SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

JUNE 2023

Introduction

6 Cases in June 1 Poaching Case 2 Elephant Cases

June Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan

In June, the pleasant cool weather in the Meru Conservation Area continued throughout the days and nights, and the once vibrant green grasslands gradually lost their vivid hue as the water levels in most water pans decreased. Despite these changes, there was a decrease in the number of reported wildlife veterinary cases The Veterinary team attended to 6 cases in total over the reporting period. This included a male lion with lameness due to bite wounds sustained during a fight with another lion; a female zebra that unfortunately did not survive after being severely injured by a wire snare; an elephant bull named Mutara with wounds sustained during a fight with another bull; and a sub-adult female elephant with lameness caused by a dislocated right elbow Additionally, the team administered preventive treatment for Trypanosomiasis to Pecker, a female dutch shepherd security dog, that was later referred to the Small Animal Clinic at the University of Nairobi for further diagnosis and treatment of a swelling on her mammary glands.

Acknowledgement

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sylvie Chantecaille for the generous financial support to the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit facilitated through Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We also express our deep appreciation to Kenya Wildlife Service for managerial oversight through the Senior Assistant Director – Eastern Conservation Area and the Head of KWS Veterinary Services Department. We are immensely grateful to the individuals who reported wildlife cases and provided crucial support during interventions. Together, let us work hand in hand to preserve and safeguard wildlife and wildlife habitat so as to ensure a thriving future for the generations to come.

Case Details

June

Lion Natural Causes Solio Ranch

The Ranch’s Head of Security reported a young male lion with difficulty walking due to a lame left hindleg.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The injured lion was found among a pride of 5 lions hidden in dense vegetation. It was darted from a vehicle on the left neck muscles with 8 mgs Medetomidine and 300 mgs Ketamine. The drugs took effect after 5 minutes. The pride was kept at a distance as the injured sub-adult male was moved to a shaded area. The young male was found to have suffered bite wounds on the left hind leg resulting in soft tissue injuries and subsequent lameness. The bone tissue in the affected limb was examined and found to be undamaged. The bite wounds were cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, and flushed with Iodine. An antibiotic ointment was applied onto the wounds followed by a topical antibiotic spray. 40 mgs Dexamethasone sodium, 3,000 mgs Amoxicillin, and metabolic stimulators were administered intramuscularly 3 ml Ivermectin was also injected subcutaneously to control internal and external parasites. Anaesthesia was reversed 1-hour post-darting with 15 mgs Atipamezole hydrochloride administered intramuscularly. The lion regained consciousness 10 minutes later and slowly walked towards the pride.

Prognosis

The young male lion has a good prognosis for recovery

Security Dog Technical Case Meru National Park

Canine Trypanosomiasis, a disease transmitted by infected (biting) insects like tsetse flies, is commonly found in dense vegetation areas. Dogs affected by this disease typically exhibit acute symptoms such as swelling in the hind limbs, intermittent fever, loss of appetite, corneal opacity, dehydration, pale mucous membranes, and weight loss. If not prevented adequately, particularly in areas where the disease is prevalent, it can lead to significant fatalities. As a preventive measure, the veterinary team administered prophylactic treatment for trypanosomiasis on a security dog belonging to the Meru rhino canine unit.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

To ensure a smooth and stress-free veterinary visit, the security dog was familiarized with the vet. This mitigated against any potential excitement or anxiety during examination. The dog's weight was then measured to ensure precise calculations of drug dosages. She was manually restrained while receiving a subcutaneous injection of 0.8 mls Triquin® (Quinapyramine sulphate & Quinapyramine chloride) on the left side of her neck. There were no adverse reactions observed after the treatment.

Prognosis

The security dog has a good prognosis

Security Dog Natural Causes Meru National Park

Mr. Tsuma, Pecker’s handler at the Meru Rhino Canine Unit, informed the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit about a small swelling he noticed on one of her mammary glands.

Immobilisation and examination

Pecker was active, alert and showed no signs of distress. To prevent excitement during the general examination, the veterinarian gently stroked her to keep her calm throughout the entire process.

Her vital signs were within the normal range (heart rate - 68 beats per minute; respiration - 24 breaths/ minute; and a body temperature - 38.3⁰C). Her mucus membranes were moist and pink, and her coat was shiny and smooth.

Examination of her lower abdomen revealed a swelling on the left inguinal mammary gland. The swelling was firm to the touch, and it was approximately ½ a finger in size. The overlying skin appeared normal with no signs of inflammation, ulceration, or discoloration. However, due to the potential presence of a mammary tumour, further investigation was required. Therefore, Pecker was referred to the Small Animal Clinic at the University of Nairobi for a comprehensive examination to determine the nature of the lump and plan surgical intervention for its removal

Zebra Snared Meru National Park

Mr. Wanjau, the leader of the SWT-Meru Rhino Sanctuary fence maintenance team, reported an adult female common zebra with a severe injury possibly caused by a wire snare around the animal’s neck.

Immobilisation and examination

The injured zebra was found among a herd of 10 zebras, it was trailing behind the herd and frequently lay down indicating that it was in significant pain. The veterinarian confirmed it was the same animal that had eluded them since April when a zebra with a similar injury was initially reported. Unfortunately, the zebra’s injuries had worsened, and it was struggled to lift its head. The animal was darted from a vehicle with 6 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. The drugs took effect rapidly, and within 5 minutes the zebra was immobilized and lying on its right side. The animal was blindfolded, and its body doused with water to cool it down before examination. The wire snare had fallen off, but it had severed the zebra’s cervical vertebrae allowing maggots to deeply penetrate the spine. Furthermore, the ventral neck muscles and a portion of the trachea had suffered severe damage resulting in air leakage when the zebra breathed. There was also a significant infestation of ticks in the axillary and inguinal areas. During examination, the zebra developed breathing difficulties and despite the team’s best efforts at resuscitation through CPR, the animal sadly succumbed to its injuries. An autopsy was performed that revealed signs of anaemia and cloudy cerebral spinal fluid indicating a grave infection

Elephant Natural Causes Kipepeo Conservancy

The Meru Vet team was alerted by Max Graham, the founder and CEO of Space for Giants, about an injured majestic elephant bull named Mutara SWT chartered a plane to fly the Veterinary team to Sosian

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Mutara was found with another elephant bull. He was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 18 mgs Etorphine. The drug took effect within 5 minutes, with Mutara lying on his left side when he was fully sedated. His body was doused with water to regulate his temperature before examination begun Mutara had 2 contaminated penetrating wounds on the ventral side of his trunk. These wounds were most likely suffered during a fight with another male. An abrasion wound was also seen on the lower part of his left hind leg. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine, infused with an antibiotic ointment, and an antibiotic sprayed topically applied. 30,000 mg Amoxicillin and 160 mg Dexamethasone sodium were administered to address bacterial infections and inflammation respectively. Anaesthesia was reversed with 300 mg Naltrexone through a prominent ear vein. 2 minutes post-reversal, Mutara was all fours and walking away slowly.

Prognosis

Mutara has a good prognosis