SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
APRIL 2023
Introduction
6 Cases in April 2023
April 2023
Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon
1 Lion Case
1 Elephant Case
During the month of April 2023, the Mt Kenya Wildlife Veterinary unit attended to various wildlife cases that required urgent veterinary intervention in the Laikipia ecosystem and Mt. Kenya region.
An elephant bull was treated for left hind limb lameness at the Mpala research centre; a White rhino was treated for left hind limb wound caused by filariasis in Meru National Park. A female mountain bongo was treated for low jaw abscess and a Bongo calf treated for eye infection both at Mt Kenya conservancy. An elephant calf was rescued near Doldol trading centre and airlifted to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi. A male injured lion was treated in Mpala research station.
Acknowledgement
The unit acknowledges the senior assistant director, mountain conservation area and the head of veterinary services, Kenya Wildlife Service for providing the leadership and technical expertise for the unit. The unit also appreciates Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for providing financial and other logistics to allow the unit deliver its mandate.
Case Details
Date Species Area Found Reason for Intervention Outcome 1-Apr-23 Elephant Mpala Ranch Natural Causes The right hind limb was swollen and painful to palpate. Suspected dislocation of the right knee joint Prognosis Poor 1-Apr-23 Bongo Mt Kenya NP Natural Causes Had a swelling on the lower jaw suspected to be abscess Successfully Treated 1-Apr-23 Bongo Mt Kenya NP Natural Causes Eye Infection Successfully Treated 2-Apr-23 Rhino White Meru National Park Natural Causes The injury on the left hind limb caused by filariasis Successfully Treated 4-Apr-23 Elephant Dol Dol Group Ranch Natural Causes The Nanyuki vet unit rushed to the area and found the collapsed calf struggling to survive Taken to Orphanage 19-Apr-23 Lion Mpala Ranch Natural Causes The Lion exhibited multiple puncture wounds allegedly inflicted by other male lions in a territorial fight Prognosis Poor
SWT/KWS MT Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations APRIL2023
Elephant Natural Causes Mpala Ranch
A sub-adult, male elephant was reported by Mpala Research Rangers to have serious lameness. The Mt Kenya Veterinary Team found the lone young bull in a bush with serious right hind limb lameness.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was immobilised using 10mgs Etrophine hydrochloride delivered using a Dan-Inject® CO2 rifle, fired from foot. The dart landed on the musculature of the right rump. Induction time was 7 minutes and the animal went down in left lateral recumbency.
The right hind limb was swollen from the thigh area downwards and was painful on palpation. The injury is suspected to be caused by natural dislocation of the right knee joint. Long-acting antibiotics was given intramuscularly and Phenylbutazone administered to manage pain and inflammation. Vitamin B12 complex was also administered.
Revival and prognosis
Reversal was done using 200mg of Naltrexone was administered through the ear vein. The animal was assisted in standing. Prognosis is guarded.
–
st
Case 1
1
April 2023
.
Bongo Natural Causes Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A female mountain bongo was reported by the monitoring team to have a swelling on the lower jaw suspected to be abscess.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The bongo was darted from foot with 3mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 30mg Azaperone tartrate, into the musculature of the right thigh. The drug took effect after about 5 minutes and the animal went down on lateral recumbency. The animal was positioned to ensure proper breathing, then oxygen was supplemented intra-nasally and a blindfold was placed to prevent light stimulation.
The abscess on the right jaw area was cut open and the pus drained out. The wound was cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide and then flushed with tincture of iodine and covered in green clay. Parenteral long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were also administered.
Prognosis
The animal recovered quickly and was standing after 4 minutes. Prognosis is good.
Case 2 & 3 – 1st
April 2023
.
Another young Bongo was treated for an eye infection. Unfortunately, there are no pictures for this case.
Case 4 – 1st April 2023
White Rhino Natural Causes Meru National Park
Meru National Park Rangers reported a white rhino with an injury to the hind limb near the hock joint. The Nanyuki Vet unit attended the case as the Meru Vet unit were on off duty. The rhino was being monitored by rangers and was easily found. A helicopter was called in from Nairobi KWS airwing to assist in immobilization.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The rhino disappeared but was found after a short search by the helicopter The rhino was immobilised using 4.5mgs Etrophine hydrochloride and 80mgs of Azaperone delivered using a Dan-Inject® CO2 rifle, fired from the helicopter. The rhino was pushed by the helicopter to a clearing before it went down. Induction time was 7 minutes and the animal went down in left lateral recumbency.
The injury on the left hind limb, caused by filariasis, was cleaned and necrotic tissues removed. The wound was flushed with iodine and covered with green clay. Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally. Water was poured on the animal to keep him cool and oxygen supplementation provided. Samples were collected for storage and laboratory analysis.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good. .
Elephant Natural Causes/Rescue Doldol Group Ranch, Laikipia
A report of a collapsed Elephant calf was made to the warden Laikipia station who reported to the vet. The Nanyuki vet unit rushed to the area and found the collapsed calf struggling to survive.
Examination and rescue
A temporary shade was prepared and intravenous fluid therapy instituted to stabilize the elephant calf. It was deemed that the elephant calf was too dehydrated and weak to be treated in the wild. The mother and herd were also not in the vicinity.
A request to rescue the calf to an orphanage facility for care was sent to KWS headquarters and was granted. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) offered to send an aircraft to airlift the calf to Nairobi SWT stockade.
Prognosis
The aircraft arrived shortly and the calf was airlifted to Nairobi SWT Nusery where it recovered and is doing well.
– 4th
Case 5
April 2023
Lion Natural Causes Mpala Ranch
The report was made by Conservancy Rangers within Mpala Research Centre of an injured lion within the sanctuary. The lion exhibited multiple puncture wounds allegedly inflicted by other male lions in a territorial fight. The lion had pelvic injury that made it drag the hind limbs.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The Lion was immobilized by darting with 300mgs of Ketamine mixed with 4mgs of Medetomidine. He was fully immobilized after 5 minutes. The eyes were covered with a towel and it was moved to a shaded area.
The wounds were cleaned using tincture of Iodine and a few of them sutured to prevent infection. Longacting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally. Vitamin B12 complex was also administered.
Prognosis
After the treatment, the anaesthesia reversal was achieved through administration of Atipemazole hcl at five times the Etorphine dose. The lion woke up and walked away slowly. Prognosis is guarded to poor.
–
th April
Case 6
19
2023
.
