JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
SKY VET REPORT JUNE TO SEPTEMBER 2018
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JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW During June to September 2018 the DSWT/KWS Sky Vet program was called to handle 17 wildlife cases several of which were supported by the DSWT helicopter or outsourced aircraft to help with elephant darting operations as well as search and monitoring operations using the DSWT’s fixed-wing aircrafts. 16 of the cases attended to involved elephants whilst 1 case was attending to a leopard which was being translocated due to HWC/livestock predation. Of the elephant cases there were 2 spear cases, 6 poisoned arrow cases, 1 bullet wound case, 1 snare case, 4 rescues and 2 cases relating to natural causes. Out of these cases treated there was a 76% success rate whilst 12% were taken to the DSWT Nairobi Nursery. Without rapid veterinary response, the majority of these cases would have died from their injuries. Cases during this period saw KWS Veterinarians flown to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Meru, Tsavo East and Northern Kenya. The Sky Vet program has deployed KWS vets to the following locations during this reporting period
JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
CASE 1: 3rd June 2018
OLARRO, MASAI MARA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION Three elephants were reported to have had arrow/spear wounds in the Ollaro and Olkinyei conservancy in the Maasai Mara game reserve. The injuries were as a result of poaching and human –wildlife conflict. The DSWT immediately organized a flight for the veterinary team to attend to the cases. The cases could not all be attended on the same day and therefore spilled over to the next 2 days due to the weather and rough terrain. Ollaro conservancy management provided the vehicles for the ground team while the Mara elephant project (MEP) provided a helicopter for the aerial team. A thorough search ensued, and all the 3 cases were attended to in the 3 days.
CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT On physical examination the elephant had a penetrating wound on the right forelimb around the shoulder region. The wound had pus and dead tissue. On palpation and examination, the elephant was lucky not to have suffered from a fracture. The wound was probed for any foreign body and there was none. About 200ml of pus gushed out of the wound. The wound was about 15 cm deep and was as a result of a spear possibly 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 grey clay was then applied on the wound to facilitate healing. The operation lasted 30 minutes.
PROGNOSIS This elephant with given a fair prognosis and continues to be monitored by the ground teams.
JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 2: 4th June 2018
OLARRO, MASAI MARA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This was the second elephant to be treated in the Ollaro and Olkinyei conservancy in the Maasai Mara game reserve by KWS Vet Dr Njoroge. The injuries were as a result of poaching and human –wildlife conflict. Ollaro conservancy management provided the vehicles for the ground team while the Mara elephant project (MEP) provided a helicopter for the aerial team. A thorough search ensued, and all the 3 cases were attended to in the 3 days.
CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT On physical examination the elephant had a wound approximately 3 cm (width) and 20cm (deep) about 2 to 3 weeks old on the left hind limb but close to the hip region. 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. A metal detector was used to check on any foreign body in the swelling. The wound had been caused by an arrow possibly due to poaching. The dead tissue was debrided and removed. The wound was then thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide. It was then lavaged using 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 at different sites intramuscularly. The entire operation lasted about 30 minutes.
PROGNOSIS The prognosis for this elephant was good and she continues to be monitored by ground teams.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 3: 5th June 2018
OLARRO, MASAI MARA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This was the third elephant to be treated by Dr Njoroge on his third day in the Mara treating the elephants which were targeted during the same attack.
CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT On physical examination the elephant had a swelling and pus oozing from the right flank. The pus pocket was fairly big and about 1 liter of pus was drained. After darting he fell on the right flank and therefore with the help of a land cruiser and rangers, he was flipped over to access the wound. The wound was septic and had necrotic tissue. An opening was done on the ventral side of the wound and pus drained. The wound is likely to have been caused by an arrow owing to poaching. A metal detector was used to check for foreign bodies. The wound was thoroughly cleaned using clean water and Hydrogen Peroxide. It was then lavaged using 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 100 ml Betamox L.A, 1200 mg and 100 ml Dexamethasone at different sites intramuscularly. The entire operation lasted about 25 minutes.
PROGNOSIS Prognosis is good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 4: 23rd July 2018
ITHUMBA, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A report of an injured Elephant bull was received from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust field headquarters offices at Kaluku within Tsavo. The bull was spotted that morning near a watering hole with pus oozing out of two arrow wounds on the front leg and chest area. The vet was airlifted from Voi to Ithumba by DSWT aircraft and found a team made up of fixed wing aircraft, Helicopter and ground teams waiting.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Darting equipment and drugs were prepared containing 18 mgs of M99. The Elephant bull was driven by a chopper to an open field and darted using 18 mgs of Etorphine. The Elephant ran back deep into thick bush ignoring the chopper. An arrow head was clearly visible from the chopper. He went down in a thickly wooded area. The vet was dropped in an open field and directed by the chopper to where the Elephant fell. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and temperature control. The bull had an arrow wound on the right front leg lateral to the elbow joint with pus oozing out. The wound was cleaned by using water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, necrotic tissues and pus were removed then doused with tincture of iodine. Green clay was used to cover the wound. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and dexamethasone Hcl given intravenously through the ear. The Elephant was rolled over by aid of a road grader. The second arrow wound was also cleaned, and antibiotic spray and green clay were applied. This was a clear case of attempted poaching.
PROGNOSIS After all the treatment was done, the rest of the team were instructed to clear the site as the vet administered the reversal drug. Anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine at 3 times the etorphine dose. The Elephant struggled to stand and was assisted with a rope looped on the upper tusk. He stood up and walked away. Prognosis is good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 5: 30th July 2018
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
ELEPHANT CALF RESCUE
INTRODUCTION Reports of an elephant calf that fell into a hole in Amboseli National Park were received from the senior warden. The mother was keeping watch over the calf and hence was impossible for people to get near the hole and assist the poor calf out of its misery. Several attempts made to drive away the mother in order to help the calf failed hence assistance was sought from the Tsavo vet unit as the Amboseli vet unit was away. The vet team was airlifted to Amboseli by DSWT aero plane to attend to the case.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The team arrived at the site about an hour later, the best option was for the mother to be immobilized, calf rescued and then reunited again. Immobilization drugs were prepared made up of 16 mgs Etorphine Hcl in a Daninject darting system. The cow was darted on the ramp and went down after 7 minutes. The trunk was well positioned for proper respiration. Ropes tied onto a tractor were hooked around calf and it was successfully pulled out the hole. He stood up and gestured looking for his mother.
PROGNOSIS The mother was woken up by use of Diprenorphine at 3 times the etorphine dose and reunited with her calf. They both walked away calmly. The calf did not sustain any injuries whilst in the hole. Prognosis for both mother and calf is good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 6: 12th August 2018
KILUNYET, AMBOSELI
ADULT ELEPHANT RESCUE
INTRODUCTION KWS received reports of an adult male elephant stuck in a marshy water pan. A team composed of rangers from KWS-Chyulu Hills National Park and Big Life Foundation attempted to rescue the bull from the wetland but were not successful. The Amboseli Veterinary Unit was then called in the evening to assist in the rescue. The DSWT aircraft help to mobilise teams to the site on the fays that followed.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The adult bull approximately 35 years old was stuck in a mud pool at Kilunyet area. The area was very wet and hard to approach with a vehicle. This challenge made the rescue very difficult with the Amboseli Veterinary Unit vehicle also becoming stuck. As the vehicles kept getting stuck themselves the team had to come up with another plan. The team eventually managed to pull the large bull from the mud using three land cruisers, two heavy commercial Lorries, and a JCB. The elephant finally, was freed from its position at 6 pm on the 14th August 2018 after a final tusk lift using a rope pull from a land cruiser. However, the bull was inactive and could not stand. Upon further examination it was found that the elephant was weak and exhausted. A whole day of therapy with Dextrose and Sodium Lactate assisted the animal in gaining energy and strength.
PROGNOSIS This rescue took 3 days and the elephant was very traumatised on top of injuries sustained in the mud and poor health. Sadly, not long after the elephant died, which was a huge loss for all involved.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 7: 16th August 2018
SATAO, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A male elephant presenting with a white colored discharge was sighted at Satao-Kulalu area in Tsavo East National Park.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The bull was located and darted by helicopter using 18mgs Etorphine Hcl. Induction time was about 12 minutes after darting and the bull was immobilized resting on lateral recumbency. Examination exposed a deep wound on the lateral part of the left hind leg. Foot long forceps were used to probe for foreign material, remove pus and dead debris. No foreign matter was revealed but the excess pus and debris were debrided using Hydrogen Peroxide. Betamox and Dexamethasone was administered intramuscularly to counter bacterial infection, reduce the inflammation and minimize pain. Oxytetracycline aerosol spray was topically applied to prevent a fly attack on the wound.
PROGNOSIS The anaesthesia was reversed using 48mgs of Diprenorphine administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The elephant rose up and walked away after 2 minutes. Prognosis for full recovery is good as the animal demonstrated high chances of quick and sure recovery.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 8: 16th August 2018
SATAO, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION The Amboseli Veterinary Unit received a report of a male elephant with an abdominal swelling discharging pus on the same day as the previous treatment.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The male elephant was restrained by chemical immobilization using 18mgs of Etorphine Hydrochloride darted from a helicopter. Puncture of the abdominal swelling assisted in draining the pus while the old and infected wound tissue was debrided using Hydrogen Peroxide. The wound was disinfected with Tincture of Iodine solution and Amoxicillin (Betamox 200ml) was administered intramuscularly as an antibiotic.
PROGNOSIS The anesthesia was reversed using 48mgs of Diprenorphine administered through a prominent ear vein. The elephant rose up after 2 minutes. Prognosis for full recovery is good. Images unavailable for this case
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 9: 18th August 2018
ITHUMBA, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ORPHAN ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This is a report of another injured former elephant orphan that had been released back into the wild by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at Ithumba in northern Tsavo East National Park. He had been attacked by Lions roaming the area. There were extensive fresh bite wounds all over the body. DSWT aircraft were mobilized with the vet unit for emergency veterinary intervention.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The Elephant was approached on foot and darted using 10 mgs of Etorphine in a 1.5 cc dart barrel and went down after 5 minutes. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and water was poured onto his ear for temperature control. Examination revealed extensive bite wounds and lacerations on the body surface with serious ones on the left thigh and face that ruptured one of his eyes. The wounds were cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with clean water, then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A coat of wetted green clay was used to cover the wounds for quicker healing. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl was administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein.
PROGNOSIS The anaesthesia was reversed, and the elephant stood up without struggling. The elephant is traumatized and should remain at the stockades for monitoring purposes. Prognosis for full recovery is good but with one eye blindness.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 10: 21st August 2018
MAUNGU, NORTHERN KENYA
LEOPARD TRANSLOCATION
INTRODUCTION Complaints of livestock predation by wild carnivores from the community living around Maungu area necessitated KWS to set up trap cages in the area to capture the problem wildlife.
TRANSLOCATION A young male leopard was finally captured and brought to the Tsavo Vet Unit for examination. The leopard was given some meat and water. Observation indicated there was a problem with his mouth. He was immobilized the next day by darting with 100 mgs of Ketamine Hcl and 1 mg Meditomidine Hcl. A piece of wood stuck on the upper palate was removed and the leopard was placed back into a cage to recover from the anesthesia. Anesthesia was reversed using Yohimbine. The Leopard recovered well and was released back into the expansive Tsavo East National Park.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 11: 21st August 2018
MILGIS, NORTHERN KENYA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This was a case of an adult male elephant sighted by community scouts from Milgis Trust at Lokumkum area of Samburu County, it had deep penetrating wounds on the distal part of the right front leg and upper thigh. The elephant was quite weak and could be seen limping along the river and remained isolated from the rest of the elephant herds. The veterinary team was flown on a chartered flight from Nanyuki airstrip and responded immediately the same day and managed to treat the elephant.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant had a deep penetrating wound on the distal lateral part of the right front leg, the wound extended lateromedially into the carpal joint, some carpal bones were splintered and could be felt upon probing with long forceps. The entire leg was also swollen due to heavy inflammation. The wound was probed using sterile gauze swabs attached to long forceps to remove all the necrotic debri and ensure no foreign material was left inside. Thereafter the wound was cleaned with copious amounts of water then debrided, cleaned and flushed with tincture of iodine. The wound was further treated using OpticloxÂŽ ointment and green clay applied to plug off the wound, the deep wound on the upper thigh was also probed and treated in a similar way. Other treatments were intramuscular injection of Procaine penicillin (NorocillinÂŽ) and dexamethasone to support the wound healing process. The wounds were finally sprayed using oxytetracycline spray.
PROGNOSIS Prognosis was guarded due to its inability to move and defend itself and the possibility of developing arthritis which has poor prognosis in elephants. The security rangers were informed to monitor the progress and report to the veterinary team in case it required repeat treatment or possibility of euthanasia.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 12: 25th August 2018
TIVA RIVER, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION A report was made by DSWT desnaring Rangers who were patrolling the park along the Tiva River area together with KWS rangers of a young elephant bull with two fresh arrow wounds, which were bleeding. The teams kept watch over the injured elephant as the DSWT Helicopter picked the vet from Voi for faster attendance to the case.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant was easily found near the Tiva River as the rangers kept a close eye on it. The elephant was approached on foot and darted using 10 mgs of Etorphine propelled by a dan inject dart system and went down in 7 minutes after running briefly. Trees and twigs were cleared around the fallen elephant. Two fresh arrow wounds were observed on the left rump area with the arrowhead sticking out of one. The arrowhead was removed, and the wounds were cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with clean water, then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A coat of wetted green clay was used to cover the wound for quicker healing. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl given intravenously through a prominent ear vein.
PROGNOSIS The anaesthesia was reversed, and the elephant stood up after a couple of minutes. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 13: 27th August 2018
DAKOTA, TSAVO EAST
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION Report of a huge elephant bull with arrow wound injuries was received from the DSWT aircraft that was doing patrols along the Dakota Southern Park boundary. The bull was with several other big bulls. The vet team drove to the area and was joined by the DSWT Helicopter minutes later. The injured bull was easily spotted amongst the group.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Darting accessories was prepared containing 18 mgs of Etorphine Hcl in a Dan inject dart system. The bull was approached using a chopper and darted on the rump using 18 mgs of Etorphine Hcl in a Dan inject dart system. He was kept in an open area by the chopper and went down after 9 minutes. The trunk was well positioned for proper respiration. There was a wound on the left upper thigh near the pelvic region still oozing pus. The wound was cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide, then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetetracycline antibiotic spray. The Elephant was deemed not to be in any threat from systemic infection and therefore was not given antibiotics.
PROGNOSIS Anaesthesia was reversed by use of Diprenorphine at 3 times the Etorphine dose. Prognosis for full recovery is very good.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 14: 29th August 2018
MARA CONSERVANCY
SNARED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION This calf had been the night before by Mara Conservancy Rangers with a tight wire snare between his upper and lower jaws. They called the Veterinary Unit for intervention. He disappeared with the herd into a bushy hill and frantic efforts to search for him were made in vain. As night fell the search operation was stopped. He was seen the next day, this time early, and the teams, including the Mara Triangle Management and the Mara Elephant Project, responded immediately.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT This calf was seen with his family members within a bigger herd of about 30 elephants. Though his body condition was good, the snare was tight and had injured the lips of the mouth at the commissures. The snare went around behind the head injuring both ear flaps. He was physically restrained, with the helicopter isolating him from his mother and his family. Ropes were used to restrain him before the tight wire snare could be cut loose. This was a braided wire snare that had been in place for at least one week. The resultant wounds were debrided with Hydrogen Peroxide, rinsed with clean water and Tincture of Iodine disinfectant was applied. Additionally, he received 4500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 1500mgs Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories. He was then released and guided towards his mother who was in a nearby bush, within few minutes they were re-united.
PROGNOSIS Prognosis for full recovery is good. Removal of the snare was a big relief and he should be able to suckle and feed without any further hindrance.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 15: 1st September 2018
IMENTI FOREST, MERU
ELEPHANT RESCUE
INTRODUCTION On the 1st of September we received a call from KWS regarding an elephant calf in trouble in Meru town. The baby had fallen into a deep quarry situated on the edge of the Imenti forest, but the moment he was discovered a hostile community set upon him, determined to kill and feast on the calf. Very fortunately there were sympathetic people in their midst who got word to the KWS Rangers in time and very quickly they responded and rushed to the site to rescue the baby and keep him safe overnight. It was arranged, once GPS coordinates were provided, for the DSWT helicopter to fly directly to the site on the outskirts of Meru town with one of the Trust’s more experienced elephant Keepers on board, together with all the equipment required to feed the baby and medicate and restrain the calf for flight.
THE RESCUE Eventually by 3.00pm the helicopter lifted off the ground and then had to navigate dramatic weather between Meru, around Mount Kenya, and then onto Nairobi, a flight of one hour. Waiting at the Nursery were the Keepers with all the equipment required to facilitate a quick turn around and to immediately get the baby on a drip to help his energy levels. The calf was ushered into a comfortable stockade, surrounded by the calming influence of the other orphans when they returned in the evening. The stark contrast between the two environments could be felt in the elephant baby's mood, as after the drips he immediately appeared comfortable and much calmer, having fed well on milk and settled in his warm wooden stable with plenty of fresh cut hay.
PROGNOSIS For the next week he never slept, instead just walking around in tight circles throughout the night, turning only to the left. With the potential of swelling on the brain due to all that befell him, it was difficult to know the exact reason behind this behaviour. Each day that passes this behaviour reduces. This is not the first time we have seen this, and thankfully in the past the previous cases have corrected in time as well. We have called the baby bull elephant, estimated to be approximately 9 months old, Merru - the name of the area he was rescued from with a slight tweak to the spelling.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 16: 9th September 2018
KILIBASI, TSAVO EAST
ELEPHANT RESCUE
INTRODUCTION During the dry season, like the current one, elephants search for water in all possible areas including water dams constructed by herders to store water for use by their livestock. In this case, the elephants went to a dam near Kilibasi Trading Centre which was already drying up and filled with deep amounts of muddy water. They left the dam leaving behind a one-year old calf that was unable to free himself from the muddy water, nearly drowning. On spotting the distressed calf, the local community contacted the KWS Rangers manning the vast Taita Ranches who in turn contacted the Vet Team. We rushed to the area to find the nearly submerged calf hanging on for dear life.
THE RESCUE The calf was pulled out of the mud and taken to a nearby KWS Camp. He couldn’t stand, and further examination revealed that the calf was exhausted and in shock. The Vet administered 20cc of long acting antibiotics intramuscularly, and then the calf was given Dexamethasone 15 cc intravenously and fluid therapy was initiated. The Vet slowly administered 60cc of 50% dextrose intravenously and fluid transfusion of normal saline and lactate was given. After 30 minutes the calf woke up and had to be restrained. A DSWT helicopter arrived shortly thereafter and the calf was loaded for transport to the DSWT Nairobi Nursery where he will receive better care for eventual release back to the wild.
THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
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CASE 17: 11th September 2018
MILGIS, NORTHERN KENYA
INJURED ELEPHANT
INTRODUCTION Scouts from the Milgis Trust reported that an elephant bull in Milgis showed lameness and swelling on its front leg with limited movement for 5 days.
INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT We darted this elephant to investigate the cause of lameness and treat the injury if any. The elephant was found in a thick bush with thick undergrowth which was only accessible by helicopter provided by the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It was driven out of the bush and a dart containing Etorphine Hydrochloride was delivered into the gluteal muscles. Examination revealed inflammation of the soft tissue on the left carpal joint suspected to have been sustained in rough hilly terrain. No external injuries or wounds were found. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were administered.
PROGNOSIS Diprenophine Hydrochloride injected to reverse effect of narcotics. This elephant is expected to make a complete recovery. Images unavailable for this case