SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JUNE 2022
Introduction
11 Cases in Month
7 Poaching Cases
3 Elephant Cases
June Report by Dr. Ndambiri Ephantus June has been relatively dry, windy and cold. Within the Masai Mara NR substantial vegetation still flourishes, however, the neighbouring conservancies are not as lush as dry conditions set in. Human – wildlife conflict continues to be witnessed outside the Reserve as competition for resources increases. During June the Unit attended to 11 cases, 7 of which were attributed to poaching/human involvement and another 2 directly due to human wildlife conflict. However, all cases attended to were given a good/fair prognosis. Acknowledgement We are thankful for the enormous support the Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit receives from Elizabeth Scarlet through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. We also recognize our conservation partners including community conservancies and NGOs working in the Maasai Mara ecosystem and the Kenya Wildlife Service fraternity.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
07-June 22
Giraffe
Lemek Conservancy
Snared
Traumatic wound as a result of a plain wire snare
Successfully treated
08-June 22
Lion
Mara Triangle
Natural causes
Raw wound below the left eye
Successfully treated
10-June 22
Giraffe
Siana Conservancy
Spear
Penetrating wound caused by a spear through the shoulder joint capsule
Successfully treated
13-June 22
Zebra
Isaaten Conservancy
Spear
Lameness of the left fore limb caused by a penetrating wound at carpal joint laterally
Successfully treated
16-June 22
Elephant
Olkinyei Conservancy
HWC
Raw wound on the left side of the chest attributed to a spear injury
Successfully treated
17-June 22
Elephant
Siana Conservancy
Spear
Lameness caused by deep penetrating wound attributed to a spear injury
Successfully treated
23-June 22
Buffalo
Maasai Mara NR
Natural Causes
Lameness caused by an overgrown medial right fore toe and foot rot
Successfully treated
27-June 22
Cheetah
Lemek Conservancy
HWC
Raw wound on its left knee downward. This was attributed to barbed wire tear
Successfully treated
27-June 22
Zebra
Lemek Conservancy
Snared
Plain wire snare around the neck
Successfully treated
27-June 22
Zebra
Lemek Snare/Arrow Conservancy
Plain wire snare around the neck also entangling right hind limb. Arrow head also embedded in the masseter muscle
Successfully treated
29-June 22
Elephant
Mara North Conservancy
Arrow head embedded just above the right eye
Successfully treated
Arrow
Outcome
SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations June 2022
Case 1 – 7th June 2022 Maasai Giraffe
Snared
Lemek Conservancy
The young giraffe was spotted with a traumatic wound caused by a plain wire snare around its right metacarpus. The snared limb was interfering with ambulation and feeding resulting in emaciation.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The young giraffe was found within a large breeding group of more than thirty individuals. The snare was tightly embedded in the fresh causing a gaping wound. The giraffe was darted with 5mgs Etorphine and 15 mgs Azaperone and roped after five minutes as it leaned against a boma fence. It was brought down and quickly restrained manually by pinning the head down. The drugs were immediately reversed with 18mgs Diprenorphine into the jugular vein and a blind fold was placed on the head. The snare was meticulously cut with long nose pliers and removed. The wound was cleaned thoroughly with water to get rid of all dead tissue and disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. Tetracycline wound spray was used to topically wet the green clay which had been sprinkled liberally all around the wound. It was also administered with 3000mgs Tetracycline, 15ml Multivitamin and 24mgs Dexamethasone. Prognosis The young giraffe got up in a single attempt after it was released and cantered away. Prognosis is good.
Case 2 – 8th June 2022 Lion
Natural causes
Mara Triangle
The adult male lion had been seen a week earlier with a swollen face that was thought to be a result of a snake bite. Once the swelling subsided a gaping raw wound under the left eye was observed.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The wounded lion was with 2 other males basking in the savannah after preying on a wildebeest. The wound was suspected to be a duct inflammation causing irritation and the lion rubbed the area, enlarging the wound. Another superficial wound was seen on the right forelimb along with 3 puncture wounds under the chin that were exuding bloody discharge. These were likely bite wounds, possibly inflicted by another lion. The lion was darted from a vehicle with 300mgs Ketamine and 8mgs Medetomidine. One male stayed by its side, but it was chased away by a vehicle. All wounds were disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine and any dead tissue was removed. Tetracycline granules were inserted into all wounds followed by Tetracycline spray. The wound under the eye was sutured, with 5mgs Ivermectin infiltrated into the suture line to repel flies. 40mgs Ivermectin was injected subcutaneously against internal/external parasites as well as 6000mgs Amoxicillin, 20mls Multivitamin and 30mgs Dexamethasone given intramuscularly. Prognosis Good prognosis as jaw and eye integrities were intact. He joined the others 8 minutes after treatment.
Case 3 – 10th June 2022 Maasai Giraffe
Spear
Siana Conservancy
The adult masai giraffe was spotted 7 days earlier by the Siana Elephant Aware Administration that noted a skin wound at the right shoulder. Lameness was slight then but as days went by, the giraffe was observed to have poor demeanour, slight emaciation, little ambulation and swelling at the affected joint . Immobilisation, examination and treatment This male giraffe was found alone favouring the lame right limb and was reluctant to move due to pain. The giraffe was approached with a vehicle and darted with 16.5mgs Etorphine and 30mgs Azaperone. The giraffe struggled to ambulate and after 5 minutes it was roped down. It was immediately revived, moved to its left side, manually restrained and blindfolded. The injured shoulder joint was found to have a 20cm penetrating 20cm wound with foul smelling pus. This was likely a spear that tore through the shoulder joint. The wound was cleaned thoroughly with water, Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. All dead tissues and exudates were thoroughly drained. Tetracycline wound powder was inserted into the wound which was then packed with green clay to get rid of dead space created by the injury and sprayed with Tetracycline. It was then given 30000mgs Tetracycline, 20ml Multivitamin and 30mgs Dexamethasone each injected at its own muscle site. Prognosis After release and the giraffe required several able men to help it achieve sternal recumbency. Eventually the giraffe righted itself and walked away sluggishly. Fair prognosis, but it will be reviewed after a week.
Case 4 – 13th June 2022 Common Zebra
Snare
Bush Tops - Isaaten Conservancy
A report of a lame zebra was relayed to the Mobile Vet Unit by the Warden - Isaaten Conservancy. It was exhibiting swinging leg lameness of the left forelimb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra had isolated itself as it could not keep up with its counterparts. A dart composing of 6 mgs Etorphine and 60 mgs Azaperone was prepared. The zebra was approached with a vehicle and darted in the left thigh. It was fully immobilized in 6 minutes assuming right lateral recumbency. A penetrating wound oozing purulent creamy pus was observed at the end of healed scar tissue at the carpal joint. The initial injury could have either been caused by a wire snare or fence barbed wire. The wound was cleaned with water, Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. Tetracycline wound powder was liberally applied into the canal and Tetracycline wound sprayed topically. It was also administered with 9000mgs Tetracycline Hydrochloride, 24mgs Dexamethasone and 15 ml Catosal. Prognosis It got up energetically 3 minutes after the anaesthetic was reversed and it ran away away with improved gait. Good as it is expected to heal completely.
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Case 5 – 16th June 2022 Elephant
Human Wildlife Conflict
Olkinyei Conservancy
The elephant was seen with a raw wound on the left side of the chest just posterior to scapular by Mara Elephant Program Rangers. They had followed a blood trail on the ground which led them to the elephant that was in company of another bull. They initially thought the injury had been caused by the other bull.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The 2 elephants were on a hill and inside thickets necessitating a helicopter provided by the Mara Elephant Project. Observation from the helicopter revealed a swollen pouch (abscess) with a very raw skin abrasion freshly bleeding and oozing creamy pus attributed to a spear suffered during an incident of human-elephant conflict. The vet landed, prepared a dart of 20mgs Etorphine, then reboarded and the elephant was darted from the helicopter. Within 15 minutes he went down on right lateral recumbence. The abscess did not have any foreign body but copius pus was pressed out and the wound cleaned with water. The resultant pouch was disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. Tetracycline wound spray was infiltrated into the pouch and over the wound. It was also given 30000mgs Tetracycline Hydrochloride. Prognosis The rangers were instructed to monitor and report back after a week but he is expected to heal completely.
Case 6 – 17th June 2022 Elephant
Spear
Spirit of the Mara – Siana Conservancy
The sub-adult male elephant was spotted at the Spirit of the Mara Camp in by the camp Manager who noticed that it was lame and unaccompanied. This indicated that it could not keep up with its family members. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Thick bush and the time of the day (past 5 pm) posed a significant risk for darting. However, given that the chances of finding the elephant the next day were slim he was darted from a vehicle with 18mgs Etorphine. The elephant took off into the thick bush which triggered a few anxious moments whilst tracking him on foot. The elephant was found 10 minutes later on sternal recumbency and pushed to right lateral recumbency. The elephant was quickly evaluated and found to have a penetrating wound just above the right fore coronet at the heel. This could have been caused by a spear. It was about 20 centimetres deep and septic. No foreign body was discovered. The wound was cleaned thoroughly with water, disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine followed with abundant Tetracycline wound spray infiltration. Parenterally, it was covered with 18000mgs Tetracycline, 20mgs Dexamethasone and 15ml Cynocobalamin injected into different muscle sites. An additional 20mgs Dexamethasone was injected in the ear vein to ease pain and encourage ambulation. Prognosis It was up a minute after the anaesthetic was reversed and ran into the thick bush. Good prognosis was given.
Case 7 – 23rd June 2022 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Vet Unit was notified of a lame buffalo by a Capture Ranger from the research centre at the Mara Station. It had been seen a week earlier but could not be traced until the 23rd when it was seen at a wallowing pool.
Immobilization, examination and treatment The buffalo was darted in the left shoulder from a vehicle with a Dan -Inject dart filled with 10mgs Etorphine and 180mgs Azaperone. The buffalo panicked after darting and hid deep in the nearby thickets but was down after 10 minutes on sternal recumbency. Its position was corrected to its right side, then it was blindfolded. Examination revealed an overgrown medial right front toe with a penetrating canal about 10cm at the middle of the toe that was causing lameness due to foot rot. The overgrowth could have been caused by an injury to the coronet as indicated by asymmetrical hoof growth rings from the heel of the affected toe. The hoof canal was cleaned thoroughly with Hydrogen Peroxide to get rid of as much necrotic tissue as possible. It was then infused with Iodine and packed with green clay. Parenterally, it was given 10000mgs Tetracycline and 40mgs Dexamethasone all at different muscle sites. Prognosis The anaesthetic was reversed with 40mgs Naltrexone and 24mgs Diprenorphine injected via the ear vein as the jugular was not easily accessible. Fair prognosis but the toe conformation will be abnormal after healing.
Case 8 – 27th June 2022 Cheetah
Human Wildlife Conflict
Lemek Conservancy
The 7-9 months old male cheetah was reported by a freelance journalist going about his errands within the conservancy. It had a raw wound on its left knee downward. This was attributed to barbed wire tear.
Immobilization, examination and treatment The young male was resting in the open savannah in the company of his sister and a well-known mother cheetah called Kisaru. It was with 60mgs Ketamine and 0.8mgs Medetomidine. The cheetahs took off but settled in the shade 25meters away where the darted cheetah became fully immobilized. There was a skin tear that was suturable as the edges were still fresh and the muscles underneath were intact. The torn skin pieces were sutured and the wound was cleaned thoroughly with Iodine and sprayed with Tetracycline. It was parenterally covered with 750mgs Amoxicillin, 6mgs Dexamethasone and 5ml Multivitamin in different muscle sites and finally with 5mgs Ivermectin subcutaneously. Reversal and prognosis Revival was achieved with 5mgs Atipamezole administered into the muscles 45 minutes post darting. Palpebral reflex was observed, and it was up on all fours in 3 minutes. It was left under the keen watch of the Conservancy Security Team to allow the vet team to attend to 2 snared zebras. It is expected to heal well thus has good prognosis.
Case 9 – 27th June 2022 Zebra
Snared
Lemek Conservancy
The report of the male zebra with a plain wire snare around its neck was received by the Mara Vet Unit from the KWS security team based at Lemek Outpost. This male was in the company of 2 females, one of the female also had lameness due to wire snare around its neck dropping down to entangle the limb.
Immobilization and examination The male was excited and kept running up and down, but it was successfully darted after 3 minutes of hide and seek. A 3cc dart comprising of 5mgs Etorphine and 70mgs Azaperone was placed on its right shoulder. The zebra ran away but went down after 6 minutes on left lateral recumbency. The snare was not too constricting but was a nuisance as the animal kept shaking head. The snare loop was loosened and taken off the neck. No treatment was required as there wasn’t any resultant wound. Reversal and prognosis Reversal was achieved with 24mgs Diprenorphine injected through the jugular vein. It was up in 3 minutes and run away. Prognosis is good as the snare hadn’t injured the zebra.
Case 10 – 27th June 2022 Zebra
Snare/Arrow
Lemek Conservancy
The report of the female zebra with a plain wire snare around its neck that has also entangled its right hind limb at the metatarsus was received together with the aforementioned male zebra. Immobilization, examination and treatment The zebra was darted in the right rump with 5mgs Etorphine and 70mgs Azaperone. The zebra took up but was found in an open area after 5 minutes completely sedated on right lateral recumbency. During blindfolding, an arrow head embedded in the masseter muscle was noticed. The embedded arrowhead had hooks which required a skin incision with a scalpel and then pliers to pull it out. The resultant bleeding was controlled by applying pressure using a bandage. The wound was disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide flushed with Iodine to remove debris and packed with wet green clay. Tetracycline wound spray was sprayed topically to deter flies. Systemically the zebra was covered with 6000mgs Tetracycline, 15ml Multivitamin and 24mgs Dexamethasone injected at different muscle sites. The plain snare wire was disentangled from the limb and the neck loop loosened and taken off the neck. Prognosis It woke up energetically 3 minutes after revival. Prognosis is good as there was no life threatening injury.
Case 11 – 29th June 2022 Elephant
Arrow
Mara North Conservancy
The adult elephant with an arrowhead embedded just above the right eye was spotted and reported to the Mara Vet Unit by the Mara North Conservancy Warden.
Immobilization, examination and treatment A dart composing of 20 mgs Etorphine was placed in the elephant’s gluteal muscle using dan-inject dart gun from the vehicle. The bull was startled and joined a herd of elephants nearby that were driven away. The bull went down on left lateral recumbency following successful sedation. The right eye was blindfolded so that the arrow could be removed unimpeded by the ear. The embedded arrowhead was barbed so the skin had to be cut with a scalpel before the arrow could be removed with pliers. The bleeding was controlled by applying a pressure bandage. The wound was disinfected with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine then packed with wet green clay. Tetracycline wound spray was sprayed topically to deter flies. The elephant was given 12000mgs Tetracycline and 60mgs Dexamethasone, a third of the latter was done intravenously while the rest were injected intramuscularly. Prognosis Revival was achieved using a cocktail of 50mgs Naltrexone and 48mgs Diptenorphine Hydrochloride. The elephant woke up energetically 2 minutes after revival and walked away. Prognosis is good.