SWT/KWS Sky Vets Report October 2022 - January 2023

SWT/KWS SKY VET UNIT QUARTERLY REPORT

OCTOBER 2022 - JANUARY 2023

SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW

46 Cases 25 Poaching Cases 20 Elephant Cases

During October 2022 to January 2023 the SWT/KWS Sky Vet program was called to handle 46 wildlife cases involving 20 elephants, 1 cheetah, 3 lion, 4 rhinos, 4 zebra, 1 waterbuck, 1 Roan antelope and 12 giraffes The increase in poaching and natural cases can largely be attributed to the ongoing drought. There was also 8 human – wildlife conflict cases attended to involving 5 elephants, 2 lions and 1 zebra. All 5 elephants and both lions were speared/arrowed due to conflict over resources in the Masai Mara region.

Of the 25 poaching cases, 4 elephants were snared, 4 arrowed and 4 speared. 1 waterbuck, 3 zebra and 7 giraffe were also treated for snare wounds as well as 2 giraffes treated for a spear and arrow wound. Only one elephant with a severe spear wound was euthanised due to the extent of the injury. The rest were given a good prognosis.

The Unit also attended to 9 natural cases, 2 post-mortems and rescued 1 adult elephant after it became stuck in a muddy dam and a rhino calf from Solio Ranch was taken to the orphanage after it was abandoned by its mother.

Out of the cases treated there was an 83% success rate and only 4% death due to poaching though 9% died due to natural causes.

The Sky Vet program has deployed KWS vets to the following locations during this reporting period

46 Cases Attended to by the SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit

October 2022 - January 2023

Outcomes of Cases Attended to by the SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit

October 2022 - January 2023

Elephant Human-Wildlife Conflict: Spear Olarro Conservancy

The elephant was spotted by Elephant Aware rangers at Olarro South conservancy with an injury and pus oozing from the left flank. The vet was airlifted from KWS veterinary headquarters by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

The elephant was immobilized from a vehicle using 18mgs Etorphine. The elephant went down on its side after 8 minutes then it was flipped over by a vehicle and straps to access the wound.

On examination the elephant had a spear wound on the left flank with a lot of pus. The spear had fallen off but had left a huge open wound which was about 10 cm deep. A healing wound adjacent to the septic one was also visible. The injury was as a result of a spear most likely due to human wildlife conflict at the watering points. The necrotic tissue in the infected wound was debrided and the pus drained. The wound was thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide. It was then lavaged using tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream, antibiotic pessaries and green clay was then applied into the wound to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was then injected with 100 ml Betamox L.A and 100 ml Dexamethasone HCL at different sites intramuscularly.

Prognosis

It took about 5 minutes to fully recover from anaesthesia. Prognosis is favourable.

Giraffe Snared Mara Triangle

This report describes a clinical case intervention of a male giraffe in Mara triangle. The giraffe was suffering from a wire snare which had also affected the soft tissues.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Etorphine Hcl 15mg and Azaperone 40mg, in a 3 ml Dan - inject dart was prepared. Darting was carried out from a vehicle using a Dan inject dart rifle. The giraffe was darted and immobilized after 12 minutes. The team roped down the giraffe and she went down on lateral recumbency.

The giraffe was promptly de-snared and the wound cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide, lavaged with tincture of Iodine then topical antibiotic spray was applied. Oxytetracycline 50ml and Dexamethasone 40ml were also administered.

Prognosis

The anaesthetic was reversed using 60mg Diprenorphine Hcl administered IV via the jugular vein. Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and she ambulated well after recovery from anaesthesia. Prognosis is good.

Elephant Spear Mara Triangle

The elephant was spotted by the Mara Triangle Rangers while on routine patrol. The veterinary team attended to the case for assessment and treatment. The elephant was darted a motor vehicle.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was immobilized using 17mgs Etorphine using the Dan Inject system from a vehicle. The elephant went down in a dog sitting position after 7 minutes and had to be flipped to access the wound.

The elephant had a spear wound on the right hind limb. The wound had penetrated all the way to the right forelimb. The elephant had been treated earlier for the wound but required repeat treatment. The wounds had a lot of necrotic tissue and maggots. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide. The necrotic tissue was debrided to hasten healing. The wound 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 Betamox and 100ml Dexamethasone.

Prognosis

It took about 5 minutes to be fully awake from anaesthesia. Prognosis is favourable.

Elephant Human-Wildlife Conflict Olkinyei Conservancy

The elephant was spotted by Conservancy Rangers with multiple injuries and pus oozing from the left flank.

Immobilization and examination

The elephant was darted from a vehicle with 18mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride The elephant went down on lateral position after 8 minutes. The wounds were clearly visible and accessible for treatment. Flipping of the elephant was done to access the other injured side of the elephant.

Examination revealed it had a septic spear wound about 10cm deep, 5 arrow wounds and another wound to the hind quarters inflicted by another elephant. The spear and arrow injuries were likely inflicted during conflict in community areas. The necrotic tissue in the infected wounds was debrided and the pus drained. The wounds were cleaned with water and Hydrogen Peroxide then lavaged with Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream, antibiotic pessaries and green clay was then applied into the wound to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was then injected with 100ml Betamox and 100ml Dexamethasone.

Prognosis and management

It took about 4 minutes to fully recover from anaesthesia. Prognosis is good.

Giraffe Natural Causes Nashulai (Siana Conservancy)

This report describes a case intervention of a male giraffe in Nashulai Conservancy. The giraffe had suffered from a fall on a rocky river bed. He was observed to be immobile, down and moribund.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

The giraffe was down and moribund hence no need to immobilize

The giraffe had an open compound fracture on the right hind limb.

Prognosis

The prognosis was poor hence a decision was made to euthanize the giraffe to alleviate pain and suffering.

The carcass was appropriately disposed of after carrying out a post-mortem to confirm the injuries on the giraffe.

Elephant Human-Wildlife Conflict Lukumek (Lemek Conservancy)

The elephant was spotted by Rangers in Lukumek village, out of the Conservancy in the community area, with fresh arrow injuries on the left flank and 2 spear wounds.

Immobilization and examination

The elephant was immobilized using 16mgs Etorphine in a 3ml dart from a helicopter provided by the Mara Elephant Project. The elephant went down on lateral position after 7 minutes. The wounds were clearly visible and accessible for treatment.

The elephant had a wound on the left flank and an arrow head embedded into the tissues. A second arrow head was also embedded into the ear flap. The arrows were removed and bleeding controlled by compression. The injury to the spinal region was as a result of a spear that had fallen off leaving large open wounds. These injuries were as a result conflict in the community where farming is also practiced. The wounds were cleaned with normal saline then lavaged with Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream, antibiotic pessaries and green clay were applied into the wound to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was then injected with 100ml Betamox and 100ml Dexamethasone.

Post-mortem examination

It took about 5 minutes to fully recover from anaesthesia. Prognosis is good.

Elephant Human-Wildlife Conflict Lukumek (Lemek Conservancy)

This was the second injured elephant that was spotted by Rangers in Lukumek community area where a family of elephants had strayed into the community area.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 17mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride. The elephant went down in a lateral position after 6 minutes. The elephant had a wound on the left flank with an embedded arrowhead and another spear wound as a result of human wildlife conflict.

The wounds were thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide and lavaged with tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream, antibiotic pessaries and green clay were then applied into the wound to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was also administered with 100ml Betamox and 100ml Phenylbutazone at different sites intramuscularly. The entire operation lasted about 20 minutes

Prognosis

It took about 7 minutes to fully recover from anaesthesia. Prognosis for recovery is good.

Case 8 – 19th October 2022

Elephant Human-Wildlife Conflict Olkinyei Conservancy

The elephant was spotted with pus oozing from the trunk and injuries on the right and left flank.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

The elephant was immobilized with 18mgs Etorphine and darted from a helicopter provided by the Mara Elephant Project. The elephant went down on lateral position after 5 minutes. Once the wounds on the exposed side were treated the elephant was flipped to access the other injured side of the elephant.

On examination the elephant had an arrow wound to the trunk and spear wounds to both flanks. The injuries were most likely due to human wildlife conflict. The necrotic tissue in the infected wounds was debrided and the pus drained. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide and lavaged with tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream, antibiotic pessaries and green clay were then applied into the wound to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was then injected with 100ml Betamox and 50ml Dexamethasone at different sites intramuscularly.

Prognosis

The elephant has a good prognosis.

Case 9 – 20th October 2022

Lion Natural Causes

Masai Mara National Reserve

The lion was spotted by Maasai Mara County personnel in Maasai Mara ecosystem with lameness and scratches on the body. A large wound was also visible in the inguinal region.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

The lion was immobilized with 4mg Medetomidine and 300mg Ketamine. The lion was fully anaesthetized after 9 minutes and went on lateral recumbency.The lion had a large wound due to a territorial fight. The attacking lions had bitten off large chunks of muscle and skin in the inguinal region causing a serious injury and other minor injuries to the flank. Suturing was not possible because infection had set in. The minor wounds were cleaned with water, cauterized with Hydrogen peroxide and lavaged with Iodine. The wound to the inguinal region was sceptic and had necrotic tissue. The necrotic tissue was debrided and the wound thoroughly cleaned with water and Hydrogen Peroxide, then lavaged with Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream and green clay were also applied into all the wounds to facilitate healing and avoid infection. The lion was then injected with 100ml Betamox, 50ml Phenylbutazone, 10ml Ivermectin and 100ml Flunixine.

Prognosis

The prognosis is guarded.

Rhino Natural Causes Lake Nakuru National Park

On 21.10.2022 and 22.10.2022, the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit searched for the injured male white rhino bull (50W89) with the aid of a helicopter.

Examination

The rhino was found on 22.10.2022 and according to the Veterinarian’s assessment, the rhino had only suffered minor lacerations and bruises.

Prognosis

The rhino security team was advised to continued monitoring both males (50W73 & 50W89). The rhino has a good prognosis since it was in good health.

Roan Antelope Natural Causes Ruma National Park

The antelope was observed injured about 8 days prior to this intervention. The cause of injury was unknown but suspected to have been inflicted by another antelope.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The antelope was approached on foot for examination and was seen to have an injury close to the tail. The wound had formed granulation tissue hence a good sign of healing. She was observed to have a good body score, feeding well, in good health and with a normal walking gait.

Prognosis

Clinical intervention was not necessary as the wound is almost completely healed. Monitoring of the roan antelope has been advised.

A male adult Rothschild giraffe carcass was spotted at Ruma Nat. Park and panic arose in suspicion of anthrax. The vet attended to investigate the cause of death.

Findings

Decomposition had set in with maggots in various body parts so a viable post-mortem could not be carried out on the carcass. However, the following was noted:

• The giraffe was in fair body condition

• Observed to have been in an advanced age

• No hemorrhage in any of the natural openings

• Scavengers had mauled various body organs

Cause of Death

Anthrax was ruled out and blood smears from the extremities were collected to assist in tentative diagnosis. The giraffe was suspected to have succumbed to a condition complicated by old age. The carcass was then disposed of accordingly

Unfortunately there are no pictures available for this case

Elephant Human-Wildlife Conflict Mara North Conservancy

The elephant was spotted with 2 arrow heads and a spear wound to the right flank The elephant had been treated within the same week after the herd had strayed into the community area and was attacked.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted with 15mgs Etorphine from a helicopter provided by the Mara Elephant Project. The elephant went down in a sitting position then was manually pushed to a lateral position. The arrowheads, which had penetrated about 10cm, were removed and bleeding controlled by compression using gauze swabs. The wounds had turned septic. The necrotic tissue in the infected wounds was debrided and the pus was drained. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide then lavaged using tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream, antibiotic pessaries and green clay were then applied into the wounds to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was then injected with 100ml Biocillin and 100ml Dexamethasone HCL at different sites intramuscularly.

Prognosis

The elephant could not get up after treatment and developed respiration complications. Efforts were made to resuscitate the elephant but sadly after about 4 minutes the elephant was confirmed dead.

Elephant Snared Lali Hills – Galana Conservancy

While on routine daily patrol, the SWT aerial patrol team saw this young bull with a snare around the neck. in the evening hours of the day preceding intervention. It was too late to attend to the elephant that day therefore a team was tasked with closely monitoring it so it could be located the following day

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The snared elephant was found the following morning with a small family a short distance away from where it was originally seen. The young bull had a loose wire snare around the neck, otherwise the elephant was in good body condition.

The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 12 mgs Etorphine hydrochloride delivered with a 3 ml Daninject dart. The drugs took full effect with the elephant assuming right lateral recumbency.

The snare was removed, and thankfully no injuries were observed to the surrounding tissue; no further treatment was required. Anaesthesia was thereafter reversed with 36 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride delivered through a prominent ear vein. The elephant woke up 2 minutes post-reversal and moved towards the elephant family.

Prognosis

The young bull has a good prognosis.

Elephant Rescue Giriama Dam – Kulalu Ranch

KWS officers and members of the community alerted the mobile veterinary unit about this adult female elephant that was found trapped in a drying water dam just outside Kulalu ranch.

Rescue

The adult elephant cow was found exhausted and helplessly stuck in the mud after having struggled to free itself for a while. The teams used long ropes and two vehicles to pull the elephant out of the mud.

This herculean task took a while and after the elephant was freed, it was given some time to rest and regain enough strength to stand. The elephant was then assisted to to its feet with straps and once it was on all fours, it took off to a nearby thicket.

Prognosis

The elephant has a good prognosis

Zebra Poaching Naivasha Sanctuary

The zebra was suffering from a deep clean-cut wound on the right hind limb at the hock joint level. This is likely to have been as a human inflicted injury owing to poachers. The wound had been longstanding hence had developed scepsis and therefore life threatening.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Etorphine 5mg and Azerperone 60mg were prepared in a Dan - inject dart then darting was carried out from a vehicle using a Dan inject dart rifle and the zebra was immobilized after 5 minutes.

The zebra was promptly examined. The wound was observed to be deep and had pus due to the time since the injury occurred. The right hind limb was heavily wounded and swollen. The wound was cleaned with copious amounts of water to remove mud, dirt and pus, cauterized with dilute Hydrogen peroxide, then lavaged with tincture of Iodine. Topical Oxytetracycline spray and cream were also applied. The zebra was then injected with 50ml Biocillin and 30ml Dexamethasone

Prognosis

Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and he ambulated well after recovery. Prognosis is good.

The giraffe was suffering from a heavily swollen left hind limb and a wound in the thoracic region. He was also lame owing to the injury that had caused the swelling.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was darted from foot with 14mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone 30mg. As the area was close to Lake Naivasha and other structures, the team had to guide the giraffe using ropes to prevent him from dashing into the lake which could result in drowning or other injuries to the animal whilst the drugs took effect

The giraffe was quickly examined for the causes of the injuries. No foreign objects were observed in the swollen limb but there was a massive wound to the thoracic region. The wound was cleaned with copious amounts of water to remove mud, dirt and pus then the dead tissue was debrided. Maggots were also present which is an indication that the wound was longstanding. The wound was cauterized with dilute Hydrogen peroxide and lavaged with tincture of Iodine. The giraffe was also given 70ml Biocillin, 50ml Dexamethasone and 30ml Ivermectin.

Reversal and prognosis

The antidote was administered immediately the animal was roped down. Good positioning of the giraffe was also done to ensure a clear air way and the animal was kept cool during treatment. The vital parameters were well monitored. The giraffe ambulated well after recovery and the prognosis is good.

Giraffe Arrow Elsamere, Naivasha

Elephant Snared Eselenkei

BLF rangers reported a snared elephant they had seen during patrol.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit found the snared elephant with assistance from the SWT helicopter. The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 20mg Etorphine. It had a wire snare on the right forelimb.

The snare was cut off then the wound it had caused was cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with Iodine. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were administered to assist in the healing process then anaesthesia was reversed. The elephant re-joined its family after revival.

Prognosis

The elephant has a good prognosis.

Giraffe Snared Sirocco, Naivasha

This report describes a clinical case intervention of a young 2- to 2.5-year-old female giraffe at Sirocco Conservancy. The giraffe was suffering from a long wire snare with a snooze on the neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was immobilised within 6 minutes after it was darted from a vehicle with 7mg Etorphine Hcl and 20mg Azaperone. The team guided the giraffe away from Lake Naivasha to prevent him from dashing into the water

The giraffe was promptly desnared using wire cutters and no phyical injury was visible. However, the giraffe was administered with 20ml Biocillin and 20ml Dexamethasone against infection or inflammation that may occur.

Reversal and Prognosis

The antidote was immediately administered after the giraffe went down and vital parameters monitored. Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and she ambulated well after treatment Prognosis is good.

Case 20 – 13th October 2022

Giraffe Rescue Garissa County

The Vet Unit received a report of a giraffe that was stuck in a dam in Lapset, Garissa.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

No chemical immobilization was required since the giraffe was stuck in the dam.

Ropes and a land cruiser were used to retrieve the giraffe from the dam. The giraffe was observed to have had an open compound fracture on the left hind limb.

Prognosis

The prognosis was poor and the injury fatal, so the giraffe was euthanized to alleviate pain and suffering.

Disposal of the carcass was done by burying.

Giraffe Snared Garissa County

The vet attended to a number of giraffes in the Garissa region. The giraffes were suffering from long wire and cable snares which had affected the animals at different periods. The severity differed in all animals and different areas of the body.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was darted from a vehicle with 15mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone, in a 3ml Dan - inject dart and was immobilized after 12 minutes.

The giraffe was observed to have had an old snare wound on the left hind limb. The wound had earlier been treated but had since recurred or either failed to heal completely. The wound was at the hock joint region and had also led to some deformity and abnormal gait. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water. Hydrogen peroxide was used to cauterize and tincture of Iodine applied. Parenteral drug administration with 100ml Biocillin and 50ml Dexamethasone.

Prognosis

Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and she ambulated well after treatment. Prognosis is good.

Giraffe Snared Garissa County

The vet attended a number of giraffes in the Garissa region. The giraffes were suffering from long wire and cable snares which had affected the animals at different times. The severity differed in all animals and different regions of the body.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Etorphine 15mg and Azaperone 30mg, in a 3 ml Dan - inject dart was prepared. Darting was carried out from a vehicle using a Dan inject dart rifle. The giraffe was darted and immobilized after 7 minutes. The antidote was immediately administered after the giraffe went down and vital parameters well monitored.

A swelling caused by a snare or foreign object injury was observed around the left forelimb. The giraffe was immobilized, and an examination done. No physical injury was observed but a swelling was evident. The giraffe was given 50ml Dexamethasone for the swelling.

Prognosis

Prognosis is good as the giraffe moved well after it was released.

Giraffe Snared Garissa County

The vet attended a number of giraffes in the Garissa region. The giraffes were suffering from long wire and cable snares which had affected the animals at different periods. The severity differed in all animals and different regions of the body.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was darted from a vehicle with 15mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone, in a 3ml Dan - inject dart and immobilized after 10 minutes.

The giraffe was promptly de-snared using wire cutters. The cable snare was deeply embedded in the left hindlimb. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water. Hydrogen peroxide was used to cauterize and tincture of Iodine applied. The giraffe was also administered with Biocillin 30% L.A 50 ml intramuscular and Dexamethasone HCL-100ml.

Prognosis

The antidote was immediately administered after the giraffe went down and vital parameters monitored. Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and she ambulated well after treatment. Prognosis is good.

Giraffe Snared Garissa County

The vet attended a number of giraffes in the Garissa region. The giraffes were suffering from long wire and cable snares which had affected the animals at different periods. The severity differed in all animals and different regions of the body.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was immobilised in 7 minutes after it was darted from a vehicle with 15mg Etorphine Hcl and 30mg Azaperone. The anaesthetic was immediately reversed, and vital parameters well monitored.

A tight snare was observed around the neck region. The giraffe was promptly de-snared using wire cutters. Thankfully the snare had caused no physical injury to the neck To cover for any inflammation the giraffe was administered with 50ml Dexamethasone.

Prognosis

Prognosis is good and the giraffe recovered well from the anaesthetic.

Giraffe Snared Garissa County

The vet attended a number of giraffes in the Garissa region. The giraffes were suffering from long wire and cable snares which had affected the animals at different periods. The severity deferred in all animals and different regions of the body.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was darted from a vehicle with 15mg Etorphine Hcl and 30mg Azaperone. The anaesthetic took effect within 10 minutes but was immediately reversed once the animal was manually restrained.

The giraffe was promptly de-snared using wire cutters. Physical injury could not be observed apart from a swelling on the affected limb. The giraffe was administered with 50ml Dexamethasone for the swelling.

Prognosis

The giraffe recovered well from the anaesthesia and has a good prognosis.

Case 26 – 21st November 2022

Elephant Arrow Kulalu Ranch

The big elephant bull was spotted from the air by an SWT pilot on routine patrol, the bull had 2 wounds on the left side of the abdomen.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

After a long search, the bull was found browsing among a massive herd of elephants. It was darted from a helicopter with 20mg Etorphine, and 9 minutes later the drugs had taken effect with the elephant assuming left lateral recumbency. Since the wound was on the left side, the bull was turned over for ease of treatment. Two tennis ball sized wounds were observed on the left side of the abdomen, both wounds had formed draining abscesses and the slightly larger abscess was deeper. An incision was made on the deeper wound to facilitate flushing and later drainage. Both wounds were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, disinfected with Iodine and infused with Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment. Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were then administered parenterally before anaesthesia was reversed. The bull rose 2 minutes post-reversal and re-joined the elephant herd.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a good prognosis

Case 27 – 27th November 2022

White Rhino Rescue Solio Ranch

The abandoned two months old female white rhino calf was rescued by the Mt Kenya Mobile Vet team at Solio ranch.

Rescue

The animal was observed to be in good body condition however appeared weak.

The animal was later flown by helicopter to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage in Nairobi for further tender care and nurturing.

Zebra

Snared Naivasha

The zebra had been reported lame with a long wire snare on the left hind limb. The area is prone to wildlife poachers of herbivores.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Etorphine Hcl 6mg and Azaperone 60 mg, in a 3 ml Dan - inject dart was prepared. Darting was carried out from a vehicle using a Dan inject dart rifle and the zebra was immobilized after 5 minutes.

The zebra was promptly examined, and the cable wire cut off using a pair of wire cutters. The right hind limb was slightly swollen. The wound was thoroughly cauterized with dilute Hydrogen peroxide, then lavaged with tincture of Iodine. The zebra was then injected with the following; Biocillin L.A-50 ml intramuscular and Dexamethasone HCL-30ml The vital parameters were well monitored during the entire operation.

Prognosis

Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and his prognosis is good.

Case 29 – 30th November 2022

This young waterbuck was reported having a wire around the neck. A KWS team was requested to immobilise him and remove the life-threatening snare.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Immobilization was achieved using a Dart-gun, with a dart filled with 5mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone. It was later reversed using 1.5ml of Naltrexone intravenously.

The wire around the neck was cut free using wire cutters. An antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory were also administered.

Prognosis

Good No physical injuries were observed.

Waterbuck

This baby white rhino was found abandoned, lying and weak. She was recumbent on arrival at The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The rhino was hydrated and also administered with glucose and normal saline solutions enabling her to stand and walk around though with a weak gait. She collapsed later in the night and died without any other signs of sickness.

Post-mortem Examination

• Good body condition

• Multiples ticks around the teats

• Slightly sunken eyes

• Inflammation of the lungs with congestion

• Bronchi and bronchioles filled with dark blood

• Congestion in the liver

• Fluidly content with food particle in the stomach and intestine

• Petechial haemorrhage in the GIT

• Worms in the GIT

• Normal kidney and heart

Cause of Death

Bronchial haemorrhage secondary to septicaemia infection and acute pneumonia. The weak status of the baby rhino when found could have brought the immunity down which would have led to the septicaemic infection and acute pneumonia

Elephant Snared Masai Mara National Reserve

A wire snared elephant calf in a family of 14 elephants was sighted one week earlier by Maasai Mara rangers. A vet was flown to the Masai Mara as the resident veterinarian was on leave.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant mother was darted first with 16mg Etorphine then the calf was darted with 2mgs Etorphine. The calf went down 500m from the mother. The herd tried to stay together and shield the calf.

The calf was promptly de-snared using a wire cutter. The strangulating wire snare was deeply embedded into the soft tissues. The wound was cleaned with copious amounts of water to remove dirt and dead tissue then cauterized with dilute Hydrogen peroxide, liberally cleaned with tincture of Iodine and the sinuses formed by the embedded wire thoroughly lavaged with tincture of Iodine. The wound was also sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray and covered with green clay to promote faster healing. The calf was administered with Amoxicillin Trihydrate BP (Betamox) and Flunixin meglumine.

Prognosis

The calf was reversed from the anaesthesia first, then the mother a minute later. Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth and they happily united moving towards the family direction. Prognosis is good.

Elephant Natural Causes Masai Mara National Reserve

This male elephant was reported limping by the Mara Rangers. After attending the previous case he was sighted in the company of two other bulls and was left behind due to the left front leg lameness.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The bull was pushed by a helicopter out of the forest to open land then darted with 20mgs Etorphine. The first dart didn’t take effect thus a top up dart of 10mgs Etorphine was used and the drug took full effect shortly after. The elephant was in good body condition, but the left forelimb was oozing pus at the carpus explaining the lameness. There was a penetrating 3cm wound near the sole that was filled with pus. The wound was suspected to be caused by a piece of wood. Hydrogen peroxide was used to flush the pus out, then the wound was washed with Iodine, sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray and packed with healing clay to hasten healing. The bull was the flipped to over to access a wound to the right rump that was seen oozing pus while darting. It was also cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, then sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. A broad-spectrum antibiotic, Amoxicillin and Colvasone were administered.

Prognosis

Prognosis is good.

Elephant Spear Oldonyo Wuas

The Vet Unit received a report of an injured elephant and SWT arranged an aircraft to fly to the Chyulu Hills Conservancy. Big Life Foundation provided a vehicle for transport and darting.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was immobilised with 16mgs Etorphine Hydrochloride. Examination revealed a wound approximately 4cm (width) and 8cm (deep) about 2 weeks old on the right flank but close to the thoracic area. A second wound was also seen on the proximal spinal region. The wounds had been caused by a spear and were both septic and necrotic. The dead tissue was debrided and removed. The wound was then thoroughly cleaned with water and Hydrogen Peroxide then lavaged with tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream and green clay were applied into the wound to facilitate healing and avoid infection. The elephant was then injected with 200ml Oxytetracycline and 100ml Dexamethasone.

Prognosis and management

The elephant responded to the antidote but could not get up. This team tried to assist the elephant with ropes and a Landcruiser for about an hour until finally the respiration and pulse rate went down. It was evident that the prognosis was poor. To alleviate suffering and pain, a decision to euthanize was arrived at. The penetrating thoracic spear wound had caused lung damage causing Pneumothorax. The advanced age of the elephant complicated the condition hence the poor prognosis and outcome of the intervention.

Case 34 – 4th January 2023

Elephant Arrow Naibosho Conservancy

Two elephants were reported injured in the Naibosho and Mara North Conservancies. The elephant at Naibosho had pus oozing from the flank and an arrow hanging from the thoracic region while the one at Mara North was suffering from a spear and arrow wound. The Vet Team was airlifted from Nairobi by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and then a helicopter from the Mara Elephant Project to Oleseki airstrip.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted from the MEP helicopter with 17mgs Etorphine and went down after about 8 minutes The elephant had a wound on the left flank and hind quarters close to the spinal region with plenty of oozing pus. The elephant was lying on the arrow necessitating the team to flip over the elephant to remove the deeply embedded arrow head then the necrotic tissue was debrided and the pus drained. The wounds were cleaned using water and Hydrogen Peroxide, then lavaged with Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream and green clay were also applied into the wound to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was then injected with 200ml Biocillin L.A and 100ml Dexamethasone.

Prognosis

It took about 5 minutes to fully recover from anaesthesia. Prognosis is favourable.

Elephant Spear Mara North Conservancy

This elephant was spotted by the Mara Elephant Project while on routine patrol. The vet team had been attending to another case in Naibosho so were flown by helicopter to Mara North for the intervention.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was in a herd of about 15 elephants. The elephant was darted from the helicopter with 17mg Etorphine and once the elephant was fully immobilised the herd were driven away by the helicopter.

The elephant had spear wounds to both the right and left flank. There was plenty of pus oozing from both wounds which were quite deep despite the fact that the spears had fallen out. Once the first wound was treated the elephant had to be flipped to access the second wound. Both wounds were debrided of necrotic tissue, drained of pus then cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream and green clay were applied into the wounds to facilitate healing and prevent further infection. The elephant was then injected with 200ml Biocillin L.A and 100ml Dexamethasone

Prognosis

It took about 3 minutes to fully recover from anaesthesia. Prognosis is good

Elephant Natural Causes Tsavo East

An adult elephant bull was reported to be limping with carrying lameness on its left front leg near a watering point at Aruba lodge in Tsavo East National Park.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted from a vehicle with 18mgs Etorphine and the drugs took effect after 7 minutes

The elephant was in good body condition but had a deep penetrating wound through the sole affecting muscles, nerves and blood vessels creating a lot of pain and causing the elephant to limp. The wound is suspected to have been caused by a sharp stump of a tree.

The elephant was treated with 40mls Flunixine meglumine and 100mls Amoxicillin intramuscularly. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine, sealed with green clay paste and then sprayed with Oxytetracycline.

Prognosis

The prognosis was good due to timely detection and intervention.

Elephant Arrow Enoonkishu Conservancy, Masai Mara

The adult female elephant was spotted by the Rangers on patrol around the Enoonkishu area roaming with her calf which later joined a group of other elephants and left her mother behind.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was found in a thick forested area grazing alone with a noticeable swollen left forelimb. She was approached quietly on foot and darted with 17mgs Etorphine. She didn’t attempt to run but stayed calm under a tree and was fully immobilised after 6 minutes.

When the swollen forelimb was lifted, a foul smell was noticed which was a sign of a possible traumatic injury to the medial aspect of the forelimb. On the second attempt to lift the limb, an arrow wound was seen distal to the elbow joint. The wound was cleaned with water then disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine Antibiotic clay was applied on the wound before Tetracycline spray was used as a fly repellant. The elephant was also systemically administered with 35000mgs Tetracycline and 15mgs Dexamethasone.

Prognosis

Good the adult female had minor injury and hence recovery expected in short time

Cheetah Natural Causes Masai Mara National Reserve

This cheetah was reported by the Mara/Meru Cheetah Project Manager on patrol around the Talek plain. It was moving with difficulty and with limping.

Examination and treatment

The animal had good body condition with a score of 3.5/5. When the cheetah was distracted and made to move it was noted that the animal had minimal lameness on the left forelimb and on relaxing the animal tended to avoid lying on the left forelimb . It possibly got an injury while hunting.

Clindamycin 600mgs was adminstered through three darts. Clindamycin is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections, including osteomyelitis (bone) or joint infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, strep throat, pneumonia, acute otitis media (middle ear infections), and endocarditis.

Prognosis

Good the animal is in good body condition and expected to recover fully.

Lion Human-Wildlife Conflict Masai Mara National Reserve

The report describes the veterinary intervention of a lioness which had an injury on the hind limb. The lioness was about 6-8 years old. The lion was spotted in Masai Mara by the Mara County Rangers and Game Reserve Personnel who reported the incident to the vet officer who was in the Mara to attend other cases

Examination

The lioness was observed to have been lame after a spear injury in 2015. The injury had caused permanent nerve damage hence the lameness.

The lioness was not immobilized hence no clinical intervention was carried out.

Prognosis

The lioness has lived with the injury for a long time so the prognosis is good.

Unfortunately there are no pictures available for this case

Zebra Snare Siana Conservancy

The Elephant Awareness Rangers on patrol spotted a common zebra with a wire around the neck. The animal kept head shaking in an attempt to take it off thus couldn’t concentrate on grazing.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

It was within a group of three so the candidate was easily identified. A 3ml dart was prepared composing of 5mgs Etorphine and 60mgs Azaperone. A vehicle was used to get closer to the candidate and within a short time it was in good position for darting. It was darted successfully after three minutes of approach. It was startled and kept walking away for five minutes before attaining full immobilization. It fell down on lateral recumbecy then manually placed in the rightful position while blindfolded.

The wire was a plain steel wire fixed on the neck. The wire was removed and no significant injuries were seen on the nuchal ligament and the entire neck. The zebra had slightly lost the body condition as a result of the discomfort.

Prognosis

The zebra had no significant injuries .It is expected to recover fully thus it has good prognosis.

Giraffe Spear Masai Mara National Reserve

This masai giraffe with a spear sticking from the right side of the para lumber fosa was reported by the County Rangers while on patrol. They then called the Mobile Vet Unit for intervention.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was found browsing along the river and it attempted to cross but was blocked by a vehicle and driven to a nearby plain for darting. After ten minutes it was in a good position and darted with 15mgs Etorphine and 25mgs Azaperone. It made an effort to run away but it was immobilized in seven minutes and remained in a standing position. It was physically restrained using a long rope and brought down. The animal went down smoothly but unfortunately on the right lateral recumbecy so it had to be rolled over to expose the hanging spear. Immediately, the revival was administered through the jugular vein and the animal manually restrained. Butophanol was given to enhance the effectiveness of the respiratory system.

The spear was pulled out and immediately reddish tint exudates came out of the wound suggestive of an infection as a result of the penetrating wound. The wound was disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine then sprayed with Tetracycline. Systemically it was injected with 15000mgs Tetracycline into two muscle sites and 40mgs Dexamethasone into the gluteal muscles.

Prognosis

The penetrating wound had not gone into the abdominal cavity hence there is a good chance to recover well within very short time thus a good prognosis was given.

Case 42 – 20th January 2023

Elephant Arrow Mara North Conservancy

The big bull was spotted by the Mara Elephant Project Rangers. The massive bull was reluctant to move and raised an alarm that there was a problem and on observation the elephant had several arrow wounds.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was found alone in a swampy area. Approach was challenging as the animal was not accessible by vehicle due to the sloppy and swampy terrain. A drone had to be used to push the the big bull to a nearby plain. After a couple of tries there was success. The bull was in a good position and was darted on the hindquarters with 17mg Etorphine He attempted to run but vehicles blocked him from disappearing into the nearby bushy and rocky hill and he became immobilised in 10 minutes. On examination the animal was discovered to have 4 penetrating wounds with 2 arrow heads still in place.

The arrows were removed by forceps and the wounds cleaned with water. The wounds were then disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodide before Tetracycline spray was used as a fly repellant. The elephant was given given 35000mgs of Tetracycline and 40mgs Dexamethasone systemically

Prognosis

Good Prognosis. The big bull had minor injuries hence recovery is expected in short time.

Case 43 – 22nd January 2023

Zebra Snare Mara Triangle

County Rangers on patrol spotted a common zebra with a wire around the neck and the right hind limb around the hockjoint.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

As the zebra was alone, it was easily found and darted from a vehicle with 6mgs Etorphine and 70mgs Azaperone. It was startled and walked away for over five minutes before attaining standing immobilization then lay on its side.

There was a cable snare around the neck and another deeply embedded into the skin and muscle tissue around the hock joint. There were no significant injuries to the nuchal ligament or the ventral extremities but on the right hind limb there was a significant injury to the short pastern that had cut into the skin and muscle tissue. The snare was severed with a wire cutter then the wound was disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine, sprayed liberally with Tetracycl to act as broad spectrum antibiotic and fly repellant. Systemically it was given 15500mg Amoxicillin and 25mg Dexamethasone

Prognosis

The zebra is expected to recover fully.

Case 44 – 22nd January 2023

Lion Human Wildlife Conflict Mara North Conservancy

This lioness was seen late in the evening on the 21st at Musiara air strip. A through search commenced the following morning and finally the pride was sighted relaxing under a tree in the Mara North Conservancy.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

She was darted with 300mgs Ketamine and 4mgs Medetomidine from a vehicle. The young males who followed her after darting had to be chased into the nearby bush to give space for treatment and they stayed about 100m away. She was completely sedated in ten minutes assuming sternal recumbence. She was then blindfolded, moved into the shade and placed on left lateral recumbence

The injury was a deep spear wound to the left forelimb. The longitudinal wound edges were shaved, cleaned with water and disinfected with Iodine then the edges were freshed to a point of bleeding. The muscles were sutured using chromic catgut with a simple continuous pattern. This was followed by suturing of the skin using nylon suture with a simple interrupted pattern. 15000mg of Amoxicillin was infiltrated into the sutured wound followed by Tetracycline wound spray. Systemically it was injected with 22500mgs Amoxicillin, 30mgs Dexamethasone and 40mgs Ivermectin.

Case 45 – 11th January 2023

Black Rhino Natural Causes

IPZ – Tsavo West National Park

Benja, an adult male black rhino, was reported to be emaciated and bleeding from the face. The rhino had been treated on 19th October 2022 for a filarial worm infection which had not healed. Rangers monitoring the rhino had also observed that female rhinos around Benja had been taken over by another male rhino

Examination

Benja was found in a pool of water, he immediately dashed into a nearby bush on hearing the approaching helicopter. He had a body condition score of 3 out of 5, and a light-skinned scar tissue could be seen on the left side of his jaw. No bleeding was observed, but minor wounds had developed on the scar tissue as Benja moved through the thicket The loss in body condition was attributed to the wound around the jaw which made it difficult for him to feed particularly given the recent drought that resulted in very dry forage. Additionally, given that Benja was the dominant bull, he expended a significant amount of energy in guarding his domain. Benja’s weight loss was therefore recognized to be a physiological result of predictable and known causes of stress. Closer examination of the previously treated jaw wound revealed considerable wound healing. Therefore, Benja was not darted since it would induce more stress The ranger team monitoring Benja was advised to keep a record of his body condition score and movement to facilitate assessment of his recovery.

Elephant Snared Rukinga Ranch

Rangers at Rukinga Ranch reported this lame elephant bull with a snare around its left forelimb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 18 mg Etorphine. It had a cable snare that had inflicted a deep wound on the medial and lateral surfaces of the left forelimb.

The cable snare was embedded into the elephant’s skin, and according to the vet’s assessment, the elephant had carried the cable snare for more than 3 months. 100ml Amoxicillin and 15 mg Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly. The cable snare was cut off then the wound it had caused was irrigated with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. The wound was also packed with green clay to aid in healing and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. Thereafter, the elephant was revived with Naltrexone, it rose a few minutes later and headed to a nearby thicket

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.