SWT/KWS Mt Kenya Mobile Veterinary Report for July 2022

MOBILE VETERINARY

Cases in July 6 Rhino Cases 4 Elephant Cases

July Report by Dr. Dominic Mijele

July was a busy month for the Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit, the team attended to 18 cases across the Laikipia ecosystem and Mt. Kenya region. 6 of these cases involved rhinos with one of the most prominent cases being ovum pick up on Fatu the last eligible northern white rhino oocytes donor held in captivity in Ol Pejata Conservancy. Other notable rhino cases included the capture and translocation of 3 healthy sub adult southern white rhinos, 2 females and 1 male, from Meru National Park to the Masai Mara. The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit also attended to 4 elephant cases and a host of other wildlife species. This included a leopard captured by KWS in community farms in the Kirimon area that was treated, ear notched and relocated to Loisaba conservancy; a mountain bongo that was limping due to a cracked hoof; and several cases involving common zebras that were successfully de snared.

Acknowledgement

We greatly appreciate the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for its continued support which enables the Mt Kenya Veterinary Unit to respond promptly to wildlife emergencies and offer lifesaving treatment.

Case Details

Date Species Area Found

Reason for Intervention Outcome

05 July 22 Elephant Buffalo Springs N.R. Rescue Found abandoned in the reserve. Task successful

06 July 22 Elephant Oldonyiro Laikipia Spear

07 July 22 Elephant Mpala Conservancy HWC

14 July 22 Rhino Ol Jogi, Laikipia

Roaming about with a spear lodged into the left side of its abdomen. Died

Multiple wounds to the left leg, eye and trunk. Likely caused by arrows during conflict Treated successfully

Natural causes Seen oozing blood from the inguinal area. Treated successfully

14 July 22 Zebra Nanyuki Arrow Had a penetrating pus filled wound right above the right eye Treated successfully

16 July 22 Zebra Balungi, Laikipia

Snared Seen with a snare around its neck Treated successfully

17 July 22 Rhino Solio Ranch Natural causes

17 July 22 Rhino Solio Ranch Natural causes

21 July 22 Rhino Meru N.P. Relocation

Exhibited lameness Treated successfully

Maintaining a dog sitting posture for a prolonged period which is unusual Died

Translocation from Meru National Park to the Masai Mara. Task successful

25 July 22 Bongo

Kenya

25 July 22 Zebra Balungi, Laikipia

causes

Snared

26 July 22 Leopard Nanyuki, KWS Station HWC

27th & 28th July 2022 Rhino Ol Pejeta

29 July 22 Zebra Jua Kali, Laikipia

29 July 22 Zebra Jua Kali, Laikipia

29 July 22 Zebra Jua Kali, Laikipia

case

due to a cracked hoof.

with a snare around the neck.

Treated successfully

Treated successfully

in a trap set in community farms in Kirimon area. Task successful

pick up from Fatu, the last eligible

white rhino oocytes donor Task successful

Snared Seen with a snare around the neck. Task successful

Snared Seen with a snare around the neck.

Task successful

Snared Seen with a snare around the neck. Task successful

30 July 22 Elephant Borana Conservancy Natural causes Seen limping. Treated successfully

30 July 22 Rhino Solio Ranch

Post mortem

Black rhino carcass found by the security team. Task successful

Vet Unit Treatment

Elephant Rescue Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Immobilisation and rescue

The calf was immobilized with 1 mg Etorphine placed in a dart which was delivered by hand on the right rump. The elephant went down on its left side after 6 minutes. Anaesthesia was then reversed with 6 mgs Diprenorphine administered intravenously. The calf was loaded onto a vehicle and thereafter onto a Caravan which flew it to the SWT Nursery. The elephant was transported while alert under close monitoring of vital parameters.

Prognosis

The calf was found in good body condition, and it arrived at the SWT elephant nursery in good health.

The 2.5 year old male elephant calf was found abandoned in Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Elephant Spear

Oldonyo Lengurai Farm

Rangers in the area reported seeing a lone elephant roaming about with a spear lodged into the left side of its abdomen. Upon arrival, the Mt Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit found the elephant stuck in the middle of a dam.

Prognosis

Sadly, the prognosis for this case was grave. The elephant drowned in the dam before any assistance or treatment could be given.

The carcass was retrieved from the dam and, a spear was recovered from a deep penetrating wound on the left side of the abdomen.

Elephant Human Wildlife Conflict Mpala Conservancy, Laikipia

The adult bull elephant was seen limping by the Mpala team

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted on the left rump with 18 mgs Etorphine. When the drug took effect 6 minutes later, the elephant was lying on its left side. Anaesthesia monitoring was done continuously during treatment. Several injuries were observed, the elephant had a perforating injury on the medial aspect of the left hind limb; a superficial wound just above the left eye; a superficial injury next to the left eye; and multiple wounds on the dorsal aspect of the trunk These were likely caused by arrows during human wildlife conflict. 8,000 mgs Phenylbutazone and 15,000 mgs Amoxicillin were administered intramuscularly. The wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide and flushed with Iodine then green clay paste was applied. The treated wounds were also sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Anaesthesia was reversed with 54 mgs Diprenorphine administered via the ear vein. The animal rose after 4 minutes.

Prognosis

The elephant has a good prognosis since it was treated early enough

White Rhino Natural Causes

Ol jogi, Laikipia

While on patrol, the Ol Jogi team spotted a male white rhino named Sawadi oozing blood from the inguinal area. It was suspected that Sawadi was involved in a territorial fight with another rhino.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Sawadi was approached on foot and darted with 4 mgs Etorphine. The dart landed on his right rump. The drug took effect after 6 minutes, and he went down on right lateral recumbency. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously. Oxygen supplementation was administered. 80 mgs Butorphanol was administered intravenously through the ear vein as supportive treatment to improve breathing. Sawadi had multiple traumatic deep penetrating wounds in the inguinal area, abdominal area and hind limbs. 15, 000 mgs Amoxicillin and 2,000 mgs Flunixine meglumine were administered intramuscularly. The multiple wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine, sealed with green clay paste and sprayed using Oxytetracycline spray. Anaesthesia was reversed with 100 mgs Naltrexone given intravenously and 24 mgs Diprenorphine administered intramuscularly. He rose after 3 minutes.

Prognosis

Sawadi has a good prognosis due to timely detection and management of his injuries

Zebra Arrow Nanyuki

Residents in the area spotted a male common zebra with an eye injury

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The animal was immobilized with 4mgs Etorphine and 50mgs Azaperone. Darting was done from a vehicle with a Dan inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the left rump. The drugs took effect 7 minutes later with the animal on left lateral recumbency. The zebra was then placed on sternal recumbency and physically restrained. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously. The zebra had a penetrating pus filled wound above the right eye. This was likely caused by an arrow due to a poaching attempt. The animal was noted to be in a good body condition.

3,000mgs Amoxicillin and 4,000mgs Phenylbutazone were administered intramuscularly. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine, sealed with green clay and sprayed with Tetracycline spray. Anaesthesia was then reversed with 12mgs Diprenorphine and the animal rose after 2 minutes.

Prognosis

The prognosis is good due to timely intervention.

Zebra Snared

Balungi Farm, Laikipia

Residents in Balungi Farm reported seeing a common zebra with a snare around its neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra was darted on the right rump with 5mgs Etorphine and 50mgs Azaperone. The drug took effect after 7 minutes and the animal went down on right lateral recumbency. The snare around the zebra’s neck had cut deep into the neck muscles causing a traumatic wound. The animal was noted to have good body condition.

3,000mgs Amoxicillin and 4,000mgs Phenylbutazone were administered intramuscularly. The snare was cut off then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine, sealed with green clay and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Anaesthesia was reversed with 24mgs Diprenorphine administered via the jugular vein. The zebra rose after 2 minutes.

Prognosis

The zebra has a good prognosis due to timely detection and removal of the snare.

Rhino Natural Causes

Ranch, Laikipia

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Chemical immobilization was done by darting with 4mgs Etorphine and 80mgs Azaperone. The dart landed on the right rump. The drug took effect after 6 minutes and the animal went down on its right side. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously. 80mgs Butorphanol was administered intravenously through the ear vein as supportive treatment to improve breathing. Multiple traumatic deep wounds were observed in the inguinal region and around the neck and chest region. 15, 000mgs Amoxicillin and 2,000mgs Flunixine meglumine were administered intramuscularly. The multiple wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine, sealed with green clay and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Anaesthesia reversal was done with 100mgs Naltrexone intravenously and 24mgs Diprenorphine administered intramuscularly. The animal rose after 3 minutes.

Prognosis

The prognosis was good due to timely detection and management of the rhino’s injuries

The Solio team reported that a male white rhino was exhibiting lameness.

Rhino Natural Causes

Solio Ranch, Laikipia

The Solio team reported that a male white rhino had been maintaining a dog sitting posture for a prolonged period which is an unusual behaviour in these animals.

Immobilisation and examination

The rhino was approached on foot and darted with 4mgs Etorphine and 80mgs Azaperone on the right rump. The drug took effect after 6 minutes, and the animal went down on right lateral recumbency. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously. It was observed that the rhino had a rectal prolapse and a spinal cord injury believed to have been suffered during a territorial fight. The spinal cord injury resulted in paralysis of the hind legs hence the sitting posture.

Prognosis

The prognosis was grave since the injury had rendered the rhino lame. The rhno was put to rest.

Rhino Relocation

Meru National Park to Maasai Mara

Three healthy white rhinos, 2 females and one male, were translocated from Meru National Park to the Masai Mara.

Immobilisation, collection of samples and translocation

The rhinos were darted from a helicopter with Etorphine and Azaperone. Once the drugs had taken effect, the animal were immediately blindfolded, and their ears plugged to reduce stimulation. Vital parameters were monitored including respiratory rates and depth of respiration, blood circulation/tissue perfusion (pulse rate), mucous membrane colour, moisture and rectal body temperature. Oxygen supplementation was also done through the nostrils at a rate of 10 15 L/min. 25 mg Butorphanol was also immediately administered intravenously to stabilize cardio respiratory parameters. The average respiratory rate was 10 breaths per minute (measured by feeling for expired air through the nares). Additionally, Azaperone was administered intramuscularly to cater for transportation stress. Ear notching had already been done therefore the tissue growth on existing notches was removed and oxytetracycline spray applied to deter flies and prevent infection. Samples were collected for future analysis including blood (EDTA and serum), tissue and ticks. Anaesthesia was reversed with 100 mgs of Naltrexone I.V and 12 mgs Diprenorphine I.M All animals were translocated while alert under close monitoring of vital parameters. The rhinos were successfully released at the release site in the Maasai Mara

Bongo Natural Causes

Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The bongo was approached on foot and darted with 4mgs Etorphine and 40mgs Azaperone. The dart landed on the left shoulder muscles. The drug took effect after 5 minutes and the animal went down on its right side. It was then placed in sternal recumbency and physically restrained. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously. Oxygen supplementation was administered for optimal breathing. The bongo had a cracked hoof on the right forelimb and had overgrown hooves. 4,000mgs Phenylbutazone and 3,000mgs Amoxicillin were injected intramuscularly. The cracked hoof and overgrown hooves were trimmed then the cracked hoof was flushed with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. Anaesthesia was reversed with 12mgs Diprenorphine administered via the jugular vein. The animal rose 3 minutes later.

Prognosis

The prognosis is good due to timely detection and intervention.

A female pregnant mountain bongo was reported to be limping due to a cracked hoof

Zebra Snared Balungi Farm

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The foal was immobilized with 3mgs Etorphine and 40mgs Azaperone. Darting was done from vehicle using a Dan inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the right rump with the animal going down on its right side after 7 minutes

The snare around the neck had made a superficial cut on the skin and caused an abrasion wound. The animal was noted to be in good body condition. The snare was removed then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Reversal of anaesthesia was done with 12mgs Diprenorphine administered via the jugular vein. The animal rose after 2 minutes.

Prognosis

The foal has a good prognosis since the injury caused by the snare was minimal due to timely detection and intervention.

The farm’s residents reported seeing a common zebra foal with a snare around the neck

Leopard Human Wildlife Conflict

Nanyuki KWS Station

A female sub adult leopard was caught in a trap set in community farms in Kirimon area, Samburu. The leopard had sustained minor injuries that required treatment before being released.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Chemical immobilization was done with 70 mgs Ketamine combined with 0.7 mgs Medetomidine. The leopard was approached on foot and darted on the left rump. The drug took effect after 15 minutes, and the animal went down on sternal recumbency. The animal was good in body condition. It had a minor injury on the tail. The wound on the tail was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Blood samples were collected from the femoral vein for EDTA and serum. Whiskers and tissue sample were also collected and stored in ethanol for further analysis. Anaesthesia reversal was done with 15 mgs Atipamazole administered intramuscularly. The animal rose after 5 minutes.

Prognosis

The prognosis for this leopard is good. It was translocated and released in Loisaba Conservancy, Laikipia.

Rhino Technical Case

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Report on the Northern White Rhino Ovum Pick Up that took place on 27th and 28th July 2022 at Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy.

The Northern White Rhino population has declined with the last remaining individuals, Najin and Fatu, being kept in captivity at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The two females cannot have a viable pregnancy due to health and age related problems. Najin, the older female, has a large ovarian tumor and has very weak hind legs, while Fatu developed untreatable endometriosis, making her uterus unable for embryo implantation.

An in depth ethical risk assessment led to the team retiring the older of the two remaining females, 32 year old Najin, as a donor of egg cells leaving Fatu as the only eligible oocytes donor. This activity presented a group of scientists with an opportunity to collect oocytes from Fatu and carry out a reproductive health check.

Zebra Snared

Jua Kali, Laikipia

Residents in Jua Kali area reported seeing 3 common zebra, 1 stallion and 2 females, each of them having a snare around the neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebras were darted from a vehicle with 5mgs Etorphine and 50mgs Azaperone. Each animals had a loose wire snare around the neck.

Luckily, none of the zebras had suffered any injury, and all the animals were in good body condition. The snares were removed then anaesthesia was reversed since there was no need for further treatment.

Prognosis

The prognosis for the 3 zebras is good since the snare were detected and removed before they could inflict injury

Elephant Natural Causes Borana Conservancy

The Mount Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit were informed of an elephant bull that was limping.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted from a vehicle with 17 mgs Etorphine on the right rump. The animal went down on its left side after 6 minutes. It was observed that elephant was in good body condition. However, it had multiple abrasion wounds on the posterior aspect of the right fore limb.

The elephant was treated with 8,000 mgs Phenylbutazone and 15,000mgs Amoxicillin intramuscularly. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine then covered with Oxytetracycline spray. Anaesthesia reversal was done with 48 mgs Diprenorphine administered via the ear vein. The elephant rose 5 minutes later.

Prognosis

The elephant has a good prognosis due to timely detection of the injury and prompt intervention.

Rhino Post mortem Solio Ranch

Solio ranch security team found the black rhino carcass

General examination

The carcass was found lying in dorsal recumbency. The entire carcass had been eaten by lions and it was in no state for a detailed post mortem examination.

Cause of death

The rhino was suspected to have been involved in a territorial fight, and later it was predated upon and devoured by lions.