Case 11 – 22nd February 2023

Elephant Human-Wildlife Conflict Olare Conservancy

While on patrol, Mara Elephant Awareness rangers spotted an adult female elephant that was reluctant to move. Upon closer observation, it was found that the elephant had 3 spear wounds.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The injured elephant was found among a herd of over 15 elephants in thick bush. The elephant was darted with 17 mgs Etorphine on the left hind quarters and went down on right lateral recumbency once the drugs took effect. Individuals in the herd stood guard around the sedated matriarch, and they had to be chased away for treatment to be carried out. 2 spear wounds were observed on both lateral and medial aspect of the left mid forelimb, the other spear wound was at the level of the sternum. All wounds were septic and had slight maggot infestation. The wounds were cleaned with water, disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine, packed with green clay then sprayed with Tetracycline to repel flies. 20,000 mgs Tetracycline and 5,000 mgs Flunixin meglumine were administered intramuscularly while 80 mgs Dexamethasone was injected intravenously. Anaesthesia was reversed with 170 mgs Naltrexone injected into the ear vein. The recovery was smooth. 3 minutes post-reversal, the elephant stood and moved towards a nearby bush.

Prognosis

Good prognosis since the wounds were only mildly septic and the integrity of the joint was not compromised