SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Report for November 2019

SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT NOVEMBER 2019

Introduction

6 Cases in November

3 Rhino Cases

1 Elephant Cases

November Report by Dr. Bernard Rono This report describes the activities of Meru Veterinary Unit in northern Kenya during November 2019. The area received more than average rainfall this month with sporadic floods reported in parts of Meru National Park.

In Laikipia the Unit responded to an injured lion in Loisaba ranch, an elephant with a fracture of its leg in Ol Jogi and a sick black rhino in Borana conservancy. Similarly, the Unit treated an injured white rhino in Lewa Conservancy which had a laceration of its eyelid from a territorial fight and in Meru NP an injured white rhino was examined, however, no intervention was needed.

Acknowledgement The Meru veterinary unit is supported by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which provides financial and logistical support. We also acknowledge support of KWS management and rangers in the field who monitor wildlife and report cases for treatment.

Case Details Date

Species

Area Found

04-Nov-19

Lion

Loisaba Ranch

Natural Causes

The lion was in poor body condition with severe leg carrying lameness

Died

Crocodile

Chuka, Mount Kenya

Relocation

A captive crocodile in a farm escaped from its enclosure into a nearby river

Task Successful

13-Nov-19

Elephant

Ol Jogi Ranch

Natural Causes

21-Nov-19

Rhino White

Lewa Conservancy

Natural Causes

27-Nov-19

Rhino White

Meru National Park

Natural Causes

28-Nov-19

Rhino Black

Borana Ranch

Natural Causes

08-Nov-19

Reason for Intervention

The left thigh muscles were enlarged and the femur appeared distorted from the normal alignment. a fracture of the femur was suspected Examination revealed a swelling and deep laceration with blood oozing from the lower eye lid an injured white rhino bull (Bahati) was suspected to have been injured in a territorial fight with another bull This calf was suspected to have sustained an internal injury following a knock by a bull which was mating its mother

Outcome

Died

Successfully Treated Task Successful Prognosis Poor

SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations November 2019

Case 1 – 4th November 2019 Lion

Natural Causes

Loisaba Ranch

This lion was observed by rangers on patrol in Loisaba Conservancy on 3/11/19 who reported that it had lost body condition and showed severe lameness of its right hind leg.

Immobilisation, examination and management Immobilization was achieved using a combination of 300mg Ketamine and 8mg Medetomidine in a single Dan-Inject dart. This lion was calm when approach by vehicle for darting and only moved a short distance thereafter. Down time was 4 minutes. It was positioned on left lateral recumbence and blind folded for examination and treatment.

The lion was in poor body condition with a score of 2 on a scale of 1 – 5 with severe leg carrying lameness.

Manipulation of the right hind leg revealed crepitus dorsal to the stifle joint determined as a comminuted fracture of the femur. Its canine teeth were also broken and worn out suggesting old age.

Prognosis Fractures have a poor prognosis for recovery and considering the pain and compromised welfare, this animal was euthanized. A satellite tracking collar on this individual was retrieved and kept at Loisaba.

Case 2 – 8th November 2019 Crocodile

Relocation

Chuka, Mt Kenya

A captive crocodile in a farm in Chuka escaped from its enclosure into a nearby river following heavy rains and flooding in the area.

Attempts by the farm owner to capture the crocodile using an improvised cage trap failed. He requested KWS veterinary to capture and relocate the crocodile back to its enclosure after reconstruction and reinforcement. The crocodile posed a danger to area residents.

Capture and Relocation The 6ft crocodile was captured using a customized net deployed across the river and herding the crocodile into it.

Duct Tape was applied on its mouth after capture and it was safely relocated to its pond.

Case 3 – 13th November 2019 Elephant

Natural Causes

Ol Jogi Ranch

This elephant in Ol Jogi was reported to have severe lameness and swelling on its left hind leg and was unable to keep up with the rest of the herd.

Immobilisation, examination and management The elephant was immobilized using 8mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a Dan-Inject dart. It was shy when approached by a vehicle. The first dart failed to discharge but the second dart took six minutes to take effect. The elephant was positioned in right lateral recumbence for examination.

The left thigh muscles were enlarged and the femur appeared distorted from the normal alignment. Although no crackling sound was felt on manipulation, a fracture of the femur was suspected.

Fractures in large animals are extremely painful and have a poor prognosis for healing. For this reason, the elephant was euthanized.

A post-mortem examination revealed fracture of the lateral condyles of femur.

Case 4 – 21st November 2019 White Rhino

Natural Causes

Lewa Conservancy

On the 18/11/2019 a white rhino bull called Marti in Lewa conservancy was reported to have injured its right eye in a territorial fight and required urgent veterinary attention. This rhino was immobilized for examination and treatment on 21/11/19.

Immobilisation, examination and management Due to hilly terrain a helicopter was obtained for darting. A combination of 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 80mg Azaperone tartate was delivered in a Dan-Inject dart was used for immobilization. The first dart failed to discharge but a second dart given 10 minutes later was effective and it went down in 5 minutes. Respiration rate and temperature were monitored and 10mg Butorphanol was given intravenously through the ear vein as soon as the animal was recumbent. The rhino was positioned on left lateral recumbence for examination.

Although the team were unable to reposition the rhino from facing downhill, to prevent pressure of abdominal organs on the chest cavity, it remained stable through the procedure.

Examination revealed a swelling and deep laceration with blood oozing from the lower eyelid of the right eye. The eye ball and its orbit were intact. Lacerations were also found on the sternum and the head.The wound was washed with normal saline to remove debris, then a suture vicryl in a simple interrupted pattern was applied. Topical antibiotics (Opticlox), Betamox and Flunixin meglumine were given via the deep intramuscular route.

Prognosis Naltrexone 120mg was given by the intravenous route to reverse the effect of the Opioid. Three minutes later this rhino was standing. Prognosis for recovery is good and no loss of vision is expected.

Case 5 – 27th November 2019 White Rhino

Natural Causes

Meru National Park

On the 24/11/19 a patrol team in Meru National Park Sanctuary reported an injured white rhino bull (Bahati) which was suspected to have been injured in a territorial fight with another bull. Wounds were seen on its right thigh and fresh blood on the ground where it rested.

The veterinary team examined this rhino on 27/11/19 when it was found again during patrol. It was in good body condition and alert on approach.

Examination Observation revealed superficial bruises on its left thigh and flank which appeared to be healing. This rhino had a huge tumor on the prepuce/penis; observation showed that the growth was bleeding and it was suspected to have been bruised.

From July 2018 when it was first examined the tumor has evolved slowly with limited compromise to the welfare of this animal. It was not considered safe to be surgically removed under field conditions. However, because of its location it is predisposed to injury by vegetation.

The Vet Unit advised the rhino team to monitor this individual intensively and report regularly on its progress.

Case 6 – 28th November 2019 Black Rhino

Natural Causes

Borana Conservancy

On the 27/11/19 a black rhino calf in Borana Conservancy was reported to have shown lameness on its right hind leg, lethargy and reluctance to move for the past day. Its mother had been joined by a dominant bull and was temporarily separated from the calf.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment A combination of 2.8mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 50mg Azaperone delivered was used to achieve effective immobilization. This rhino did not move when approached with a vehicle for darting and it went down in 5 minutes. A blindfold was applied and respiration rate was monitored during treatment. Antiinflammatory drugs and antibiotics were administered. The calf was also ear notched with a pre-determined pattern for identification purposes.

Prognosis Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved by intravenous administration of Diprenophine hydrochloride.

Although this rhino was alert after reversal it was reluctant to stand and had to be encouraged to a standing position 15 minutes after reversal. It was reported to have shown little movement and browsed selectively.

Although its condition was considered critical, we are hopeful that it will recover from its injuries. The rhino monitoring team in Borana will continue monitoring this animal and report on its progress.