SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT APRIL 2022
Introduction
6 Cases in May
3 Giraffe Cases
83% Success
May Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan May was marked by cooler temperatures and low precipitation levels. However, the Meru ecosystem remained green with enough forage and drink for wildlife. Wildlife numbers are on the rise as beautiful newborns were seen among elephant, buffalo and antelope herds across the ecosystem. We are hopeful the region will experience showers in the coming months to ensure food availability for the rising wild numbers. During May, the Meru Vet Unit attended to 6 cases in Meru National Park. They include: rescue of a rhino calf who had strayed out of the Meru Rhino Sanctuary and was re-joined with the mother, treatment of a pregnant lioness for a puncture wound to the left forelimb and treatment of three giraffe bulls for marked lameness. All the cases had a good prognosis for recovery. The vet team also did an autopsy examination on an elephant carcass whose cause of death was inconclusive due to scavenging. Acknowledgement The Meru Vet Unit acknowledges the Unit’s funding and the continuous support enjoyed from Sylvie Chantecaille and The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The Unit also appreciates support from Kenya Wildlife Service through the Senior Assistant Director Eastern Conservation Area and the Head of KWS Veterinary Department. Thank you to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Meru Rhino Sanctuary Fence maintenance team for assisting during the different field interventions and everyone who supported the Vet Unit during the month.
Case Details Date
Species
16-May-22
Giraffe
17-May-22
Rhino White
17-May-22 Elephant
26-May-22
Lion
27-May-22
Giraffe
27-May-22
Giraffe
Area Found Meru National Park Meru National Park Meru National Park Meru Environs Meru National Park Meru National Park
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Natural Causes
The giraffe had suffered a sprain to the joint thus causing him pain and lameness
Successfully Treated
Rescue
A stranded lone white rhino calf they had spotted outside the rhino sanctuary
Task Successful
Postmortem
The vet found the carcass lying on its right side
Died
Natural Causes
A contaminated puncture wound to the left forelimb suspected to have been sustained during hunting.
Successfully Treated
Natural Causes
A massive swelling at the fetlock of the right forelimb
Successfully Treated
Natural Causes
The left front limb was noted to have slight weakness
Task Successful
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations May 2022
Case 1 – 16th May 2022 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
While on a routine park patrol the Unit came across two lone giraffe bulls. They approached the duo with a vehicle and noted only one of the bulls was startled and ran away. This raised an alarm with the Vet that something might be wrong. On approaching the bull, he was noted to have a swelling on the carpus of the right forelimb and he limped when approached further hence need for a veterinary intervention. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Veterinarian prepared a dart comprising of 15mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone in a 3cc dart. Once loaded in the dan-inject dart gun, the giraffe was approached by a vehicle and darted on the right forelimb. He achieved full immobilization after 10 minutes and was roped down for treatment. The vet noted a slight swelling on the scapula region that was firm but there was no fluid upon aspiration. The same was noted with the swelling at the carpus. Partial laxity during joint movement was noticed, an indication that the giraffe had suffered a sprain to the joint. He was administered with 40mg Dexamethasone sodium, 6000mg Amoxicillin and 40cc of metabolic stimulants intramuscularly at different sites. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed and he rose after 2 minutes and walked away. The prognosis is good. .
Case 2 – 17th May 2022 White Rhino
Rescue
Meru Rhino Sanctuary
In the early morning, the vet team received a report from Harman Wanjau (Head Sheldrick wildlife TrustMeru rhino fence maintenance) and team of a stranded lone white rhino calf they had spotted outside the rhino sanctuary while on their routine fence maintenance checks. Knowing the value of what was at stake, the Meru veterinary team made haste to the area in the company of the KWS rhino team.
Rescue Operation A section of the fence was cut and the rhino calf carefully driven into the open space back into the Rhino Sanctuary by the Units on foot to minimize excitement. The calf re-joined the mother who was standing a few metres from the fence line. The two ran away happily into the nearby bushes. The cut portion of the fence was repaired and will be continuously monitored. Prognosis Since no injuries or abnormalities were noted, the calf will continue to grow well in the sanctuary.
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Case 3 – 17th May 2022 Elephant
Post-mortem
Meru National Park
After rescuing the white rhino calf, the veterinary team proceeded to carry out an autopsy examination on an elephant calf carcass from a report received from Susan of Ikweta safari camp. Post-mortem examination The vet found the carcass lying on its right side. The internal organs had been scavenged leaving the trunk and distal parts of the limbs intact. Part of the cutaneous and skeletal system had also been eaten by scavengers. Cause of death Due to scavenging, the cause of death could not be ascertained.
Case 4 – 26th May 2022 Lion
Natural Causes
Meru Environs
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report from the Meru Park administration of a lioness (a member of the Elsa’s pride) that was noted to have a swollen forelimb and experiencing difficulty in walking. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lioness was found in the company of two other lions sleeping in the shade. She was darted from a vehicle with a combination of 8mg Medetomidine and 300mg Ketamine. The dart landed on the right hindquarter and full immobilization was achieved after 5 minutes. She was quickly secured and a blindfold put in place. Examination revealed a contaminated 2.5inch deep puncture wound to the elbow of the left forelimb, suspected to have been sustained during hunting. The lioness was also noted to be pregnant and in good body condition. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine then an antibacterial ointment was infused into the wound before packing it with green clay and spraying with antibacterial spray. 1500mg Amoxicillin, 10mls Flunixin and metabolic stimulators were administered to manage inflammation and infection. Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously to manage internal and external parasites. Prognosis 10 minutes are the anaesthetic was reversed she walked with relief into the bushes. Her prognosis is good.
Case 5 – 27th May 2022 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The Meru Vet Team received a report in the early morning of 27th May from Harman Wanjau (Head- SWT Meru Rhino Sanctuary fence maintenance department) and his team that they had sighted a lame giraffe bull with a wound to one of the forelimbs while performing their normal fence maintenance patrols. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet approached the giraffe bull with a vehicle and noticed a massive swelling at the fetlock of the right forelimb. The giraffe bull was approached by a vehicle and darted successfully with 15mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone. He was startled and ran for about 100metres before going onto left lateral recumbency in the thickets nearby. He was then pinned by his neck after reversal of the anaesthesia. An opening was created at the ventral side of the wound and pus pressed out. The wound was cleaned with water, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine then infused with antibacterial ointment. Green clay was packed into the wound for its healing properties and covered with antibiotic spray to keep away flies. He was also given 30,000mg Amoxicillin, 40 mg Dexamethasone sodium and 5mls Ivermectin. Prognosis He was released and he immediately got up and ran to the nearby river full of relief. His prognosis is good.
Case 6 – 27th May 2022 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
After attending to the giraffe bull with a wound to the fetlock, the Vet team while still on with their routine park patrol came across another giraffe bull with an abnormal gait in a herd of 15. The left front limb was noted to have slight weakness hence need for a close-up examination. Examination The giraffe was approached with a vehicle in order to monitor his gait. The carpal joint of the right forelimb was noted to have an abnormal movement which was suspected to be due to a defect in bone formation. However, a decision not to anaesthetise the giraffe was arrived at as the conformity of the affected limb posed anaesthetic risks so the giraffe was left alone. Prognosis The prognosis is favourable as the giraffe was in good body condition and he seemed to have adapted to surviving with the condition.