SKY VET REPORT FEBRUARY TO MAY 2019
FEBRUARY TO MAY 2019
THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW During February - May 2019 the SWT/KWS Sky Vet program was called to handle 34 wildlife cases including 1 case where 11 rhinos were vaccinated. Most of these cases were supported by the SWT helicopter as well as one outsourced aircraft to help with elephant darting operations as well as search and monitoring operations. 26 of these cases attended to involved elephants and 7 involved rhinos. Of the 26 elephant cases, 5 involved arrow wounds, 1 was a bullet wound case, 3 were snaring cases, 5 spear cases, 3 Human Wildlife Conflict cases, 7 cases due to natural causes and 2 rescues. 62% of the cases were successful with 9% taken to an orphanage and 6% given a poor prognosis. Without rapid veterinary response, the majority of these cases would have died from their injuries. The Sky Vet program has deployed KWS vets to the following locations during this reporting period
FEBRUARY TO MAY 2019
THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
FEBRUARY TO MAY 2019
THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 1: 4th February 2019
CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK
ORPHAN ELEPHANT RESCUE
INTRODUCTION Tiny baby elephant calf was rescued due to human-wildlife conflict in the Bondeni area in the TCA. The SWT helicopter was immediately on the scene to rescue the tiny calf
THE RESCUE The Neonate Keepers from Kaluku went with the helicopter to collect the calf. On arrival the calf was immediately given fluids and checked for any injuries before being put in the helicopter for the short journey to the Kaluku Neonate Nursury.
PROGNOSIS Bondeni is doing well at the Kaluku Neonate Nursery. Bondeni will stay at Kaluku until ready to be transferred when old enough to the Nairobi Nursery.
FEBRUARY TO MAY 2019
THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 2: 8th February 2019
RUMURUTI, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION Four elephants were reported to have been lame in the Northern conservation area. For this first case the injuries were as a result of human –wildlife conflict. The SWT immediately organized for the veterinary team to attend to the case via Sky Vets.
CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT On physical examination the elephant had a penetrating wound on the rear right hip. The wound had pus and dead tissue. On palpation and examination, the elephant’s hip joint had been affected. The wound was probed for any foreign body and there was none. About 500ml of pus gushed out of the wound. The wound was about 20 cm deep and was as a result of a spear due to human wildlife conflict. It was thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide then lavaged using tincture of Iodine. The bull was then injected with 200 ml oxytetracycline 20% and 100 ml Flunixine Meglumine at different sites intramuscularly. Topical antibiotic ointment and green clay was then applied on the wound to facilitate healing.
PROGNOSIS Revival was done and the team waited for the elephant to get up. However, the injury was severe and extremely painful. The team tried to assist the elephant get up with the help of a Landcruiser and community members but the elephant could not get up after 2 hours of assisting. The vet came up with an immediate decision to euthanize the animal to alleviate suffering and pain. The operation lasted 2 hours.
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CASE 3: 9th February 2019
RUMURUTI, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION The next elephant had been reported lame and immobile for a day. The vet examined the elephant after darting and observed that the soft pad and hooves had all fallen off. The wounds on all the four limbs looked painful and ulcerative.
CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT The necrotic tissue of the soft pad was collected for further laboratory testing. The vet made the call that the problem was acute ulcerative pododermatitis a condition which is prevalent during the drought season with low chances of recovery. This is a natural cause.
PROGNOSIS The prognosis was poor and therefore a decision was made to euthanize the elephant.
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CASE 4: 9th February 2019
NGARE MARA, SAMBURU
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This third case had been reported in Ngaremara area of Samburu. On arrival the elephant was observed to be slightly limping. The elephant had been treated a week earlier and had shown a big improvement.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT No treatment was done since the prognosis was good and recovery was observed. Monitoring of the elephant continues to avoid recurrence.
PROGNOSIS Monitoring of the elephant continues to avoid recurrence.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 5: 10th February 2019
TUNDANI, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION During their daily aerial recce, the SWT pilot came across an Elephant bull struggling to walk. On closer examination he noticed a huge wire on the left front leg and thought it was still tied onto a tree. The Vet was immediately notified and airlifted by SWT helicopter to the area which is more than 100 kms from Voi
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Due to thick bush the bull was approached using a helicopter, which pushed the elephant slowly to a nearby road where it was darted. He went down after 7 minutes and the ground team was directed by the SWT helicopter to the immobilized elephant. The vet was dropped on the road and joined the ground team. There was a tight snare on the left front limb that appeared a few days old. Although it was tight, the damage was not grave. The wire was so thick our wire cutters were of no use but luckily, we were able to unwind the high tensile wire. The wound was cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide, sprayed with tincture of Iodine and Oxytetracycline spray. The wound was finally covered with green clay. The elephant was administered with long acting antibiotics and Dexamethasone Hcl.
PROGNOSIS Prognosis is good.
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CASE 6: 10th February 2019
YATTA, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A report was made by the company commander E coy regarding an elephant carcass spotted along the Yatta plateau within Tsavo East National Park. As there are no roads in the area the vet team was airlifted to the site using a SWT helicopter.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Initial observation revealed a recent adult elephant male carcass, approximately a week old. The carcass was at an advanced level of decomposition sitting in sternal recumbency and the tusks had been removed by KWS. The front face was eaten away by scavengers. Fluids were flowing from the carcass caused by advanced putrefaction. On closer external examination a penetrating wound to the right body side near the groin, with dry blood stains around, it was found. The skin around the wound was removed exposing lacerated abdominal wall muscles. The muscles tissues were removed, and a sharp arrowhead found.
PROGNOSIS The cause of death is from a poisoned arrow.
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CASE 7: 16th February 2019
DOLDOL, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This female elephant was seen by Conservancy Scouts around Doldol. She was unable to move and nursing a week-old calf. She also had an older male calf who was approximately 5 years old. They informed KWS Rangers in the area and an arrangement was made for the Mobile Veterinary Unit to go and attend to this elephant.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The Vet Unit found this female in the company of her calves, all in good body condition. The mother resisted movement, but when agitated she moved away slowly revealing sloughing off soles from her front legs. A decision to immobilize her for further examination was arrived at. The vet approached the elephant on foot and immobilised her with 15mgs Etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5mls dan-inject dart. The elephant was overwhelmed by the anesthetic eight minutes after darting and assumed sternal recumbency. Unfortunately, the terrain made it very difficult to reposition her. Quick examination revealed that the soles of both her hind feet were lost and the affected feet were drying up. The soles of both her front feet were also sloughing off and only held by small attachments which were trimmed off. All affected areas of the feet were doused with tincture of Iodine and Oxytetracycline spray applied. Additionally, she received 30,000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 5,000mgs Flunixin anti- inflammatory intramuscularly.
PROGNOSIS The prognosis is guarded. She will be monitored as she continues nursing her calf with further decisions to be made based on her response to the treatment. Samples were collected from a similar earlier case within the vicinity to determine the condition and the results will give an idea on its method of prevention.
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CASE 8: 21st February 2019
MIASENYI, TAITA
ORPHANED ELEPHANT RESCUE
INTRODUCTION A report was made by the KWS officer in charge of the Taita Ranches Company of an elephant calf that had collapsed near KMC Miasenyi offices. There were no elephant herds nearby. The veterinary unit rushed to the area to find the calf collapsed and hardly breathing.
THE RESCUE The calf was moved to a shaded area then the vet team splashed water on the body and ears to try and cool the baby elephant down. The calf was extremely dehydrated and weak, so 50 cc of 50 % dextrose was administered by slow IV through the ear vein plus 10 cc of Dexamethasone to combat shock and provide much needed energy. Parenteral antibiotics cover was also given. After being stabilised an IV infusion of normal saline was started at the SWT field office. The SWT headquarters at Kaluku was alerted and 30 minutes later the SWT helicopter arrived and airlifted the calf to the elephant nursery for better care.
PROGNOSIS Unfortunately, the orphan died the next morning from dehydration and exhaustion
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CASE 9: 23rd February 2019
OL DONYO, CHYULUS
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION Biglife Foundation offices reported the elephant to the AMVU. The SWT helicopter assisted in pushing the elephant to a suitable working area out of the thick bush.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was located and darted from a helicopter. It was immobilized chemically using 22mg Etorphine Hcl and went down about 10 minutes after darting. The male elephant suffered a deep wound on the hind right leg, suspected to be an arrow wound. The injury was fresh and not infected, but the profuse bleeding observed caused concern for the health of the bull. The bull was treated systemically with a 100ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LA®) administered intramuscularly. Additionally, the wound was treated with Oxytetracycline spray to protect the wound from flies and secondary bacterial infection.
PROGNOSIS The elephant was revived and prognosis for full recovery is good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 10: 24th February 2019
TSAVO WEST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION SWT reported the elephant to the AMVU.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was located and darted from a helicopter. It was immobilized chemically using 20mg Etorphine Hcl. It went down in about 10 minutes. The male elephant suffered a wound at the foreleg. The leg suffered a closed injury that was swollen. The elephant suffered no other physical harm from the swelling. The bull was treated systemically with 100ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LA®) administered through intramuscular route. The wound was punctured to drain the pus, was cleaned and then covered in green clay to assist with the healing process.
PROGNOSIS The elephant was revived and prognosis for full recovery is good.
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CASE 11: 6th March 2019
KIBWEZI FOREST
HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICT
INTRODUCTION There was an urgent emergency report from Kibwezi residents that two stray elephant bulls were closer to human settlements and were a threat to human lives. These elephants required urgent veterinary intervention to capture and relocate them back to the nearest fenced protected area which is Kibwezi forest reserve. A capture and veterinary team was quickly mobilized with a lifting crane truck and helicopter availed for the exercise. The helicopter and other resources were provided by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust working in close collaboration with KWS
CAPTURE AND TRANSLOCATION The elephants were located and darted from a helicopter then recovered using a lorry truck fitted with a lifting crane and moved to the nearby Kibwezi forest a distance of about 5 kilometers. On the release site, the elephants were revived from anaesthesia and released safely into the forest reserve.
PROGNOSIS The two elephants were quite successfully captured and relocated to safer area, the community were quite happy and supported the capture team in clearing the way for trucks and helping to bring water to keep the elephants cool in the hot climate in Kibwezi.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 12: 10th March 2019
OLARRO, MARA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This big collared bull is christened Lempiris, and he is known to wander into farmlands. He was collared to monitor his movements and advise management to reduce human – elephant conflict. His collar was failing but he had been seen close to farmland and suspected to be harbouring an injury.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The Vet Team found Lempiris in a bush by the edge of a tomato farm with another equally big bull. Due to poor terrain, approach by vehicle or on foot was deemed challenging and a helicopter, that was on standby, was used to drive him out and dart him. He walked with a slight limp. After darting, it took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect and he assumed sternal recumbency. He was pushed onto the left lateral side for examination. He had a septic arrow wound on his right hind leg which was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, disinfected with tincture of Iodine and infused with Cloxacillin ointment then sprayed with Oxytetracycline. He was also given Amoxicillin antibiotic and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Given that his collar was twisted and failing in transmission, it was an opportunity for it to be replaced and was done in conjunction with relevant stakeholders.
PROGNOSIS He woke up three minutes after reversal and headed to where the other bull had remained. Prognosis is good
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CASE 13: 22nd March 2019
OLARRO, MARA
INJURED ELEPHANT CALF
INTRODUCTION KWS rangers at Emsaya area reported the lame calf to SWT headquarters after which the AMVU was notified. The calf was reported struggling to move while the mother was hostile.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Both the mother and calf were immobilized. The mother was darted first followed by the calf with only 30 metres distance in between. The calf was placed on lateral recumbency for ease of examination and treatment. The right foreleg had an internal fracture leading to pus accumulation. The fracture could have been caused by trauma after a fall or a fight. The calf was treated using an antibiotic (BetamoxÂŽ) and Dexamethasone. The drug was given intramuscularly through the gluteal muscles.
PROGNOSIS The prognosis was good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 14: 22nd March 2019
MANYANI, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A report of a lame elephant was received from SWT rangers near Manyani Gate in Tsavo East National Park. The elephant was reported to be dragging the hind leg and was observed at the water point.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was immobilized chemically and following darting went down in about 7 minutes. The elephant was placed on lateral recumbency for ease of examination and treatment as well as to allow for breathing. The right hind leg had an old fracture that had healed, and the leg bones fused. The fracture wound had no complication despite the lameness. The elephant was treated using 100ml Betamox and Dexamethasone. The drug was given through intramuscular route.
PROGNOSIS The prognosis was good.
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CASE 15: 25th March 2019
MERU NATIONAL PARK
WHITE RHINO
INTRODUCTION This rhino was observed to be very inactive, not feeding and not taking water. It was in a company of another sub-adult female near Mururi swamp.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The team attempted to dart the rhino on foot, but the dart did not discharge, and the animal disappeared into the thickets. The team tried to trace it on foot on but had to call for helicopter support. The helicopter came the next day and the rhino was successfully darted from the air and pushed to an open area for treatment. The rhino had a body condition of 3, a high temperature of 39oc but no physical injury. The mucous membranes and eye conjunctiva were pale. The rhino was suspected to either have an internal injury caused by a blunt object or an infectious condition; most likely trypanosomiasis due to high tsetse fly density. Blood and tick samples were collected for further laboratory diagnosis. The rhino was then treated with a long-acting broad-spectrum antibiotic and multivitamin injection and pre-treated for trypanosomiasis.
PROGNOSIS Prognosis was not good because the rhino had fever, anorexia and dehydration
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CASE 16: 25th March 2019
NAIROBI
WHITE RHINO CALF
INTRODUCTION A female white rhino named MAARIFA at the SWT Nursery was reported to have died. The rhino was rescued from Meru N.P. and had been in the nursery for over five months. It was reported that the calf refused to take the 6 o’clock milk and died two hours later assuming sternal recumbence. Postmortem was conducted and findings recorded.
PROGNOSIS Tentative cause of death was hypovolemic shock. Shock is a condition associated with circulatory collapse, when the arterial blood pressure is too low to maintain an adequate supply of blood to the tissues. In the case above shock was due to decrease in blood volume after internal haemorrhage depicted by organs diffused haemorrhage, diapedesis and vessel congestion. Hypovolemic shock can be manifested in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) diseases such as septic shock (bacteria in blood stream otherwise regarded as bacteraemia or toxic shock), pancreatitis, some viral diarrhoeas, heat stroke and multiple traumas. Among the samples taken included gut and intestinal components, lactogen and liver for toxicology. For histopathology samples taken include the liver, kidney, jejunum and glandular stomach and spleen. Toxicology samples were taken to Government Chemist and Histopathology were taken to University of Nairobi pathology lab. The other remaining nine fowls to remain in isolation as indicated earlier for sixty days for effective medication and observation. Among the differential diagnosis being considered include and not limited to Disseminated intravascular Coagulation (DIC), food poisoning, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), medication especially liquid oral antibiotics, Dysentery, lactose intolerance and enterotoxaemia. Images unavailable
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CASE 17: 4th April 2019
OL JOGI, LAIKIPIA
SNARED BLACK RHINO
INTRODUCTION The Black rhino was spotted by the Oljogi and KWS rangers while on routine patrol. The veterinary team attended to the case for assessment and treatment. The rhino was darted from a vehicle
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The rhino was immobilized using 4.0 mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride and 70 mg azerperone in a 1.5cc dart toped up using water for injection. Darting was done using the Dan Inject system from a vehicle. An aircraft helped in spotting and keeping the animal on sight once darted. The rhino went down in about 7 minutes. The temperature was high hence plenty of water was doused on the rhino to keep the body temperatures low. On physical examination the rhino had a snare on its right fore limb. The snare had cut deeply in. It was removed and hydrogen peroxide was used to clean the wound. It was then lavaged using tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream and green clay was applied into the wound to facilitate healing and avoid infection. The rhino was then injected with 80 ml Betamox L.A and 50 ml Dexamethasone at different sites intramuscularly. The entire operation lasted about 20 minutes
PROGNOSIS Diprenorphine Hydrochloride (12 mgs) IM and Naltrexone 8 mg into the ear vein was used. It took about 5 minutes to be fully awake from anaesthesia. Prognosis is fair.
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CASE 18: 5th April 2019
LOL DAIGA, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION Personnel from the Lol daiga conservancy reported a lame elephant. The veterinary team attended to the case and found the elephant down and moribund. On examination, the elephant was observed to have had a right forelimb open compound fracture. A decision was made to euthanize the elephant to alleviate suffering and pain. However, the elephant died before any intervention was done
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The right forelimb had suffered an open compound fracture and dark tinted blood was oozing from the wound The wound was purulent Bone fragments were retrieved from the fractured region The fracture was located on the humerous
PROGNOSIS The cause of death was from endotoxeamic shock from the long-standing wound which had become infected over time. It was observed that the cause of injury/fracture is most likely to have been from a fall over a cliff or sustained from a fight with another bull. No signs of human interference were observed. The tusks were retrieved and delivered to the KWS Laikipia station in Nanyuki for safe custody. Both tusks weighed 3.5 kg each when wet
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CASE 19: 6th April 2019
MERU NATIONAL PARK
INJURED BLACK RHINO
INTRODUCTION MNP Warden reported to the Vet Services in Nairobi, three rhinoceros that appeared sickly and required emergency Veterinary response. The team that included, a Vet, Vet Research Scientist, two capture rangers and two veterinary interns were quickly facilitated by air travel to MNP on the 4th April 2019. Only two of the rhinos required treatment. This is the first case
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The team was informed that a white male adult rhino named Mamba, had disappeared for nine-days, which prompted an intensive search to locate it. It was found looking lethargic, slightly reduced body score and blood oozing from the nostril. The team confirmed that the rhino was listless even on close approach. A bloody wound on the lower neck region was observed. The team requested for a helicopter to assist in the immobilization of the animal by the next day 5th April 2019, however the helicopter was not available, so the treatment was postponed to the following day. Sadly, we received a report at 6:30am that the rhino had died. He was 15 years old and approximately 1.5 tones in weight. The animal was lying on its side next to a flowing river in the sanctuary. The animal had rigor mortis indicating it had been dead for less than 8 hours and the belly was slightly bloated. There was whitish froth/foam from the nose. There was a penetrating wound over 40cm depth through the brachiocephalicus muscle around the right lower neck region where the front leg joins the body. The animal was turned to its right side and a pair of forceps inserted through the wound to guide us internally. The wound was non-septic, there was no smell or pus, and was estimated to be about 3-5days old. There was hematoma/hemothorax as we could see a pool of blood within the lung region. The right cranial of the lung adhered to the pericardium and appeared to be congested and some area of hepatinization. The entire length of trachea was cut open and revealed it was filled with foam/froth, which had spread to the lung cavities.
PROGNOSIS The injury was caused by the horn of a competitor rhino (Moran) during a dominance fight. The horn reached and injured the base of the trachea, which showed sign of trauma since it was covered by fibrin. The dominant rhino (Moran) is reported to have returned to the territory after Mamba disappeared for 9 days The resultant injury caused the intermittent ooze of blood through the nostril and accompanied by cough few days prior to its death. In summary, given that the lung was filled with froth, it triggered pulmonary infection (pneumonia) and finally Asphyxiation resulting in death. The post-mortem was followed by removal of the horns at 10.30 am. Images unavailable
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CASE 20: 6th April 2019
MERU NATIONAL PARK
INJURED BLACK RHINO
INTRODUCTION This was the second case that needed treatment. Assessment of this rhino showed, despite that the filarial wound was receding, the animal frequently scratches on trees, which opens the wound. The animal was scheduled for treatment.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT After a 15 minutes search by helicopter, the animal was spotted and darted with 5ml Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 100ml Azaperone. Narcosis took about 12 minutes and the animal was physically restrained by ropes to push it to recumbence. The rectal temperature of the animal was 39.6â—Śc. The wound on the rump was about 30 by 15 cm. The animal was in good body condition with score of 4. The edges of the wound showed signs of healing as the skin had dried up. The central part of the wound was however, ulcerated. The animal was treated by injecting 60ml Amoxycilin and 5ml Ivermectin. The wound was cleaned with iodine then Alamycine spray applied followed by the green clay.
PROGNOSIS Once the anaesthetic was reversed, the animal rose up after about 2 minutes. It had a good prognosis because it was reported and treated in time, the wounds also showed good sign of healing
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CASE 21: 8th April 2019
MAKINDU, CHYULU HILLS
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A lame male elephant was reported to AMVU on 7 April 2019. The bull was immobile and had spent more than a day in a single spot.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was captured chemically using 20mg Etorphine HCl. It went down in about 7 minutes and was placed on lateral recumbency for ease of treatment. The elephant was emaciated with a body score of 2 out of 5. The mucous membranes were pale and exhibited relative dehydration. The elephant’s right forelimb was swollen but no other problem could be found. The leg wound wound was narrow and there was no foreign body found. The elephant was treated systemically with 100ml of Amoxicillin antibiotic (Betamox), and 50ml Catasol through the intramuscular route. Calvasone was given as a painkiller.
PROGNOSIS The prognosis was fair.
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CASE 22: 15th April 2019
RUMURUTI, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION Two elephants were reported to have been lame in the Northern conservation area. The injuries were as a result of poaching and natural causes.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was immobilized using 16 mgs Etorphine from a vehicle. Full immobilization took place after 7 minutes. The trunk was maintained patent by a piece of stick which was placed across the nostrils. On physical examination the elephant had a wound on the sternal region. The wound had pus and dead tissue. On examination, the wound looked tumorous with mushroom like sceptic growths. The wound was about 10 cm deep and was as a result of the tumor. It was thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide then lavaged using tincture of Iodine. The bull was then injected with 200 ml Oxytetracycline 20%- and 100-ml Dexamethasone at different sites intramuscularly. Topical antibiotic ointment and green clay was then applied on the wound to facilitate healing.
PROGNOSIS The anaesthetic was reversed, and the elephant got up after 16 minutes with assistance from the land cruiser. The operation lasted about 45 minutes.
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CASE 23: 17th April 2019
NAMUNYAK
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION The KWS rangers reported a case of an injured elephant in the area. The elephant was in a relatively open area hence darting from a vehicle was done
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was immobilized using 16 mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride and fell on sternal recumbence but was pushed to lateral recumbence using a land cruiser. On physical examination the elephant had a wound approximately 4 cm (width) and 8 cm (deep) about 3-4 weeks old on the right forelimb. The wound was septic and had necrotic tissue. An incision was made distal to the wound where there was a pus pocket to allow access and drainage of pus from the wound. The wound is likely to have been caused by a spear. The dead tissue was debrided and removed then the wound was cleaned using water, Hydrogen Peroxide and tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream and green clay was then applied into the wound to facilitate healing and avoid infection. The elephant was then injected with 200ml Oxytetracycline L.A and 100 ml Dexamethasone. The entire operation lasted about 30 minutes.
PROGNOSIS It took about 4 minutes to be fully awake from anaesthesia. Prognosis is good.
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CASE 24: 22nd April 2019
TSAVO EAST
ORPHANED ELEPHANT RESCUE
INTRODUCTION The SWT Kaluku K9 team stumbled on an agitated elephant cow beside the road while on patrol within the Triangle area of Tsavo East National Park. Upon a closer look they noticed an elephant calf that had collapsed and was flat on the ground and unable to even lift its trunk. They immediately informed the Kaluku field office who in turn informed the Tsavo resident Vet. Due to the long distance the Vet was airlifted to the location by SWT airplane.
THE RESCUE The mother was pushed away using a helicopter and the calf was accessed. She was barely responding to stimuli and had a high body temperature. She was breathing heavily, and froth was coming from the trunk. A temporary shade was made over the calf due to the hot temperatures and plenty of water and ice poured on the ears to cool her down. A 10 cc Dexamethasone drip was administered via the ear veins to combat shock and long acting Antibiotics and vitamin B12 complex given intramuscularly. She was also given 50% Dextrose bolus by a slow IV via the ear vein and fluid therapy continued until the calf was stabilized. She was loaded onto a pickup truck and transported to Umani SWT stockade for further intensive care
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CASE 25: 17th April 2019
LAKE NAKURU
BLACK RHINO
INTRODUCTION There was a reported outbreak of Anthrax within Lake Nakuru National Park that affected mostly buffaloes with some spillover to other species. There were worries that critical species, such as the rhinos, could be affected by the disease hence the management made the decision to vaccinate the rhinos. A big proportion of the rhinos had already been vaccinated and there were only 16 animals remaining unvaccinated. The KWS helicopter had reached the mandatory service mileage and was unavailable for the exercise so a request was made by KWS management to SWT to assist with the trust helicopter. The Tsavo Vet was also called in to assist in the operation.
VACCINATION Vaccines were sourced from Kenya Vaccines production institute, Kabete. Drop darts were used to propel the vaccine to the rhino. The SWT helicopter was used to identify and vaccinate targeted candidates. Identifying the candidates was difficult as a large percentage of the rhinos were already vaccinated. The vaccination exercise took 3 days with 5 rhinos vaccinated on the first day, 4 on the second day and 2 on the third day making a total of 11 rhinos vaccinated in the 2nd phase of the exercise. The remaining 5 rhinos will be vaccinated at a later date. The helicopter flew a total of 15 hours during the exercise. So far none of the rhinos have been affected by Anthrax.
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CASE 26: 6th May 2019
MPALA RACH, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ZEBRA
INTRODUCTION The management of Mpala ranch reported to have spotted an injured, severely limping zebra. A vet team was dispatched to the area to attend to the case.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The zebra was darted from a vehicle using 7mg etorphine and 60 mg Azerperone. It went down after 7 minutes on lateral recumbency.The zebra was found to have suffered from an open compound fracture proximal to the hock joint. It was evident that the zebra had a poor prognosis. To alleviate suffering and pain, a decision was made to euthanize the zebra.
PROGNOSIS Good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 27: 7th May 2019
DOLDOL, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION An injured elephant was reported in northern Kenya.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was immobilized using 18 mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride in a 3cc dart toped up using water for injection. Darting was done from a helicopter that was provided by DSWT for the urgent case. Full immobilization took place after 7 minutes. The trunk was maintained patent by the help of a piece of stick which was placed across at their’ entrances. On physical examination and visual observation from the helicopter, the elephant was lame and highly swollen on the right fore limb. On examination, it was observed to have been suffering from a gunshot injury where the external wound had healed but left the joint highly inflamed and swollen. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and analgesics were administered to manage the condition.
PROGNOSIS Revival was done using 60 mg Diprenorphine. The elephant got up after 6 minutes. The operation lasted about 30 minutes. Prognosis is guarded.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 28: 8th May 2019
NAMUNYAK
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION The elephant was spotted with a spear sticking out its forehead. The veterinary team was called by the KWS Wamba personnel to attend to the case.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was immobilized using 18 mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride in a 3cc dart toped up using water for injection. Darting was done from a vehicle. Full immobilization took place after 6 minutes. The trunk was maintained patent by the help of a piece of stick which was placed across at their’ entrances. On physical examination the elephant had a spear stuck on the forehead. The spear head had penetrated about 50 cm deep. The spear head was carefully removed leaving a wound about 50 cm deep. It was thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide then lavaged using tincture of Iodine. The bull was then injected with 200 ml oxytetracycline 20% and 100 ml dexamethasone at different sites intramuscularly. Topical antibiotic ointment and green clay was then applied on the wound to facilitate healing. Revival was done using 60 mg diprenorphine. The elephant got up after 10 minutes with assistance from the land cruiser. The operation lasted about 30 minutes.
PROGNOSIS Good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 29: 8th May 2019
MERU NATIONAL PARK
INJURED WHITE RHINO
INTRODUCTION The management of Meru National Park reported to have spotted an injured white rhino. A vet team was dispatched to the area to attend to the case.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The white rhino was approached tactfully on foot to have a close view for visual examination. On examination, the rhino was observed to have had an injury on the left fore limb. It was observed that the wound had naturally healed. Other observations made included: - High body score (4 on a scale of 5) -Normal temperament -Good/normal feeding habits -Normal walking gait. No clinical intervention was required at this point. The Meru veterinary team and rhino protection units were requested to closely monitor the rhino for the next one week.
PROGNOSIS Good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 30: 14th May 2019
ITHUMBA, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION The report was received from the SWT Ithumba stockade team of an injured former orphan elephant bull that visited the stockade waterhole that morning with an obvious injury to the body flank near the pelvic region. The vet was airlifted by the SWT aeroplane to Kaluku then boarded the Trust chopper to Ithumba. The elephant bull was easily spotted as the Ithumba de-snaring team kept an eye on him
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Darting equipment and immobilization drugs were prepared containing 18 mgs of M99 in a 3 cc Dan-inject dart barrel. The elephant was approached on foot and darted in the rump. The bull became nervous and kept on running but finally went down after 7 minutes. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and plenty of water poured on the ears to cool down from the high temperatures. The elephant bull had a fresh arrow wound to the left pelvic area with blood oozing out. The wound was enlarged and after probing a sharp arrowhead was retrieved from deep inside the muscles with difficulty. The wound was cleaned with water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide, doused with Tinture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. The wound was finally covered with green clay. The elephant was administered with long acting antibiotics and Dexamethasone Hcl.
PROGNOSIS After the anaesthesia was reversed the bull stood up and walked away calmly. Prognosis is good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 31: 14th May 2019
LEWA, LAIKIPIA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION The elephant was spotted with a spear sticking out on its head. The veterinary team was called by JOCC (Joint Operation Control Centre) Lewa. The elephant was reported to have been in a rugged bushy terrain and hence darting from a vehicle was not possible.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was immobilized using 18 mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride in a 3cc dart toped up using water for injection. Darting was done from a helicopter on the rugged terrain. Full immobilization took place after 5 minutes. The elephant went down on lateral recumbency. The trunk was maintained patent by the help of a piece of stick which was placed across at their’ entrances. On physical examination the elephant had a spear stuck on its head close to the neck. The spear head had penetrated about 30 cm deep with all its entire length hanging on its back. The spear head was carefully removed leaving a wound about 30 cm deep at the base of his ear. Revival was done using 60 mg diprenorphine. The elephant got up after 10 minutes. The operation lasted about 30 minutes.
PROGNOSIS Good
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 32: 15th May 2019
NAMUNYAK
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION On the 8th May 2019 an elephant was treated with a serious head spear wound. The spear was removed, and the elephant treated. The KWS and conservancy rangers were tasked to monitor the elephant for a later review which would ensure recovery.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The rangers spotted the elephant and alerted the vet unit which attended for a review. The elephant was observed to have fully recovered and having a normal gait, healed wound and with a good body condition. He was spotted about 10 km from the point of treatment. No clinical intervention was required, and a clean bill of health was awarded.
PROGNOSIS Good. No images available
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 33: 19th May 2019
ITHUMBA, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A male elephant with a snare was reported to AMVU on 19 May 2019
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant could not be located even after a lengthy aerial search using the SWT helicopter. During the search, 85 elephants were found in the area, but they were healthy and none had a wound or snare
PROGNOSIS The teams will continue to monitor for any signs of the animal and report back. There are no photographs for this case. No images available
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 34: 21st May 2019
ITHUMBA, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A day after treating the three elephants with arrow wounds in Murondo area of southern Tsavo East the vet team headed north to Ithumba where a snared elephant bull had been spotted by the SWT helicopter during an aerial patrol in the area. The vet travelled by vehicle to the Kaluku SWT airstrip then boarded the trust helicopter for the 20minute journey to Ithumba. The bull was easily spotted at a waterhole nearby
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT A dart was prepared and filled with 18 mgs of M99. The ground teams were directed to an area near where the animal had been seen. The chopper approached the elephant bull, which had an obvious snare injury, and guided him to a clearing where he was darted in the rump. The bull was herded by the chopper so as to fall in a good area but it moved and fell in a bushy shrub area. There was a deep cutting wire snare around the left front limb with bleeding and infection. There were other arrow wounds on the body. The wire snare around the left front limb had cut through tissues causing a deep wound around the lower leg. The snare wire was a high tensile wire with many strands commonly used to lift heavy loads in cranes or pulleys in vehicle winches. Attempts to cut the wire using wire cutter was unsuccessful and a hacksaw had to be used instead. It was finally cut loose after a 30minute struggle. The wound caused by the snare was cleaned by use of diluted Hydrogen peroxide and splashed with Tincture of iodine and finally covered with green clay. The elephant was administered with long acting antibiotics and antiinflammatory drugs intramuscularly and intravenously respectively. A penetrating wound was seen near the tail so a decision was made to turn over the elephant bull to observe the left flank. The Ithumba vehicles which were stationed nearby were called in. After several minutes of trying the bull was flipped over. A total of 5 arrow wounds were discovered on the left flank. All the wounds were cleaned, disinfected and covered in green clay. 6 mgs of M99 was added to maintain the anesthesia.
PROGNOSIS Having administered all the treatments, and the bull given a clean bill of health the anaesthesia was reversed. The bull stood up and walked away calmly. Prognosis is good.