SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Veterinary Report for April 2023

SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

APRIL 2023

Introduction

April

14 Cases in April

Report by Dr. Michael Njoroge

3 Rhino Cases

5 Elephant Cases

The SWT-KWS Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit attended 14 cases in April 2023. The animals attended to were 3 rhinos, 5 elephants, 2 lions, 2 masai giraffes, 1 zebra, and 1 wildebeest. 3 Cases in total involved snared animals while 4 cases involved speared animals.

Acknowledgement

The Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit team greatly appreciates Elizabeth Scarlett for funding the Unit through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Additionally, the team would also like to thank Kenya Wildlife Service for technical support all the conservation partners within the Mara ecosystem who contributed to the success of veterinary interventions through timely reporting of veterinary cases, tracking, and monitoring treated animals. The support we have received from all of you has been key in ensuring we are able to immediately respond to all clinical interventions

Case Details

April 2023

Elephant Spear Siana Conservancy

While on patrol, Mara Elephant Project rangers spotted a sub-adult male elephant with a swollen left hind limb and informed the Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was found grazing alone in a thick forested area. It was approached stealthily and darted with 10 mgs Etorphine. After 6 minutes, full immobilization was achieved with the animal in lateral recumbency. Upon physical examination, it was found that the elephant had 2 adjacent spear wounds at the lateral aspect of the left hind limb just below the stifle joint. The wounds were cleaned with water and disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Pessaries were inserted into the wound along with green clay mixed with Negasunt® 16,000 mgs Tetracycline and 2,500 mgs Flunixin meglumine were also administered intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with Naltrexone administered both intravenously and intramuscularly Ropes were used to assist the elephant to stand; 5 minutes post-reversal, the elephant was on all fours.

Prognosis

The elephant has a good prognosis. Mara Elephant Project rangers will monitor the animal during recovery.

Giraffe Natural Causes Noonkishu Conservancy

A tourist spotted an injured juvenile female masai giraffe on 08th April 2023 and relayed the coordinates to the Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The following day, the Vet Unit searched for the injured giraffe in the area it had been seen. It was found in sternal recumbency within a herd of 5 giraffes The injured giraffe was followed for 5 minutes until it was in a suitable area and darted with 6 mgs Etorphine and 15 mgs Azaperone. The animal was roped down when the drugs took effect a few minutes later. Anaesthesia was then immediately reversed, and the animal was physically restrained by pinning the head and neck to the ground. The giraffe was blindfold and Butorphanol administered to enhance respiration. The injured limb was examined by palpitation and manipulation, and the carpal joint was found to be inflamed due to a soft tissue injury. Systemically, 4,500 mgs Oxytetracycline and 35 mgs Dexamethasone were administered before the giraffe was released. It rose energetically and rejoined the herd that was waiting in a nearby area with thick bush.

Prognosis

The giraffe has a good prognosis

Lion Human-Wildlife Conflict Mayian Lodge

Security personnel at the lodge reported that an adult male lion had been trapped within the premise’s electric fence

Immobilisation and relocation

The lion was found in a bush and darted from a vehicle with 4 mgs Medetomidine and 300 mgs Ketamine. The animal was completely sedated 10 minutes later assuming sternal recumbency. The dart was retrieved, and the dart wound sprayed with Tetracycline aerosol spray to repel the flies. The lion was blindfolded, it’s heart rate and respiratory rate were monitored then it was loaded onto a vehicle for relocation to Maasai Mara National Reserve. 4,000 mgs Amoxicillin and 30 mgs Dexamethasone were administered into different muscle sites. 40 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously to control internal and external parasites. Anaesthesia was reversed at the release site with 20 mgs Atipamezole administered intramuscularly 1 hour post immobilization The lion showed signs of palpebral reflex and ear twitching half an hour post-reversal. 20 minutes later, the lion was on sternal recumbence and eventually walked into the bushes close by.

Prognosis

The lion has a good prognosis.

Elephant Natural Causes Olaro Conservancy

Rangers on patrol in the Olaro area reported seeing a sub-adult female elephant that was reluctant to move due to an injured right hind limb that was oozing pus.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was found in a thick forested area grazing alone. There was noticeable swollen on the right hind limb. The elephant was darted with 12 mgs Etorphine, full immobilization was achieved after 6 minutes with the animal in lateral recumbency. The left ear was used to cover the left eye to shield it from direct sunlight and dust. Upon closer examination, the swollen limb was found to have a big wound just below the stifle joint. The wound was cleaned with water, disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodide then sprayed with Tetracycline to repel flies. Anti-biotics and anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with Naltrexone. Recovery was smooth, and 2 minutes later the elephant was standing and moving up a nearby hill.

Prognosis

The elephant has a good prognosis.

Rhino Post-mortem Ruma National Park

A sub-adult female white rhino was treated on 10/4/2023 with muscle injury on the pelvic and thoracic regions. It was reported that the rhino was mounted by a heavy male and thereafter displayed uncoordinated movement, laboured breathing and was seen lying down often with unusual difficulty getting up. The animal was finally reported recumbent and unable to stand. The big bull was seen trying to lift the female up while in its recumbent state. A post-mortem examination was carried out on 13/4/2023, the day after the rhino died, to establish the cause of death.

Post-mortem findings

Slight bilateral abdominal distension with a body condition score of 3.5/5. Integumentary system - traumatic fight wounds on both lateral and medial aspect of the left hind limb, flank and thoracic region. Cardiovascular system - remarkable circumscribed haemorrhage on the left intercoastal muscles; remarkable congestion in the thoracic blood vessels; and haemorrhage on the left thoracic flank between the intercostal muscles Respiratory system - blood-tinged fluid in the thoracic cavity (haemothorax); puncture wound noticed within the thoracic cavity that communicated with the outside; punctured caudal left lung lobe; generalized congestion on the left lung and slightly collapsed on the lower caudal lobe; fibrinous strands in the thoracic cavity along the second inter coastal muscles suggestive of acute inflammation; frothy discharge in the trachea and the bronchi Digestive system - petechial haemorrhage along the small intestines; general congestion of the mesenteric blood vessels; circumscribed lesion on the large intestine; empty intestines which were ballooned.

Cause of Death

Asphyxiation causing respiratory distress.

Zebra Snared Mara North Conservancy

KWS rangers on patrol spotted a common zebra stallion with lameness on the hind limb. The animal was alone and was reluctant to move.

Immobilisation and examination

The zebra stallion was darted from a vehicle with 6 mgs Etorphine and 70 mgs Azaperone. It was startled when the dart landed and walked away until full immobilization was attained after 4 minutes in left lateral recumbency. Upon physical examination, the zebra was found to have an open compound fracture of the cannon bone with a rapture of the suspensory ligament and the deep digital flexor ligament. Given the zebra’s poor prognosis, it was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering. The carcass was disposed of accordingly.

Prognosis

Poor prognosis. The zebra was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures for this case.

Elephant Natural Causes Mara Triangle

A sub-adult female elephant with leg carrying lameness was reported by Mara County rangers.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant calf was found grazing alongside its mother and 2 other elephants in a marshy area near the Little Governor’s Lodge. Both mother and calf were immobilized. The mother was darted with 15 mgs Etorphine while the calf was darted with 12 mgs. The animals took off upon darting but were prevented from entering the swamp by cutting the off with the vehicle. After 6 minutes the mother was fully immobilized and fell on lateral recumbency. 3 minutes later, the calf was also fully immobilized and went down on lateral recumbency. For both animals, the left ear was used to cover the left eye to shield it from direct sunlight and dust. The mother and calf were also doused with water to cool them down. Upon palpitation and manipulation of the injured limb, it was discovered that there was laxation and inflammation of the elbow joint. 20,000 mgs Oxytetracycline and Flunixin meglumine intramuscularly were administered. The calf was first revived. Recovery was smooth and after 4 minutes, both animals were up and reunited with the other 2 family members.

Prognosis

The calf has a guarded prognosis. However, it may recover given its tender age.

Giraffe Spear Olaro South Conservancy

Olara South Conservancy rangers reported an adult male masai giraffe with a spear lodged into the pelvic muscles of its left side

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was found browsing in the conservancy’s plains. It was successfully darted from a vehicle with 15 mgs etorphine and 25 mgs Azaperone and roped down 7 minutes later when the drugs took effect. The animal went down smoothly on right lateral recumbency. Anaesthesia was reversed immediately the giraffe was brought down The giraffe was then physically restrained by pinning the head and neck to the ground. It was blindfolded and Butorphanol was administered to enhance respiration. The spear was carefully pulled out, reddish tinged exudates oozed from the wound indicating that an infection was setting in. The wound was disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine then sprayed with Tetracycline. Systemically, Tetracycline and Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly. The animal was then released and was on sternal recumbency 2 minutes later before energetically rising and eventually joining a nearby herd in thick bush.

Prognosis

The giraffe has a good prognosis.

Lion Natural Causes Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Conservancy management informed the Vet Unit of a lioness with an open wound on its right gluteal muscles.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The lion was found resting under a Croton bush and nursing 3 little 3-month-old cubs. There were 4 big males and 2 other lionesses in the pride. The injured lioness was darted from vehicle with 300 mgs Ketamine and 4 mgs Medetomidine. After 15 minutes, the lioness was fully sedated on sternal recumbency. The rest of the pride was driven a few metres away to facilitate treatment. The lioness was blindfolded, moved to the shade, and placed in left lateral recumbency. The open wound (10 cm in diameter) was disinfected with Iodine and covered with a mixture of green clay and Negasunt powder. Tetracycline wound spray was applied to repel the flies. Systemically, anti-biotics and anti-inflammatories were administered accordingly along with 40 mgs Ivermectin administered subcutaneously to control internal and external parasites. The lioness was revived 1 hour post immobilization with Atipamezole. The animal showed signs of palpebral reflex and ear twitching after 15 minutes and was in sternal recumbence 25 minutes post revival. The lioness re-joined the pride 35 minutes post-reversal.

Prognosis

The lioness has a good prognosis and is expected to recover fully

Case 10 – 20th April 2023

Rhino Technical Case Ruma National Park

A white rhino bull named Opiyo was identified as a candidate for horn trimming after he fatally injured another male in January during a territorial fight. He subsequently injured a 5-year-old female while attempting to mate which ultimately led to the death of the young rhino. The Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit carried out the exercise with assistance from a veterinary team from the Veterinary Headquarters.

Immobilisation and horn trimming

Opiyo was found in an open grazing field and darted from a helicopter with 5 mgs Etorphine and 60 mgs Azaperone. He was fully immobilized after 5 minutes and went down on sternal recumbency; he was then pushed into lateral recumbency, blindfolded and Butorphanol administered through the ear vein to enhance respiration. Opiyo’s horn was then trimmed to a size safe for other rhinos. About half of the horn was trimmed - 30 cm. Anaesthesia reversal was done with 20 mgs Naltrexone administered via ear vein and intramuscularly to achieve sedative reversal after 2 minutes.

Prognosis

Opiyo has a good prognosis.

Rhino Snared Ruma National Park

Rangers on patrol spotted a sub-adult female black rhino tethered to a tree by a snare on the right hind limb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The animal was found on sternal recumbency on a steep slope, it was tethered to a tree by a snare on the right hind limb. The rhino was darted with 3 mgs Etorphine and 60 mgs Azaperone and was fully immobilized 5 minutes later. The animal was blindfolded, and the snare cut off. No significant injuries were seen around the area bound by the snare. Upon physical examination, the animal was found to have suffered myositis probably due to extreme muscle stretching. Oxytetracycline, Dexamethasone and Catasol were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 40 mgs Naltrexone administered intravenously and intramuscularly. The rhino woke up 2 minutes later, but it did not stand. After 24 hrs of observation and monitoring, repeat treatment with supportive therapy was administered. However, the rhino’s condition drastically declined; therefore, it was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.

Post-mortem findings

The rhino was noted to have a hip dislocation. The head of the femur was out of the acetabulum fossa; ligaments had raptured, and fibrin strands were observed around the joint being evidence of acute inflammation. Significant injury of the quadriceps muscles, biceps femoris muscles, semitendinosus and gastrocnemius muscles which help to extend and flex the hip joint was also observed. Significant congestion of blood vessels around the hip joint was also seen. The horns were recovered and handed over to Ruma National Park security department.

Reason for Immobility and deteriorating health.

Dislocation of the hip joint and massive muscle injury around the hip joint. The rhino was also getting rapidly dehydrated despite being in a river valley. This was due to the high ambient temperature and the long period the rhino was without shade while it was tethered to the tree.

Elephant Spear Olkinyei Conservancy

Mara Elephant Project Rangers noticed that Kiambi, a big elephant bull, had suffered several spear wounds

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Kiambi was found foraging with 2 big elephant bulls. He was darted from a vehicle with 17 mgs Etorphine. Full immobilization was achieved after 10 minutes Kiambi went down on lateral recumbency, and his right ear was used to cover the right eye to shield it from direct sunlight and dust. Water was doused on his body to cool him down. Upon closer examination, 3 penetrating wounds were observed. The first 2 were communicating wounds on the right thoracic region and 3rd was on the left pelvic region. The wounds were cleaned with water and disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Antibiotic pessaries and green clay were inserted into each wound before it was sprayed with Tetracycline. Kiambi was also given long-acting anti-biotics and anti-inflammatories. He was revived with Naltrexone and was on sternal recumbency 5 minutes post-reversal. He stood on all fours thereafter and moved towards a nearby bush.

Prognosis

Kiambi has a good prognosis for full recovery.

Case 13 – 21st April 2023

Elephant Spear Naibosho Conservancy

While on patrol in Naibosho Conservancy, Mara Elephant Project rangers spotted a big elephant bull named Polaris with 2 visible spear wounds.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Polaris was found grazing alone in a bushy area. He was darted from a vehicle with 17 mgs Etorphine on the hind quarters. When the dart landed, he attempted to flee but was prevented from reaching the nearby bushes with a vehicle. After 10 minutes, full immobilization was achieved with Polaris on lateral recumbency. The left ear was used to cover the left eye to shield it from direct sunlight and dust, his body was also doused with water to cool him down. Upon close examination, Polaris was found to have 2 penetrating spear wounds; the 1st wound was at the level of the scapula while the other was on the hind quarters. The wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine before being sprayed with Tetracycline to repel flies. Systemic administration of Oxytetracycline and Dexamethasone was also done Polaris was then revied with Naltrexone administered intravenously and intramuscularly. He rose 5 minutes later and walked to towards the nearby bushy area.

Prognosis

Polaris has a good prognosis

Wildebeest Snared Olaro Conservancy

Conservancy rangers on patrol observed an adult male wildebeest with a wire snare around the neck. The animal kept shaking its head in a fruitless attempt to remove the snare.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The wildebeest was found grazing alone. It was darted from a vehicle with 6 mgs Etorphine and 60 mgs Azaperone. The drugs took effect 5 minutes post-darting with the animal going down on right lateral recumbency. A long wire snare was around the animal’s neck. Fortunately, the snare had not caused tissue damage. The snare was removed, and no significant injuries were observed on the nuchal ligament and the entire neck. However, it was noted that wildebeest had slightly lost body condition due to the discomfort. Naltrexone was administered via the jugular vein and a third of the dose intramuscularly to effect sedative reversal. The wildebeest rose energetically 2 minutes post-reversal and walked away.

Prognosis

The wildebeest has a good prognosis.