SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT NOVEMBER 2021
Introduction
4 Cases in November
2 Poaching Cases
2 Elephant Cases
November Report by Dr. Ndambiri Ephantus During November, the ecosystem continued to endure unfavourable conditions for wildlife due to failed rains during this particularly long dry season as regarded locally. The remaining vegetation has dried up and been over utilized by the animals, similarly water pans have run dry leaving animals with only rivers to drink from. Thankfully, the rivers into the park have continued to flow, providing sufficient water to support the remaining wildlife and there are signs that rains could be on the way. The Unit attended to four cases in November, including the post-mortem of an elephant which was inconclusive but presumed natural, treatment of a lion due to starvation, treatment of an elephant for a bullet wound and snare removal from an oryx. Acknowledgement We would like to sincerely extend our gratitude to The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for immeasurable sponsorship of the Vet Unit. It is through which, prompt and appropriate interventions are accorded to every case reported thus ensuring animals are relieved of undue suffering and provided another chance to enjoy nature naturally. God bless.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
22-Nov-21
Elephant
Imenti Forest
Postmortem
23-Nov-21
Lion
Mpala Ranch
Natural Causes
25-Nov-21
Elephant
Buffalo Springs NR
Bullet Wound
25-Nov-21
Antelope
Buffalo Springs NR
Snared
The post-mortem changes did not allow meaningful post-mortem examination to be carried out Body condition was very poor, with poor muscle cover and his ribs were becoming visible. The neck movement was noticeably stiff There was a deep penetrating wound to the left rump depicting a penetrant like a gunshot. It was probed and no foreign body was found A male adult oryx had a blue manila snare around the outer toe of left forelimb making it slightly lame
Outcome Died
Successfully Treated
Prognosis Poor Successfully Treated
SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations November 2021
Case 1 – 22nd November 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Lower Imenti Forest
The Ruiri KWS team while on patrol came across an elephant carcass. The veterinary unit was on standby and was requested to come in and do a post-mortem so as to determine the cause of death. Post-mortem examination • • •
Carcass was found on right lateral recumbency and was confirmed as a female Trophies had been retrieved by the KWS Ruiri team the previous evening and secured Using the post-mortem changes of the carcass as well as forensic entomology the carcass was aged at between 4-5days old, bearing the environmental conditions as well
•
The carcass was flipped over, and the noticeable changes was the sloughing off of the skin as a result of putrefaction It was presumed to be between 10 and 15 years of age
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Cause of Death The post-mortem changes did not allow meaningful post-mortem examination to be carried out. Visual appraisal of the carcass where possible did not depict any unnatural clue as to the cause of the death. Tentatively a natural death.
Case 2 – 23rd November 2021 Lion
Natural Causes
Mpala Ranch
The Mpala Manager came across two male lions that were in poor body condition. Observation The lions were found sleeping in a clearing a few meters from the road. One of the males was startled by the presence of the vehicle and stood up but with difficulty and walked a few steps only to lay down again. His body condition was very poor, with poor muscle cover and his ribs were becoming visible. The neck movement was noticeably stiff with reluctance to turn and manipulate the body. The mane and body fur were noticeably paler/lighter than normal and the mane was patchy and not full as expected. The other male had a fair body condition, better than his companion but still not to the expected size. Observing him also showed stiffness of the neck, reluctance to move and generalized lethargy and weakness. Diagnosis and recommendation Mineral deficiency and starvation. The team on the ground was advised to look for meat and inject it with vitamins then feed the lions. Vitamin A, B1, D and E along with minerals like copper, zinc, magnesium, selenium and molybdenum were essential. Supplemental feeding with enhanced meat would greatly improve the lion’s health. The lions were having a hard time hunting due to their weakness resulting in poor body condition. The mineral deficiency was seen through the pale hair pigmentation, poor mane cover, poor muscle cover and the joint stiffness. Good supplementation will have them back to good health.
Case 3 – 25th November 2021 Elephant
Bullet Wound
Buffalo Springs National Reserve
The Save the Elephant Team based in Samburu spotted an adult female elephant with seemingly skin punctures discharging red tinged fluid on the left rump. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was found drinking at the Ewaso river. It had a dull demeanour and walked weakly. When resting it shifted weight from one leg to the other, stretched, and sprayed mud underneath the belly. She was driven slowly off the bank and darted with 13mgs Etorphine and kept away from the river by a vehicle. There was a deep penetrating wound to the left rump most likely caused by a penetrant like a gunshot. It was probed and no foreign body was found. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine. Wet green clay was infiltrated in the wound then it was sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray. The elephant was then given 40ml Flunixin Meglumine, 40ml of Cyanocobalamin, 50ml Enrofloxacin into different muscle sites followed by 40ml Ivermectin under the skin. Prognosis Prognosis is guarded as the extent of internal injury could not be established. A review is scheduled after a week if the elephant is found, during which prognosis will be revised accordingly.
Case 4 – 25th November 2021 Oryx
Snare
Buffalo Springs National Reserve
The Buffalo springs ranger reported one male adult oryx to have a blue manila snare around the outer toe of left fore limb making it slightly lame. An intervention was mounted to desnare the animal.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The oryx was darted from a vehicle into the left thigh with 7mgs Etorphine and 30mgs Azaperone. It was startled and ran about fifty meters before eventually becoming immobilized on sternal recumbence. A blindfold was placed around the forehead and held manually at the horn base. The oryx was placed on right recumbence and swiftly the snare was cut free with a leatherman. There was no resultant traumatic wound. The male had impeccable health thus no other treatment was necessary. Prognosis Prognosis is good as there was no wounds caused.
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