SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2023
Introduction
7 Cases in September
2 Poaching Cases
1 Rhino Case
September Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan The dry weather in September was continuation of the parched conditions that prevailed in August. The SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 7 cases in total. The team successfully de-snared 2 Reticulated giraffe bulls in the Garissa area, both animals have a good prognosis for recovery. The team also treated Chebby, an adult lioness in Meru National Park, for soft tissue injuries on her jaw incurred while hunting. They later administered vaccination against trypanosomiasis to Sep, an adult male security dog attached to the Meru Rhino Canine Unit. Additionally, the veterinary team performed 3 autopsies. These included a reticulated giraffe bull in Garissa area that died from injuries sustained in a vehicle collision; a geriatric security horse named Adam in Aberdare National Park whose demise was attributed to colic and age-related complications; and a young female white rhino in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy that succumbed to injures sustained during an altercation with a male attempting to mate. Acknowledgement The Meru Mobile Veterinary team extends heartfelt gratitude to Sylvie Chantecaille for the ongoing generous financial support through The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The team also appreciates Kenya Wildlife Service for providing essential managerial oversight and logistical assistance through the Senior Assistant Director, Eastern Conservation Area, and the Head of the KWS-Veterinary Services Department. The team is also extremely grateful to the individuals who reported wildlife-related cases and assisted during veterinary interventions.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
01-Sep 23
Giraffe
Garissa Area
01-Sep 23
Giraffe
02-Sep 23
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Snared
Sub-adult male Reticulated giraffe with a wire snare around the left forelimb
Successfully treated
Raya, Garissa Area
Snared
Adult male Reticulated giraffe with a wire snare around the left hindlimb
Successfully treated
Giraffe
Kamuthe, Garissa Area
HWC
Adult male Reticulated giraffe hit by a speeding vehicle
HWC Death
04-Sep 23
Lion
Meru N.P.
Natural Causes
Adult lioness named Chebby with significant swelling on the lower jaw
Successfully treated
16-Sep 23
Security Horse
Aberdare N.P.
Postmortem
Autopsy on Adam, a male security horse, who tragically collapsed and passed away on 15/09/2023
Died. Colic & cardiac failure
28-Sep 23
Rhino
Lewa Conservancy
Postmortem
Autopsy on Nabei, a 3.8-year-old white rhino, found dead with both horns intact
Died. Exsanguination
29-Sep 23
Security Dog
Meru N.P.
Technical Case
Vaccinating Sep, an adult male security dog, against trypanosomiasis.
Successfully treated
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations September 2023
Case 1 – 01st September 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Giraffe Centre, Garissa Area
A team from the Giraffe Centre in Garissa area informed the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit about this snared sub-adult Reticulated giraffe bull. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was immobilized with 12 mg Etorphine combined with 30 mg Azaperone. Within minutes, the giraffe exhibited signs of sedation, it was skilfully roped down and its neck and head pinned to the ground. To mitigate the risk of ocular damage and visual excitation, the giraffe was blindfolded. Post-immobilization, anaesthesia was promptly reversed with 150 mg Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein. The giraffe had a wire snare around its left forelimb. Fortunately, the snare had not cut deep into the giraffe’s limb. The snare was carefully cut loose with wire cutters and removed. 40 mgs Dexamethasone sodium was administered intramuscularly to address potential inflammation and pain associated with the snare. Prognosis The young giraffe bull has a good prognosis.
Case 2 – 01st September 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Raya, Garissa Area
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit was notified about an adult male Reticulated giraffe with a wire snare on its left hindlimb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The snared giraffe was darted from a vehicle with 15 mgs Etorphine and 40 mgs Azaperone. The dart landed on the right shoulder muscles, and the drugs quickly took effect. The animal was safely roped to the ground and stabilized by administering 25 mgs Butorphanol while his neck and head were pinned to the ground. The giraffe was also blindfolded to prevent ocular damage. The wire snare was deeply embedded in the giraffe’s left hindlimb. It was carefully cut loose with wire cutters, then the wound inflicted by the snare was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, and an antibiotic aerosol applied to prevent infection. 40mg Dexamethasone was administered to control inflammation and pain while 6,000mg Amoxicillin was administered to combat potential bacterial infections. Anaesthesia was reversed with 250mgs Naltrexone. Prognosis The giraffe has a favourable prognosis.
Case 3 – 02nd September 2023 Giraffe
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Kamunthe Area, Garissa County
During the morning hours on 02/09/2023, the veterinary team responded to a distress call received about an adult Reticulated giraffe bull that had been struck by a speeding vehicle. Unfortunately, the giraffe succumbed to its injuries before veterinary assistance could be provided. Post-mortem findings The giraffe was noted to have struggled to walk after the collision and collapsed a few metres from the road on its right side. Physical examination revealed the giraffe bull had suffered a complete fracture of the metacarpus in the left forelimb likely resulting from the collision with the vehicle. Injuries were observed in the sacral vertebrae, indicating trauma to the lower spine. Examination of the neck revealed a dislocation with significant abrasion and laceration wounds. The giraffe exhibited significant head trauma, including lacerations and contusions. Notably, there was marked oedema (swelling) in the head region. Cause of death The autopsy examination revealed a constellation of severe injuries including fractures, dislocation, and head trauma which collectively led to the giraffe’s death.
Case 4 – 04th September 2023 Lion
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit was informed that a 3-year-old female lioness named Chebby had a significant swelling on her lower jaw. This was observed after successful predation on a buffalo. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Chebby was found nursing her two 3-month-old cubs under the shade. She was darted on the right neck muscles with 6 mgs Medetomidine and 270 mgs Ketamine. The cubs immediately hid in the bushes nearby. Chebby was recumbent within 5 minutes, she was quickly secured, blindfolded to prevent visual excitation and ocular damage, and carried to the shade. The dart was removed, and the resultant wound infused with an antibiotic ointment. Her body was doused with water to aid with thermoregulation before examination. No major structural damage to her jaws and teeth was observed. However, notable inflammation and swelling of the gums was observed together with some minor tissue injuries. The wounds were cleaned with water, flushed with Iodine, infused with an antibiotic ointment, and covered with an antibiotic aerosol. 40 mgs Dexamethasone and 3,000 mgs Amoxicillin were administered before anaesthesia was reversed with 15 mgs Atipamezole. She stood and slowly walked towards the nearby bushes and reunited with her cubs. Prognosis Chebby has a favourable prognosis.
Case 5 – 16th September 2023 Security Horse
Post-mortem
Aberdare National Park
Adam, a >25-year-old male security horse, collapsed and tragically passed away on 15/09/2023. Adam had exhibited signs of poor health in the days leading up to his demise. His condition was noted to be extremely poor with a body condition score of 2 out of 5. This was shown by little muscle coverage over the ribcage and prominent cheek and pelvic bones. The SWT/KWS Meru Vet team and the SWT/KWS Mt. Kenya Vet team conducted an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Post-mortem findings The carcass was found lying in the stables in right lateral recumbency with significant evidence of a struggle before death. Adam's muscle tissues were noted to be generally pale and in poor condition. His dental structures showed signs of erosion, which may have contributed to his difficulty in chewing and digesting food properly. The autopsy revealed evidence of severe colic arising from indigestion. Undigested feed was found in both the stomach and caecum, indicating a disruption in the normal digestive process. Additionally, there was hard ingesta in the colon which suggested an obstruction. The major finding was a ruptured aorta. This resulted in massive bleeding leading to cardiac failure, and ultimately death. A significant amount of heart strain was evident from the enlarged ventricular muscles and numerous blood clots in the left ventricles and auricles. The presence of significant amounts of blood-tinged pericardial fluid in the pericardial sac further confirmed the cardiac complications. Haemorrhages were observed in the lungs, with a more pronounced presence on the left side which could have been due to the cardiovascular stress caused by rupture of the aorta. The liver was congested and enlarged, suggesting possible circulatory disturbances. The spleen was pale and with pinpoint haemorrhages, which indicated underlying health issues. Cause of death The primary cause was colic due to severe indigestion, which led to abdominal pain and discomfort. Secondary complications included the rupture of the aorta, massive bleeding, cardiac failure, and eventual death. Adam's overall poor body condition, dental erosion, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and cardiac distress were contributing factors that exacerbated his condition.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures for this case.
Case 6 – 28th September 2023 Rhino
Post-mortem
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed that Nabei, a 3.8-year-old female white rhino, had been found dead within the Conservancy. The vet team visited the location to conduct an autopsy and ascertain cause of death. Post-mortem findings The carcass was found lying on its right side with both horns intact. It exhibited signs of moderate decomposition. Notable external observations included multiple abrasion wounds, indicating prior physical encounters. The most significant finding was a deep penetrating wound in the mid-thoracic region. This wound, approximately one foot deep, was suspected to have been inflicted by a male rhinoceros during mating attempts. The penetrating wound had caused a broken rib and extensive damage (puncture) to the left lung, leading to massive internal bleeding (exsanguination). The extent of haemorrhage correlated with the external injury. No other significant internal abnormalities or pathologies were observed. The trophies were harvested for safe custody with Kenya Wildlife Service. Cause of death The cause of death for the sub-adult female white rhinoceros was determined to be exsanguination due to the penetrating wound inflicted during a mating attempt.
Case 7 – 29th September 2023 Security Dog
Technical Case
Meru National Park
Security dogs in Meru National Park play a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts by tracking poachers and detecting illicit activities within the Meru ecosystem. These dogs face the risk of acquiring Trypanosomiasis, a highly fatal disease transmitted by Tsetse flies. To safeguard these valuable canines, the Meru Veterinary team administers vaccination against Trypanosomiasis. On 29/09/2023, the Vet team vaccinated Sep, an adult male security dog stationed at the Meru Canine Unit, to ensure he remains in optimal health and condition for his important duties. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Sep was allowed to become acquainted with the veterinarian beforehand to prevent any excitement during examination. From the physical examination carried out, it was noted that he was in good body condition (3.5/4), active, and alert. His body weight was measured (32.4 kgs), and the appropriate drug dosages were calculated based on the recorded weight. To ensure safety, a muzzle was fitted before administering 0.9 mls of Triquin® (a combination of Quinapyramine sulphate & Quinapyramine chloride) subcutaneously on the left side of his neck. Prognosis There were no adverse reactions observed after the drug administration, leading to a good prognosis for his recovery.