SWT/KWS Mt Kenya Veterinary Unit Report for September Oct 2024
SWT/KWS MT. KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2024
11 Cases
2 Elephant Cases
September - October Report by Dr. Poghon J.
The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 2 wildlife cases in September and 9 in October that required veterinary intervention in the Southern Laikipia and Mt. Kenya region. The wildlife veterinary cases attended to include a mass translocation of elephants from Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park, a postmortem examination of an elephant at Aberdare National Park, 3 rhino post-mortems as well as 5 rhino treatments (one which required translocation as it had strayed out of a protected area) and treatment of a snared Rothschild's giraffe at Mwea National Reserve
Acknowledgement
The Mt. Kenya Mobile Wildlife Veterinary Unit thanks the Senior Assistant Director, Mountain Conservation Area and the Head of Veterinary Services, Kenya Wildlife Service for providing leadership and technical expertise. The veterinary team also appreciates The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for providing the financial and logistical support that enables the Unit to fulfil its mandate.
Case Details Introduction
3-Oct-24
12-Oct-24
20-Oct-24
White Solio Ranch
Aberdare NP
White Loisaba Ranch
24-Oct-24
27-Oct-24
30-Oct-24
White Solio Ranch
White Solio Ranch
White Solio Ranch
on the carcass of an adult male black rhino found – death was natural
reduce the elephant population at Mwea National Reserve
Causes The rhino was reported to have sustained multiple injuries from attack by a lion
tight snare resulted in a deep infected wound around the fetlock
One of the translocated elephants died enroute to the release site
The rhino walked from Ol Pejeta Conservancy all the way to Loisaba
Wound Repeat treatment for a bullet wound injury sustained 3 months earlier
The adult female rhino was in a river partially submerged in water
Causes The rhino was reported to have sustained fight wounds from another rhino Prognosis
The adult male rhino was reported to have been found dead submerged in a pool
September – October 2024
Rhino Natural Causes
Solio Rhino Orphanage
A male white rhino calf was found abandoned by the dam in Solio Game Reserve. It was rescued and moved to The Solio Rhino Orphanage. The estimated age of the calf at the time of rescue was 1 week. The calf was reported to be anorexic, dehydrated and had been having watery diarrhoea for the previous week. Oral rehydration therapy had been given since the onset of the watery diarrhoea, but the condition of the calf has deteriorated progressively.
Examination and treatment
It was observed that the calf had poor body condition (score of 2.5 out of 5). The calf was lethargic and severely dehydrated. The respiratory rate was at 15 breaths per minute and the body temperature was at 37.3°C. Peeling of the skin was observed on the head, neck, shoulders, forelimbs and flank. Watery diarrhoea that was cream in colour was observed in the calf's boma.
The calf was diagnosed with enteritis suspected to be caused by E. coli. The following medication was administered: 300mg Ceftiofur (I.M) – that was to be administered for 7 days consecutively; 5ml Catosal (I.M); Omeprazole per os; and Probiotics per os.
Blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and serology. Blood smears were prepared for microscopy. A faecal sample was collected for faecal egg count and bacteriology culture. The samples were transported to Lancet Laboratories in Nairobi for analysis.
Prognosis
The calf was given a guarded prognosis. However, at the time of compiling the monthly report, the calf had shown significant improvement and had fully recovered.
Rhino
Post-mortem
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
This adult male black rhino was last sighted on 23/08/2024 with poor body condition. A report was made that evening. However, the rhino was not seen again until 04/09/2024 when the carcass was found by Ol Pejeta rangers.
Post-mortem findings
The carcass was about 7 days old. All internal organs and musculature had been scavenged. Parts of the skeleton- limbs, pelvis, rib cage, spine, neck and the head were present.
Cause of death
The cause of death could not be established due to extensive scavenger activity on the carcass.
Case 3 – 3rd to 13th October 2024
Elephant Relocation
Mwea National Reserve
During this period 55 elephants were immobilized and translocated from Mwea NR to Aberdares NP. One adult female could not be recovered from the field due to bad terrain therefore anaesthesia was reversed, and she was let go and another adult female died during translocation enroute to Aberdare National Park. Therefore, a total of 53 elephants were translocated successfully to Aberdare National Park.
The main objective at the end of this this activity was to reduce the elephant population at Mwea National Reserve which had exceeded the carrying capacity of the reserve. This translocation would also reduce incidences of human- elephant conflict within the area.
Immobilisation
The elephants were spotted by a ranger who was knowledgeable of the area terrain and elephant routes in either a fixed wing plane or helicopter The majority of the elephants were darted from a helicopter, except for a few calves and juveniles. The ground team would then be directed to the position of the darted animals.
Effective immobilization was achieved using a combination of Etorphine and Azaperone Vital parameters monitored include respiratory rate and depth of breaths, tissue perfusion, pulse rate and body temperature. Elephants showing signs of respiratory distress were given Doxapram intravenously
Relocation
The immobilized elephants were transported to the recovery crate using a flatbed lorry. Two heavy-duty round slings were fitted around the limbs, one on the forelimbs and one on the hindlimbs. Once the limbs were secured, a crane was used to hoist the elephant onto a thin rubber platform the flatbed lorry. The hoisting was done gently and the trunk was kept straight and patent the whole time. Once the elephant was hoisted onto the flatbed lorry, heavy-duty ropes were used to secure the animal. Monitoring of vitals was done enroute the recovery crate at the loading site. The elephants were loaded and transported to the recovery crate one at a time or in pairs especially for the juveniles and matriachs.
On arrival at the loading site, the flatbed lorry was aligned with the doors of the stationary recovery crate. The ropes securing the elephant to the lorry were untied. A winch was used to pull the rubber platform on which the elephant lay into the recovery crate. Once the elephant was in the recovery crate, an identification number was painted across the back using a painting brush and water-based paint.
The anaesthetic was reversed and people cleared from the recovery crate and the doors were shut. Most of the elephants took about 2 minutes to get up, walked into the translocation crate and then the doors were shut. There were two separate but adjoining translocation crates, therefore an elephant would walk to the farthest crate and the doors would be shut in quick succession. Some calves were loaded directly into the translocation crate from the flatbed lorry. Elephant families were darted and translocated on the same day and in the same crate to prevent separation. Two bulls were translocated at a time, each in its own crate. All the elephants were then driven and released successfully in Aberdare’s National Park.
White Rhino Natural Causes
Solio Rhino Orphanage
The rhino was reported to have sustained multiple injuries from attack by a lion.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The rhino was darted with 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride in combination with 60mg of Azaperone, delivered using a Dan-Inject rifle, fired from a vehicle. Induction time was 4 minutes and the rhino went into left lateral recumbency. A blindfold was then applied to prevent light stimulation. Butorphanol 25mg was administered intravenously and oxygen insufflation started intranasally to improve cardio-respiratory function.
The rhino was in good body condition (score of 4 out of 5) but had sustained deep bite wounds on the right elbow, at the dorsal sacral region just above the tail and on the medial aspect of the right hindlimb at the digits. The wounds were slightly infected. They were scrubbed using Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed and irrigated with Iodine, packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries at the sacral region and green clay applied. Topical Oxytetracycline was spray applied on all the wounds.
Systemic cover was done using; 15,000mg Amoxicillin (I.M) and 10,000mg Phenylbutazone (I.M) and 40ml Catosal.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good.
Case
Giraffe Snares Mwea National Reserve
The giraffe was reported to have an abnormal gait and posture by Capture Rangers during the elephant translocation exercise from Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park. On closer observation, there was a tight snare at the fetlock of the right forelimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The giraffe was darted with 15mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered using a Dan-Inject CO2 rifle, fired from a vehicle. The dart was delivered on the musculature of the right shoulder. Induction time was 3 minutes and the giraffe went down into left lateral recumbency. Naltrexone 300mg was administered intravenously immediately after recumbency to reverse the anaesthetic then ropes were used to secure the hindlimbs.
On examination, the giraffe had a fair body condition score (2.5 out of 5). The tight snare had resulted in a deep infected wound around the fetlock of the right forelimb. The wound was scrubbed using dilute Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed and irrigated with Iodine and topical Oxytetracycline spray applied. 9,000mg Amoxicillin (I.M), 4,000mg Phenylbutazone (I.M) and 20ml Multivitamin (I.M) were also administered.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good.
Elephant
Post-mortem
Abedares National Park
The deceased elephant was part of a herd of nine elephants being translocated from Mwea NR to Aberdares NP This elephant was number 37 among the animals transported. The elephants were transported conscious by road in a container with intermittent stops for monitoring. At one of these stops, elephant #37 was found down, suspected to be re-narcotized, and was administered an additional 100mg Naltrexone intramuscularly through a ventilation duct. Despite all efforts, the elephant died while still inside the container, with other elephants stepping on its trunk and neck.
Post-mortem findings
• Twisted intestines with congested mucosa.
• Congested mesentery of the liver
• Presence of a tumorous mass beneath the liver
• The tumour appeared chronic and well-defined on dissection
Cause of death
Immediate cause of death was likely asphyxiation by compression of the trunk by the other elephants. Secondary cause of death was re-narcotisation which was possibly caused by an underlying condition such as the tumour which may have impacted drug absorption and elimination.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures for this case.
White Rhino Relocation
Loisaba Conservancy
The rhino was reported to have walked from Ol Pejeta Conservancy all the way to Loisaba Conservancy (over 100 kilometres) up to about 500 metres away from the Rhino Sanctuary fence at Loisaba.
Immobilisation, examination, treatment and relocation
The rhino was darted with 5mg Etorphine in combination with 40mg Azaperone, delivered using a Dan-Inject rifle, fired from a helicopter. The dart was delivered on the musculature of the right hip. Induction time was 7 minutes and the rhino was roped down to sternal recumbency. Butorphanol 35mg was administered intravenously and oxygen insufflation started intranasally to improve cardio-respiratory function.
The rhino had good body condition (score of 4 out of 5) but was dehydrated therefore an enema was given, where 35 litres of water was administered. The soles of all limbs had blisters as a result of the rhino walking for a really long distance. The rhino had some abrasion on the distal right forelimb at the carpus which was scrubbed using dilute Hydrogen peroxide, irrigated with Iodine and Oxytetracycline spray applied. Systemic cover was done using; 15,000mg Amoxicillin (I.M) and 8,000mg Phenylbutazone (I.M) and 40ml Catosal.
Prognosis
The anaesthetic was reversed and the rhino was up 2 minutes, loaded into the crate then released in Loisaba.
Case 8 – 21st October 2024
White Rhino Bullet Wound
Meru National Park
The female rhino had strayed out of the Meru Rhino Sanctuary earlier in the year, June 2024. During relocation back to the sanctuary, she was found to have a penetrating gunshot wound slightly above the shoulder region, with an entry point on her right side and an exit point on the left. The wound was not lifethreatening as there was no severe damage internally and the entry point had started to heal. Treatment was administered and she was taken back into the sanctuary. This month (October 2024), three months after the initial treatment pus was observed oozing from the wound thus prompting a repeat treatment.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The rhino was darted from a helicopter with 4.5mg Etorphine and 60mg of Azaperone. Butorphanol 25mg and Doxapram 25mg were administered intravenously. The rhino was in good body condition (score of 4 out of 5). A scab had formed over the wound, but the inside was still infected. The wound was debrided by incising and completely removing tissue approximately 2 inches wide all around the circumference of the wound. The wound was scrubbed with dilute Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Trimethoprim and sulphadiazine pessaries and green clay were packed into the wound, then topical Oxytetracycline was spray applied. 15,000mg Amoxicillin (I.M) and 10,000mg Phenylbutazone (I.M) and 50ml Multivitamin were also given
Prognosis
Prognosis is good.
Rhino
Post-mortem
Solio Conservancy
The adult female rhino was reported to have been found in a river submerged in water partially, by rangers on patrol at Solio Game Reserve. The river had very steep banks.
Post-mortem findings
The rhino carcass was submerged partially in water, with the head below the water level. It was pulled out of the water by tractor. The carcass was bloated and the age of the carcass was approximated to be 48 to 72 hours. The anal area and ears had been eaten off by an unknown carnivore.
The toes, soles of all four limbs and the skin on the underside of the carcass were pale as a result of being submerged in water for a long period. The udder was grossly enlarged. There was a laceration on the left hip. The stomach was empty and the lining had peeled off due to autolysis. The small intestines were empty, with patches of ecchymotic haemorrhage on the serosa. An autolyzed male foetus approximately in the 3rd trimester was present in the uterus.
Cause of death
The cause of death is asphyxiation due to drowning. However, the stomach and small intestines were empty, indicating that the rhino had not eaten for an extended period of time.
Case 10 – 25th October 2024
White Rhino
Natural Causes
Solio Game Reserve
The rhino had previously been treated on the 4th of October for bites wound after a lion attack. About three weeks later, the rhino had sustained more wounds from another rhino probably in a territorial fight.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The rhino was in good body condition (score of 4 out of 5). The wounds from the previous treatment (deep bite wounds on the right elbow, at the dorsal sacral region just above the tail and on the medial aspect of the right hindlimb at the digits) were still present and infected. A deep penetrating wound in the medial thigh musculature of the left hindlimb was observed, most probably from the territorial fight. The right carpal joint was massively swollen. A significant amount of pus was drained from the joint and 3,000mg Clindamycin was administered locally through injection to fight the infection within the joint. The wounds were scrubbed with Hydrogen peroxide and irrigated with Iodine. Oxytetracycline pessaries were packed in the wound at the sacral region, at the elbow and the deep penetrating thigh wound of the left hindlimb. Green clay was packed into all the wounds and topical Oxytetracycline was spray applied. Systemic cover was done using; 15,000mg Amoxicillin (I.M) and 8,000mg Phenylbutazone (I.M) and 40ml Catosal.
Prognosis
Prognosis is guarded
Case
Rhino
Post-mortem
Loisaba Conservancy
The adult male rhino was reported to have been found dead submerged in a pool at Loisaba Conservancy. The animal was last sighted alive at 0805hrs on 29th October 2024. The rhino broke out of Ol Pejeta Conservancy on 17th of October 2024 and walked all the way to Loisaba Conservancy. The rhino was captured, treated and released into the Loisaba rhino sanctuary on 20th of October 2024. The rhino was pulled out of the pool by a tractor and placed in left lateral recumbency for post mortem examination.
Post-mortem findings
The carcass was bloated and so a substantial body condition score could not be made. There was heavy tick infestation in the inguinal area and there was blood-tinged fluid in the right ear, nostril and muzzle. The trachea was filled with a frothy blood-tinged fluid Bruises were present on the ventral right mandible, right carpus and right semitendinosus area. Blisters were present on the soles of all limbs. Extensive diffuse haemorrhage on the superficial muscles of the right shoulder. However, there was no haemorrhage in the deep muscles. Diffuse haemorrhage on the external intercostal muscles on the rostral right side of the ribcage covering an area of 6 ribs. The lung tissue was significantly autolyzed within hours after death of the animal.
Cause of death
The cause of death is asphyxiation due to drowning.
