. Prognosis is good.
Elephant Snared Kanderi,
Tsavo
East National Park
This injured elephant calf was spotted having a snare on her trunk by visitors in Kanderi area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This elephant calf was successfully immobilized using 2mg Etorphine hydrochloride and the mother with 16mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 1.5 cc Dan injects dart. Both were darted from the vehicle, and it took 8 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effect.
Examination revealed a plain wire snare on the trunk area. The snare had inflicted a deep wound on the trunk. Blood supply was intact on both margins of the wound. The snare was cut using wire cutters and the wound cleaned and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and a tincture of Iodine. The wound was then sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
Reversal and prognosis
The adult female was revived from narcosis using 160 mg Naltrexone hydrochloride and 20mg for the female calf given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. They rose few minutes later and were reunited. Prognosis is good. .
Case
Zebra Snared Sinambio area, Lamu County
This zebra was spotted by Mpeketoni PAC team in Sinambio area having a manila rope snare about 2 metres long on her left front limb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
He was successfully darted from foot using a combination of 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. It took 7 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a nylon rope snare on the left forelimb with ipsilateral inflammation possibly from elbow subluxation. The snare had inflicted a wound. The snare was cut and the wound cleaned thoroughly, debrided and flushed with tincture of Iodine. The wound was then sprayed topically with an antibiotic.
He was additionally given shots of Amoxicillin antibiotic and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 60mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. Prognosis is good. .
Case
Zebra Snared Lumshi area, Lamu County
This Zebra was spotted by Mpeketoni Pac team in Lumshi area having an injury on the left hind limb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
He was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6 mg etorphine hydrochloride and 60 mg of azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done on foot and it took 8 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a machete wound on the posterior left tarsal, below the os calcis. The limb was bearing weight normally. The wound was cleaned thoroughly, flushed with hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with tincture of iodine. The wound was then sprayed topically with an antibiotic.
He was additionally given shots of amoxicillin antibiotic and flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 60mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. Prognosis is good.
Case
Zebra Postmortem
Shimba Hills National Reserve
A zebra carcass was spotted on the morning of 19th July by the KWS/SWT rangers in Shimba Hills National Reserve. This zebra was reported to have been recumbent for 24 hours before death. TMVU was notified and requested to determine the cause of death of the zebra. Postmortem examination of the carcass was done on the evening of the same day.
Postmortem examination
• The male zebra had poor body condition prior to death
• The carcass was fairly fresh. Pale musculature and intestinal serosa
• There was dark coloured peritoneal fluid approximately 3 litres
• The spleen was slightly enlarged
• Pleural effusion was blood tinged
• The pericardial fluid was blood tinged
• The stomach and some portions of the intestines were empty
Cause of death
It was concluded that the cause of death was chronic trypanosomiasis.
Case
16 – 19th July 2025
Elephant Poaching Postmortem Silaloni, Samburu
An elephant carcass was found on the morning of 19th July by KWS rangers in Silaloni area.
TMVU was requested to determine the cause of death of the elephant.
Postmortem examination
The cause of death could not be determined since the carcass had been dismembered and organs were missing.
Cause of death
It was possibly a poaching attempt due to the dismemberment.
Lion
Natural Causes
Sangayaya, Tsavo East National Park
This lion was spotted wounded on the right hind limb by the KWS/SWT rangers at Sangayaya area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6mg Medetomidine and 220mg Ketamine delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan-inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a deep penetrating fresh wound on the right hamstring with part of the muscles severed. The vital nerves in the area were intact. The wounds were suspected to have been inflicted by a buffalo’s horns. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water and an antibiotic ointment applied to the wound. The wound was then sutured accordingly and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Meloxicam parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 30mg Atipamezole given intramuscularly. He rose few minutes later and walked away into the bushes. Prognosis is good. .
Case
18 – 20th July 2025
Elephant Spear Ngutuni, Tsavo East National Park
This was a repeat treatment of a male adult elephant with an inflamed right carpal joint in Ngutuni lodge.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This elephant was successfully darted from the vehicle using 17mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 3cc Dan inject dart. It took 10 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effect.
Examination revealed that the wound was healing but soft tissue swelling was still evident. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
He also received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was revived from narcosis using 170 mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose and slowly walked away 3 minutes later Prognosis is guarded.
Case
Elephant Spear Ngutuni, Tsavo East
An elephant carcass was found on the morning of 23rd July by Ngutuni staff members.
This elephant had been previously treated for a spear wound on the right carpal joint. TMVU were requested to conduct a postmortem examination on the elephant to determine the cause of death. Examination of the carcass was done on the afternoon of the same day.
Postmortem examination
On opening the inflamed carpal joint, there was excessive calcification of tissues surrounding the joint with a pocket of pus at the intracarpal joint.
The joint was haemorrhagic with adhesions.
Cause of death
It was concluded that the elephant succumbed due to septicaemia as a result of septic arthritis due to the previous spear injury. Tusks were removed by the KWS security team for safekeeping.
Case
Elephant Arrow
Lake Jipe, Tsavo West National Park
This calf was found wandering alone near Lake Jipe with no family in sight. She had an injured left forelimb and was limping.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This calf was manually restrained using ropes and then given 40mg of Azaperone.
Examination revealed an arrow wound at the left carpal joint. She had soft tissue swelling of the joint. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. She also received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally. She was then relocated to Voi stocked for further monitoring and treatment.
Prognosis
A review of the case was done on 29th July. She was tranquillized using 60mg Azaperone and then manually restrained using ropes. Examination of the wound revealed minimal pus. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, again and then packed with antibiotic pessaries and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. She additionally received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Elephant Poaching Postmortem Ngutuni, Tsavo East
An elephant carcass was found on the evening of 24th July by KWS rangers in Kavunzoni area.
Postmortem examination
• The carcass was on right lateral recumbency
• She appeared to have been in good body condition prior to death.
• The carcass had been concealed using twigs
• Both tusks had been hacked out and were missing
• The carcass had been butchered and most parts carried away for consumption
• A female calf in the last trimester was found on the ground close to other organs
• One rib was removed, and the chest cavity was accessed
• There was evidence of a fire being lit at the scene; ashes were found
• The spleen had been removed and was lying approximately 2 metres from the carcass
Cause of death
It was concluded that, there was high likelihood of human involvement in the death of the elephant.
Lion
Natural Causes
Aruba, Tsavo East National Park
This lion was spotted limping on his right forelimb by the WRTI team during their routine monitoring
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was successfully immobilized using a combination of 5.6mg Medetomidine and 200mg Ketamine delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a shallow wound at the foot of the right paw.
The wound was thoroughly cleaned with a forceps and an antibiotic ointment applied to the wound. The wound was then sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and meloxicam parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 28mg of Atipamezole given intramuscularly. He rose few minutes later and walked away. Prognosis is good.
Lion
Natural Causes Kandecha, Tsavo East National Park
This lion was spotted with a wound on his left hind limb by the TMVU team at Kandecha area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6mg Medetomidine and 220mg Ketamine delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a fight wound on his left hindlimb. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide. The wound was then infused with tincture of Iodine, antibiotic ointment application and then sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics parenterally.
Reversal and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 30mg of Atipamezole given intramuscularly. He rose few minutes later and slowly walked away. Prognosis is good.
Case 24 – 10
July 2025
Lion Collaring Tsavo East National Park
KWS in collaboration with Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Macalester University and University of Minnesota undertook an activity to collar lions in Tsavo East National Park Ecosystem for monitoring in an effort to study pride interactions and landscape use by lions.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
10 candidates (6 female, 4 male) were identified for collar deployment from different prides. GPS-SAT enabled collars were deployed between 10th July and 28th July 2025. Two lionessed were collared in the Irima area, 2 lionesses and 2 male lions in the Kanderi area and another 2 lionesses and 2 males in the Kandecha area.
The lionesses were successfully immobilised using a combination of 5.6mg Medetomidine and 200mg Ketamine while the male lions were immobilised a combination of 6mg Medetomidine and 220 mg Ketamine delivered in a 3cc Dan-inject dart.
Prognosis
The activity went smoothly and at the moment the collars are transmitting normally.
Case 25 – 30th July 2025
Elephant Natural Causes Ngutuni, Tsavo East National Park
This injured elephant was spotted limping on his left forelimb at Voi Wildlife Lodge by the visitors. TMVU responded immediately. The calf was spotted with his herd at Ngutuni area after a wide search.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This calf was immobilized using 1mg Etorphine hydrochloride and the mother 16mg delivered remotely in a 1.5cc Dan-inject dart from the helicopter, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed that the calf had an abscess on this left distal humerus area near the elbow joint. The calf also had a wound on the carpal joint which appear to be healing and has calcified. Another wound was on the proximal right femur. The abscess was lanced and drained of pus. All the wounds were then thoroughly cleaned, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, infused with tincture of Iodine, packed with antibiotic pessaries and sprayed topically with an antibiotic.
Reversal and prognosis
The calf was reversed from anaesthesia using 10mg Naltrexone hydrochloride while the mother 160mg given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. They rose few minutes later and walked away together into the bushes. Prognosis is guarded.
