SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
MAY 2023
Introduction
4 Cases in May 2 Giraffe Cases
May Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan
1 Elephant Case
The Meru Conservation Area experienced intermittent showers in May and a slight increase in daytime temperatures. Following generous rainfall in April, forage was abundant and there was ample water which attracted a myriad of wildlife. There were numerous sightings of adorable baby elephants and graceful eland calves. With ample food and water, we are optimistic that these resources will sustain the wildlife population in the coming months.
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 4 wildlife cases in May. These included follow up treatment on an elephant bull in Meru National Park that had suffered spear and multiple arrow wounds on the forelimb. Additionally, the team treated a giraffe bull in Meru National Park with a laceration wound on the sternum. A common zebra stallion was also treated for wounds sustained during an unsuccessful lion attack. The team also treated a giraffe bull in Meru National Park with a contaminated abrasion wound on the lower area of its abdomen. Unfortunately, the bull passed on during treatment due to anaesthetic complications.
Acknowledgement
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit thanks Sylvie Chantecaille for the generous financial support the Unit has received through Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This has been instrumental in empowering the veterinary team to respond swiftly and effectively to wildlife emergencies within the Meru Conservation Area and provide vital treatment and care. The Unit also appreciates the managerial assistance provided by Kenya Wildlife Service as well as the invaluable support they have received from the community and other conservation partners.
Case Details
May
Giraffe Natural Causes Meru National Park
While on routine patrol, the Vet Unit spotted a male reticulated giraffe with a deep wound on the sternum.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The bull was darted from a vehicle on the left shoulder muscles with 15 mgs Etorphine and 50 mgs Azaperone. The drugs took effect after 10 minutes. The giraffe was then roped to the ground, blindfolded, and physically restrained by pinning its neck to the ground. Examination revealed a contaminated laceration wound measuring approximately 6 inches deep and 9 inches long, the wound extended from the base of the neck to the middle of the sternum. It appeared to have been caused by blunt force trauma, possibly upon the animal falling on tree stump. Fragments of tree bark were found within the wound supporting this conclusion. The wound was inspected for foreign bodies, maggots were manually removed, then the wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Green clay was also applied followed by an antibiotic spray to repel flies and manage bacterial infections. 7,500 mgs Amoxicillin and 40 mgs Dexamethasone sodium were administered intramuscularly to manage systemic infections and inflammation respectively. An antiparasitic was also administered subcutaneously before anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone.
Prognosis
The reticulated giraffe bull has a good prognosis
Elephant Spear & Arrow Meru National Park
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit performed followed up treatment on an elephant bull previously treated on 26.04.2023 for a spear wound and multiple arrow wounds on the forelimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was tranquilized with 15 mgs Etorphine It lay down on its right side 6 minutes after darting Upon physical examination, it was noted that the swelling on the right forelimb had significantly reduced, and most of the superficial wounds were healing well. The wounds were cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, and flushed with Iodine. Oxytetracycline pessaries were inserted into the wounds for slow antibiotic release then green clay was applied followed by an antibiotic spray. Additionally, 30,000 mgs Amoxicillin, 100 mgs Dexamethasone sodium, and metabolic stimulators were administered intramuscularly Anaesthesia was then reversed with 250 mgs Naltrexone. The elephant stood 3 minutes later and resumed browsing on nearby trees.
Prognosis
The elephant’s progress will be monitored, and further treatment will be administered if necessary
Zebra Natural Causes Meru National Park
A severely injured common zebra stallion initially spotted by tour guides at Elsa's Kopje about 2 weeks prior was seen by KWS maintenance staff during the afternoon hours on 19th May 2023.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The zebra was darted from a vehicle with 6 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. The drugs took effect 5 minutes later. The animal assumed left lateral recumbency, it was blindfolded and doused with water. Several predation injuries suffered during an unsuccessful lion attack were observed on the head, flanks, and rump. Fortunately, no fractures were observed on the skull. The wounds were cleaned with water, necrotic tissues and maggots were removed then the wounds were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Green clay was applied followed by a fly repellent During treatment, the zebra experienced hypertension and breathing difficulties. This was effectively managed with 6 mgs Dexamethasone and 15 mgs Butorphanol. Once stable, the zebra was repositioned for treatment of the wounds on the left flank. 40 mgs Dexamethasone sodium, 5 mgs Ivermectin, 6,000 mgs Amoxicillin and metabolic stimulators were administered. Anaesthesia was successfully reversed with Diprenorphine. The zebra rose 3 minutes later and walked away.
Prognosis
The zebra stallion has a favourable prognosis
Giraffe Natural Causes Meru National Park
While on patrol, the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit came across a tower of 15 reticulated giraffes. The team observed that one of the adult male giraffes had a contaminated abrasion wound on the lower area of its abdomen, and it appeared to be falling behind the herd.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The giraffe was darted from a vehicle with 14 mgs Etorphine and 50 mgs Azaperone. The dart landed on the right thigh muscles and within 10 minutes the drugs had taken effect. The giraffe was roped to the ground, and anaesthesia swiftly reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone. The animal was physically restrained then the wound was cleansed with water, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, and an antibiotic spray applied on the affected area.
During treatment, the giraffe experienced an episode of tachycardia and dyspnea. To address this, 40 mg Dexamethasone was promptly administered then the giraffe was released. Although the giraffe lifted its head and lay on sternal recumbency, it displayed no signs of attempting to stand. Tragically, the giraffe collapsed, and all efforts to revive it were unsuccessful. An autopsy carried out thereafter revealed that the giraffe had regurgitated its ruminal contents leading to aspiration pneumonia which ultimately caused its death.
