SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT DECEMBER 2023
Introduction
2 Cases in December
2 Poaching Cases
1 Elephant Case
December Report by Dr. Michael Njoroge The SWT-KWS Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 2 cases in December 2023, in both cases the animals treated had penetrating wounds on the forelimb. On 08 th December 2023, the team successfully treated a common zebra stallion with an arrow lodged in its forelimb. Several days later, on 21st December 2023, the Veterinary Unit was called upon to attend to an elephant bull with a spear wound on the right forelimb. Thankfully, the elephant was also successfully treated. Acknowledgement The Mara Mobile Veterinary team greatly appreciates Elizabeth Scarlett for funding the Unit through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The team also thanks Kenya Wildlife Service for providing technical support and all the conservation partners who contributed to the success of veterinary interventions through timely reporting of veterinary cases and monitoring of treated animals.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
8-Dec-23
Zebra
Siana Conservancy
Arrow
Adult male zebra with an arrow lodged in the forelimb
Successfully Treated
21-Dec23
Elephant
Mara North Conservancy
Arrow
Adult male elephant with an arrowhead lodged in the right forelimb
Successfully Treated
SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations December 2023
Case 1 – 08th December 2023 Zebra
Arrow
Siana Conservancy
While on routine patrol, Siana Conservancy rangers sighted an adult male common zebra with an arrow lodged in the forelimb and informed the Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The injured zebra was darted from a vehicle with 70 mgs Azaperone and 6 mgs Etorphine. The animal assumed lateral recumbency when the drugs took full effect about 4 minutes later. It was blindfolded and examined to determine the severity of the wound and the presence of any other injuries. The arrow lodged in the zebra’s forelimb was carefully pulled out then the wound was cleaned with water, disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine before being covered with an Oxytetracycline antibiotic spray. Systemically, 15,000 mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 30 mgs Dexamethasone anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mg Naltrexone administered through the jugular vein. The zebra stood shortly thereafter and ran into the bush. Prognosis The zebra has a good prognosis. The wound on the forelimb is expected to heal completely in 4 – 5 weeks.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this case.
Case 2 – 21st December 2023 Elephant
Spear
Mara North Conservancy
This injured elephant bull was seen by rangers on patrol in Mara North Conservancy. They notified the Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit that responded immediately. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 10 mgs Etorphine. In 6 minutes, the drug had taken effect, and the animal was in lateral recumbency. Upon physical examination, it was observed that the elephant had a spear wound on the lateral aspect of the right forelimb. The wound was cleaned with water, disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, and sprayed Oxytetracycline topically. 1,600 mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 50 mgs Dexamethasone antiinflammatories were also administered intramuscularly. The elephant was revived with 200 mg Naltrexone given intravenously. The elephant stood on all fours 7 minutes later and walked away. Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.