SWT/KWS AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT NOVEMBER 2019
Introduction
2 Cases in November
100% Success
2 Elephant Cases
November Report by Dr. Edward Kariuki During November 2019, Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit (AMVU) treated two sick elephants that had Pododermatitis. The two were of different ages being a sub-adult and an adult bull. The extent of pododermatitis severity differed between the two, the adult male having a severe form but relatively a mild condition in the sub-adult. The condition is non-infectious and could have been exacerbated by wet weather amongst other conditions. Case descriptions for the two elephants follow below. Acknowledgement We thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for material support and Mobile Unit funding, KWS for logistical support and security. Amboseli Park rangers for reporting and monitoring of the distressed elephant bull. SWT rangers are thanked for reporting and monitoring of the lame elephant calf at Ithumba Stockade.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
09-Nov-19
Elephant
Ithumba, Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
28-Nov-19
Elephant
Amboseli NP
Natural Causes
Orphan Karisa was less active than normal and suffered hind limb lameness. The calf was slow in both movement and while feeding. The bull shifted forelimbs weight while walking. The forelimbs had detached sole pads and were like hanging flaps as the animal walked
Outcome Successfully Treated
Successfully Treated
SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations November 2019
Case 1 – 9th November 2019 Elephant
Natural Causes
Ithumba, Tsavo East NP
AMVU received the report of a sick elephant calf from the Management of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi. The calf was less active than normal and suffered hind limb lameness. The calf was slow in both movement and while feeding.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The animal was approached on foot across the enclosure fence and darted for standing anaesthesia with 100mg Azaperone. After few minutes, the elephant calf was restrained physically for examination. The right hind limb was cleaned and examined for injuries. The nails were overgrown and curved. The cracked soles were irregular and probably had a bacterial infection. The injuries were treated with 1000mg of Enrofloxacin ,Catasol and Dexamesthasone. Prognosis The prognosis was fair.
Case 2 – 28th November 2019 Elephant
Natural Causes
Ithumba, Tsavo East NP
AMVU team received the report of a lame elephant from Amboseli National Park patrol team.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was immobilized using Etorphine 20mg. The bull responded well to the drug and went down on lateral recumbency after 7 minutes. The bull had foul odour and walked on grass covered areas only. The bull shifted forelimbs weights while walking. The forelimbs had detached sole pads and appeared like hanging flaps as the animal walked. The ‘loose sole pads’ were excised and the feet irrigated with iodine. The animal was given 4000mg of Enrofloxacin and 40ml of catasol. Dexamethasone covered for the inflammatory reaction. Prognosis The bull recovered in two minutes after injection with 36mg Diprenorphine. Prognosis good. The bull fed well and had access to pasture and water.