SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT NOVEMBER 2021
Introduction
16 Cases in November
3 Poaching Cases
8 Elephant Cases
November Report by Dr. Dominic Mijele During November 2021, the Mt Kenya Wildlife Veterinary Unit attended to all reported wildlife cases that required urgent veterinary intervention in the Laikipia Ecosystem and Mt. Kenya Region. The wildlife cases attended to included treatment of 4 endangered bongos, and relocation of 1 bongo, at Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, treatment of elephants for a snare wound and 2 for bullet wounds, as well as a post-mortem, 2 rescues and another for a bullet wound due to human-wildlife conflict. 5 elephants were also relocated due to human-wildlife conflict. One giraffe was treated for natural causes, a leopard was immobilised for ear tagging and 2 lions were collared. Acknowledgement We acknowledge the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their continued support that has enabled the Mt Kenya wildlife Veterinary Unit to respond promptly and offer assistance to all wildlife cases that required veterinary intervention. The support from SWT has made it possible for the team to respond and save many animal lives requiring urgent veterinary attention without which they would not have survived.
SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations November 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
1-Nov-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya NP
Relocation
A bongo had moved out of its territory and there was an urgent need to return it
Task Successful
1-Nov-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya NP
Natural Causes
Had diarrhoea. It was suspected to be suffering from helminthiasis
Successfully Treated
5-Nov-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya NP
Natural Causes
Had left and right forelimb lameness due to hoof cracks and trauma to the soft tissues
Successfully Treated
9-Nov-21
Giraffe
El karama Ranch
Natural Causes
Swelling of soft tissues around the left forelimb joint suspected to have been caused by a blunt force
Successfully Treated
12-Nov-21
Elephant
Mwea NR
Snared
A wound with swelling of soft tissues suspected to have been caused by a snare
Successfully Treated
14-Nov-21
Elephant
Losaba WC
Bullet Wound
A 15cm deep wound to the elbow joint suspected to have been caused by a bullet
Prognosis Poor
16-Nov-21
Elephant
Namunyak Conservancy
HWC
A 15cm deep wound suspected to have been caused by a bullet due to HWC
Successfully Treated
16-Nov-21
Elephant
Matthews Range
Postmortem
The death occurred hours after it was brought in for resuscitation and care
Died
21-Nov-21
Lion
Meru Environs
Collared
Trapped in a cage and ready for collaring and translocation to Meru National Park
Task Successful
21-Nov-21
Elephant
Mt Kenya NP
Rescue
Alert, energetic and active. It was in a good body condition
Taken to Orphanage
24-Nov-21
Elephant
Dol Dol Group Ranch
Rescue
Alert, energetic and active. It was in a good body condition
Taken to Orphanage
24-Nov-21
Bongo
Mt Kenya NP
Natural Causes
An adult pregnant female mountain bongo was limping with a cracked hoof
Successfully Treated
24-Nov-21
Leopard
Laikipia Environs
Technical Case
The leopard was tagged on the right ear using a light blue tag
Task Successful
25-Nov-21
Elephant
Shaba NR
Bullet Wound
A 15cm wound adjacent to the radial bone suspected to have been caused by a bullet
Successfully Treated
27-Nov-21
Elephant
Isiolo
HWC
Due to cases of conflict 5 elephants were translocated from Isiolo to Tsavo East NP
Task Successful
30-Nov-21
Lion
Loisaba Ranch
Collared
A collar was fitted and samples collected
Task Successful
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Case 1 – 1st November 2021 Bongo
Relocation
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
An adult male mountain bongo had moved out of its territory and there was an urgent need to return it. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Chemical immobilization was done with 8mgs Etorphine combined with 60mgs Azaperone in a 1.5ml dart syringe fitted with a 2.0×40mm plain needle. Darting was done from foot using a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the right rump and the drug took effect after 6 minutes and the animal went down on its left lateral recumbency after which it was physically restrained. Movement and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously and the animal had an average respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute. The bongo was treated with 3000mgs Amoxicillin and 40mgs Dexamethasone both administered intramuscularly due to minor injuries it had sustained during anaesthesia induction. Reversal and prognosis The animal was returned to its enclosure and the anaesthesia reversed with 150mgs Naltrexone administered via the ear vein and the animal rose after 2 minutes.
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Case 2 – 1st November 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A female bongo calf was reported by the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy team to have diarrhoea. It was feeding normally and still had good body condition. It was suspected to be suffering from helminthiasis. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The calf was darted from foot with 1.5mgs Etorphine combined with 10mgs Azaperone. The drugs took effect after 5 minutes and the animal was physically restrained then the anaesthesia was reversed immediately using 50mgs Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein. The calf had a soiled tail and perineum, a sign of severe diarrhoea. It had a smooth and bright coat. It was alert, active and in good body condition. The calf was treated with 10ml Butophosphan, and 4mgs Dexamethasone administered intramuscularly, 10mgs Ivermectin administered subcutaneously and 200mgs Fenbendazole administered orally. Reversal and prognosis The prognosis was good due to the timely detection and management of the condition. .
Case 3 – 5th November 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
An adult male mountain bongo was reported to have lameness with cracks on the hooves. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted from foot with 6mgs Etorphine combined with 60mgs Azaperone. The dart landed on the left rump. The drug took effect after 6 minutes and the animal went down on its left lateral recumbency after which it was physically restrained. The respiration was monitored throughout the treatment and the animal had an average respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute. The animal was observed to have supportive leg lameness of the left and right forelimb and on closer examination the hooves had cracks that caused trauma to the adjacent soft tissues which in return inflicted pain to the limbs. The bongo was treated with 3,000mgs Amoxicillin and 4,000mgs Phenylbutazone both administered intramuscularly. The overgrown hooves were trimmed and the traumatic wounds debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected using tincture of Iodine. Reversal and prognosis The prognosis was good due to the timely detection and management of the condition. .
Case 4 – 9th November 2021 Giraffe
Natural Causes
El Karama Wildlife Conservancy
A giraffe was seen limping within the Conservancy. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was darted from a vehicle with 10mgs Etorphine combined with 30mgs Azaperone. The dart landed on the right rump and the drugs took effect after 5 minutes. The animal went down on its left side after which it was physically restrained. The anaesthesia was monitored throughout the treatment. The animal was observed to have leg lameness of the left foreleg and on a closer examination there was swelling of soft tissues around the carpometacarpal joint, suspected to have been caused by a blunt force. The giraffe was treated with 6,000mgs Amoxicillin and 8,000mgs Phenylbutazone intramuscularly. A blood sample was collected from the jugular vein and a small piece of ear tissue was also excised. Samples were taken for processing for later laboratory analysis. Prognosis The prognosis was good due to minimal damage to the soft tissue.
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Case 5 – 12th November 2021 Elephant
Snared
Mwea National Reserve
A male adult elephant was reported by Mwea National Reserve Security to have lameness on the left foreleg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from foot with 17mgs Etorphine delivered using a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the right rump. The drug took effect after 5 minutes and the animal went down on sternal recumbency after which it was physically assisted by ropes to lie on its right lateral recumbency. The animal had supporting leg lameness of the right hind leg and on close examination there was swelling of soft tissues and a through and through traumatic wound with necrotic exudates and very minimal haemorrhage around the metatarsal joint. This was suspected to have been caused by a wire snare. The wound was debrided using 10% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with tincture of Iodine. Opticlox and grey clay were applied and it was then sprayed with Alamycin. The elephant was treated with Amoxicillin and Phenylbutazone both administered intramuscularly. Prognosis The prognosis was good due to minimal damage to the soft tissue and timely detection and management.
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Case 6 – 14th November 2021 Elephant
Bullet Wound
Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy
A female adult elephant was reported by the Security team to have lameness of the left foreleg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from foot with 16mgs Etorphine using a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the right rump with the drugs taking effect after 5 minutes. The animal went down on right lateral recumbency after which it was physically assisted to lie on its other side to expose the wound. The animal was observed to have leg carrying lameness of the left foreleg and on close examination there was swelling of soft tissues and a traumatic wound around 15cm in depth with necrotic exudates and haemorrhage of blood around the elbow joint. This was suspected to have been caused by a gunshot. The wound was debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with tincture of Iodine. Opticlox and green clay were applied and it was then sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. The elephant was also administered 15,000mgs Amoxicillin and 80mgs Dexamethasone intramuscularly. Prognosis The prognosis was guarded due to the injury to the joint which may cause arthritis in the future.
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Case 7 – 16th November 2021 Elephant
Human- Wildlife Conflict
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
A female adult elephant was reported by the security team to have an injury on the right foreleg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from foot with 16mgs Etorphine. The dart landed on the left shoulder and the drug took effect after 5 minutes. The elephant went down on the right side and was turned to the left side to allow accessibility to the wound. The animal had leg lameness of the right fore leg and on close examination there was swelling of soft tissues, a traumatic wound with necrotic exudates and very minimal haemorrhage around the elbow joint. The wound was approximately 15cm in depth and was suspected to have been caused by a gunshot due to human elephant conflict in the area. The wound was debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with Iodine. Opticlox and green clay were applied and it was then sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The elephant was also administered 8,000mgs Amoxicillin and 15,000mgs Phenylbutazone intramuscularly. Prognosis The prognosis was good due to minimal damage to the soft tissue, bones and timely detection and treatment. .
Case 8 – 16th November 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Reteti Sanctuary, Matthews Range
An elephant calf was reported dead by the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Team. The death occurred hours after it was rescued. The body condition was good at the time of the post-mortem examination, with a score of approximately 3 out of 5. Before death, it manifested signs of lethargy and anorexia, and was administered intravenously with 1,000ml of 50% Dextrose. Packed cell volume was 34, body temperature 36ºC, leukocyte count was 11.9 and glucose level was 24 millimoles per litre. Post-mortem Findings • • • • • • • •
Marked ascites Frothy and emphysematous lungs Cardiac hypertrophy with gelatinization at the entry of the right auricle Pale liver (white) Multiple gastric parasites Pale spleen Congested kidney Congested mesenteric blood vessels
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Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes
Cause of Death Samples were collected from every organ for laboratory analysis. The death of the animal was caused by asphyxiation due to froth in the lungs induced by congestive heart failure. No pictures are available for this case.
Case 9 – 21st November 2021 Lion
Collared
Lolmariak Farm, Meru Environs
An adult male lion was reported by the Lolmariak farm security team to have been trapped in a cage and ready for translocation to Meru national park. Mt. Kenya veterinary managed to anaesthetize it and it was fitted with a collar for monitoring after release at Meru NP. Immobilisation The lion was immobilised with 300mgs Ketamine combined with 8mgs Medetomidine. The lion was darted in the left rump from a close-up distance from just outside the cage. The drug took effect after 5 minutes and the animal was fully anaesthetized in sternal position. The head was then extended and positioned in a way to allow optimal respiration. Translocation and release A ‘V’ shaped ear-notch and a small ear tissue was excised in between hemostats to prevent excessive bleeding. The wound was then sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The anesthesia was reversed with 25mgs Atipamazole administered intramuscularly to cater for Medetomidine. The lion was later translocated and released in Meru national park.
Case 10 – 21st November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Mt Kenya National Park
An orphaned baby elephant was rescued by the Mt. Kenya team from Mt Kenya National Park and airlifted to Shedrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi for further care.
Rescue The animal appeared alert, energetic, active and was in a good body condition. The animal was kept warm and was administered with intravenous 5% Dextrose, Azaperone (Stressnil®) Dexamethasone and Catasol administered intramuscularly.
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Case 11 – 24th November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Dol dol, Laikipia
An orphaned baby elephant was rescued by the Mt. Kenya team from Dol dol community and taken to the Sheldrick elephant orphanage at Kaluku.
Rescue The animal appeared alert, energetic and active. It was in a good body condition. The elephant was kept warm during transportation.
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Case 12 – 24th November 2021 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
An adult pregnant female mountain bongo was reported by the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy team to be limping with a cracked hoof. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted from foot with 5mgs Etorphine combined with 60mgs Azaperone using a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the left rump and the drugs took effect after 6 minutes and the animal went down on its left lateral recumbency after which it was physically restrained. The animal had an average respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute. The animal had a supportive leg lameness of the right forelimb and on a closer examination the hoof had a crack that had extended and caused trauma to the adjacent soft tissues which in return inflicted pain to the limb. The bongo was treated with 3,000mgs Amoxicillin, 3,000mgs Phenylbutazone administered intramuscularly. Prognosis The prognosis was good due to the timely detection and treatment of the condition.
Case 13 – 24th November 2021 Leopard
Technical Case
KWS, Laikipia Station
Sample collection and ear tagging of a leopard. Immobilisation, examination and sample collection Chemical immobilization was achieved with 1.5mgs Medetomidine combined with 150mgs Ketamine placed in a 3ml dart syringe fitted with a 2.0×40mm plain needle. The leopard was darted in the cage using a Daninject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed in the left rump and the drug took effect after 3 minutes and the animal went down on its left lateral recumbency after which it was physically restrained. The leopard was tagged on right ear using a light blue tag and the following measurements taken; • • •
Weight 27 kg Head to tail 183cm, Tail 76cm, Front leg 63cm, Behind leg 64cm, Shoulder 72cm Neck circumference 50cm
Blood sample was collected from the cephalic vein and placed in an EDTA blood tubes and plain blood tubes for further processing. Other samples collected included whiskers, ear tissue and ticks.
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Case 14 – 25th November 2021 Elephant
Bullet Wound
Shaba National Reserve
A male adult elephant was reported by the Melako Wildlife Conservancy Security Team to have lameness on the left foreleg. Mt. Kenya Mobile Unit responded swiftly to the case and intervened. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from foot with 18mgs Etorphine. The dart landed in the right rump and the drug took effect after 5 minutes. The animal went down on sternal recumbency after which it was physically assisted to lie on its lateral recumbency for proper exposure of the wound. The elephant was lame on the left foreleg and examination revealed swelling of soft tissues and a traumatic wound around 15cm in depth with necrotic exudates and haemorrhage adjacent to the radial bone midshaft. This was suspected to have been caused by a bullet. The wound was debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with Iodine. Opticlox cream and grey clay were applied, and it was then sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The elephant was also given 15,000mgs Amoxicillin and 80mgs Dexamethasone. Prognosis The prognosis was fair as there were no fractured bones and only the soft tissues were affected. .
Case 15 – 27th November 2021 Elephant
Human-wildlife conflict
Isiolo Community Forest
Due to rampant cases of human-elephant conflicts in the area, 5 elephants were translocated from Isiolo to Tsavo East National park. The operation is described in the report below. Immobilisation and relocation Chemical immobilization was achieved using 17mgs Etorphine for the adult elephants and 8mgs Etorphine for the sub-adult elephants. The drug was placed in 3ml dart syringes fitted with 2.2×60mm plain needles. The elephants were darted from a helicopter using a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The elephants were monitored during transportation to the loading point. Anaesthesia reversal was done using 60mgs Diprenorphine for the adult animals and 36mgs for the sub-adult animal. Intramuscular administration of tranquillizer Azaperone was then done for all the elephants for smooth transportation. The operation was a success. .
Case 16 – 30th November 2021 Lion
Collared
Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy
Mt. Kenya veterinary team collared a lioness at Loisaba conservancy as described in the following report. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was immobilised with 300mgs Ketamine combined with 8mgs Medetomidine placed in a 3cc dart syringe fitted with a 2×40mm collared needle. The darting was done from a vehicle using a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the left rump. The drug took effect after 5 minutes and the animal was fully anaesthetized in left lateral recumbency. The head was then extended and positioned in a way to allow optimal respiration. Anaesthesia monitoring and collar application were done simultaneously. The collar was fitted and a ‘V’ shaped ear notch was excised for identification purposes. The wound was then sprayed using Oxytetracycline. Blood was collected from the great saphenous vein and placed in an EDTA tube and plain blood tubes for laboratory processing. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed by adminstering 15mgs Atipamazole and 62.5mgs Yohimbine intramuscularly to reverse Medetomidine effects. The lion rose up after 7 minutes.