SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FEBRUARY 2022
Introduction
19 Cases in February
5 Antelope Cases
3 Elephant Cases
February Report by Dr. Dominic Mijele During the month of February 2022, the Mt Kenya Wildlife Veterinary Unit attended to 19 cases that required veterinary intervention in the Laikipia ecosystem, Mt. Kenya region and Mwea National Reserve. The Unit treated four Mountain bongos at Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy; 1 for fight wounds, 1 for an eye injury and two for cracked hooves. Another was also relocated after it began suckling from a new mother, preventing the calf from accessing its mother’s milk. Three Common zebras were also translocated due to farm destruction and 10 warthogs were relocated within Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy to reduce competition for pasture. Three elephants, 1 White rhino and 1 lion were treated for natural causes and two giraffes were treated for snare wounds amongst other cases. Acknowledgement Many thanks to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their continued support that has enabled the Mt Kenya wildlife veterinary unit team to respond promptly and offer the required treatment to all wildlife cases that required intervention during the month.
SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations February 2022
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
1-Feb-22
Antelope
Mt Kenya NP
Natural Causes
An adult female mountain bongo had an eye condition
Successfully Treated
1-Feb-22
Antelope
Mt Kenya NP
Natural Causes
An adult male mountain bongo was limping due to a cracked hoof
Successfully Treated
1-Feb-22
Rhino White
Ol Jogi Ranch
Postmortem
The carcass was found lying on left lateral recumbency, it was in good body condition
Died
2-Feb-22
Zebra
Mt Kenya NP
HWC
A common zebra was in danger of being attacked by the Kamangura community
Task Successful
2-Feb-22
Zebra
Mt Kenya NP
Rescue
The animal was found to be dehydrated, lethargic, dull and abandoned
Taken to Orphanage
5-Feb-22
Giraffe
Mwea NR
Snared
An adult male giraffe had a wire snare on one of its limbs
Successfully Treated
5-Feb-22
Giraffe
Mwea NR
Snared
The giraffe had wire snare on the left forelimb just above the pastern joint
Successfully Treated
6-Feb-22
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Natural Causes
A mountain bongo calf was limping due to a cracked hoof
Successfully Treated
8-Feb-22
Zebra
Mount Kenya NR
Human Wildlife Conflict
A family of common zebras were moved due to the destruction of farms
Task Successful
8-Feb-22
Antelope
Mount Kenya NR
Relocation
A sub-adult mountain bongo was relocated as it was suckling from a mountain bongo dam with a day old calf
Task Successful
12-Feb-22
Lion
Sosian Ranch
Natural Causes
The lion had multiple bite wounds; the one to the shoulder had broken the ribs
Prognosis Poor
13-Feb-22
Elephant
Ol Donyo Nyiro
Natural Causes
Had a complete open fracture of the ulnar and the radial bones
Died
14-Feb-22
Other
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Relocation
The warthogs had to be moved to reduce the extreme competition for pasture
Task Successful
15-Feb-22
Zebra
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Postmortem
A day before death the animal was recumbent and appeared to be lethargic. It was dull dehydrated and anorexic
Died
15-Feb-22
Antelope
Mt Kenya NP
Natural Causes
An adult male mountain had multiple wounds after a territorial fight
Successfully Treated
20-Feb-22
Elephant
Samburu
Natural Causes
The left hind limb was completely dislocated at the hock joint
Successfully Treated
21-Feb-22
Lion
Meru National Park
Postmortem
An adult male lion was translocated to Meru NP for collaring and release but sadly died before release
Died
22-Feb-22
Elephant
Mwea NR
Natural Causes
The ear was infected and had extensive necrosis
Successfully Treated
26-Feb-22
Rhino White
Solio Ranch
Natural Causes
An adult male white rhino was limping on its left hind limb
Successfully Treated
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Case 1 – 1st February 2022 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
An adult female mountain bongo was reported by the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Team to have an eye condition. Mt. Kenya veterinary team responded to the case and intervened. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was immobilised with 5mgs Etorphine combined with 60mgs Azaperone. The animals was darted from foot and the drugs took effect after 6 minutes. The animal went down on left lateral recumbency after which it was physically restrained and blind folded. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously. Prior to darting, the animal was observed to have good eyesight due to the early detection of the condition. On closer examination there was bilateral hyperlacrimation. The bongo was treated with 3,000mgs Amoxicillin and 4,000mgs Phenylbutazone administered intramuscularly. 5cc of Fenbendazole was also administered orally. Oxytetracycline and Probeta eye ointments were applied on both eyes. Prognosis The prognosis was good as the condition was detected and properly managed in time.
Case 2 – 1st February 2022 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
An adult male mountain bongo was reported by the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Team to be limping due to a cracked hoof. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was darted from foot with 6mgs Etorphine combined with 60mgs Azaperone. The dart landed in the right rump muscles and the drug took effect after 6 minutes after which it was physically restrained. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring was done simultaneously. Oxygen was also supplied and the head positioning appropriately for optimal breathing The animal was observed to have supportive leg lameness of the left and right forelimbs and on closer examination the hooves had cracks that had extended, causing 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, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline Prognosis The prognosis was good.
Case 3 – 1st February 2022 White Rhino
Post-mortem
Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy
Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy found a White rhino carcass on 1st February, 2022 and reported the case to Mt Kenya veterinary unit for a post-mortem examination. Post-mortem Findings •
The carcass was found lying on left lateral recumbency, it was in good body condition and was discovered to be fresh. Death likely occurred just a few hours prior to discovery
• • •
Both the front and rear horns were still intact The head was swollen with mild nasal frothing The lower mandible had a small circumscribed penetrating wound approximately 5cm in diameter and 15cm in depth which had extended dorsally past the tongue and the upper hard palate and had caused trauma to the sinuses There was exudative necrotic tissues around the wound and the buccal cavity
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Cause of Death The death of the animal was suspected to be due to the pressure on the brain cells caused by the accumulating pus from the sinuses and apnea due to the froth within the airways.
Case 4 – 2nd February 2022 Zebra
Human-Wildlife Conservancy
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A female sub-adult common zebra was reported to be in danger of community attack at the Kamangura Community. Mt. Kenya veterinary team went for her rescue. Immobilisation and translocation The animal was found in good body condition, alert and active. The zebra was darted from foot with a combination of 4mgs Etorphine and 50mgs Azaperone. The dart landed on the right shoulder muscles. The drug took effect after 6 minutes and the animal went down on its left lateral recumbency after which it was physically restrained. The animal was positioned on sternal recumbency with the head upwards for optimal breathing. The animal was translocated on sternal recumbency under anaesthesia during which the vital parameters were monitored to the point of release. Reversal The anaesthesia reversal was done using 100mgs Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein. The animal rose after 2 minutes and was in good health.
Case 5 – 2nd February 2022 Zebra
Rescue
Kamangura Community, Mt Kenya
The following report describes how a common zebra foal was rescued by Mt. Kenya veterinary team after it was abandoned by the dam. Rescue The animal was found to be dehydrated, lethargic and dull. It was placed in a vehicle and transported to the Mt. Kenya Animal Orphanage where water and glucose was administered orally and later it was offered formulated milk. Prognosis The animal was released in the orphanage in good condition.
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Case 6 – 5th February 2022 Giraffe
Snared
Mwea National Reserve
An adult male giraffe was reported by the Mwea National Reserve team to have a wire snare on one of its limbs.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment Chemical immobilization was achieved with 17mgs Etorphine combined with 50mgs Azaperone placed in a 1.5cc dart syringe. The giraffe was darted from a vehicle using a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed on the right rump muscles and the drugs took effect after 5 minutes. The animal had a wire snare on the right forelimb above the pastern joint. The wire had traumatized the soft tissue around the limb resulting in a circumscribed wound around the limb. The snare was removed, and the wound debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide then disinfected with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. The giraffe was also administered with 6,000mgs Amoxicillin and 8000mgs Phenylbutazone intramuscularly. Prognosis The prognosis was good due to minimal damage to the soft tissue.
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Case 7 – 5th February 2022 Giraffe
Snared
Mwea National Reserve
An adult male giraffe was reported by the Mwea National Reserve team to have a wire snare on one of its limbs.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was immobilised with 17mgs Etorphine combined with 50mgs Azaperone syringe. The giraffe was approached by a vehicle and darted in the right rump muscles with a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. Once the drugs took effect, after approximately 5 minutes, the giraffe was manually restrained. The animal was had a wire snare on the left forelimb just above the pastern joint. The wire had traumatized the soft tissue around the limb resulting into a circumscribed wound around the limb. Once the snare was removed, the wound was debrided with Hydrogen Peroxide, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline wound spray. The giraffe was also given 6,000mgs Amoxicillin and 8000mgs Phenylbutazone to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, Prognosis The prognosis was good due to minimal damage to the soft tissue.
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Case 8 – 6th February 2022 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A mountain bongo calf was reported by the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Team to be limping due to a cracked hoof. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was easily darted from foot using a combination of 1mg Etorphine and 10mgs Azaperone. The drugs took effect after 4 minutes and the animal went down on its left lateral recumbency after which it was physically restrained and the anaesthesia immediately reversed with 50mgs Naltrexone. The animal was observed to have supportive leg lameness of the left and right hind limbs and on a closer examination the hooves were cracked which then caused trauma to the adjacent soft tissues inflicting pain to the limbs. The bongo was treated with 1,500mgs Amoxicillin and 2,000mgs Phenylbutazone, both administered intramuscularly. The overgrown hooves were trimmed and the traumatic wounds debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide, disinfected with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Prognosis The prognosis was good as the condition was detected and properly managed in time.
Case 9 – 8th February 2022 Zebra
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A family of common zebras comprising of 3 zebras, (2 adults and a foal), were moved due destruction of farms at Kiawara community.
Immobilisation The zebras were all immobilised with a combination of Etorphine and Azaperone placed in a 1.5cc dart syringe fitted with a 2×40 collared needles. The dosages differed, determined by the animal’s size and weight. The animals went down in an average time of 5 minutes and were loaded into a truck then the anaesthesia was reversed immediately. Relocation All 3 animals were translocated together while alert and were released successfully at Ngawa farm in good health.
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Case 10 – 8th February 2022 Bongo
Relocation
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
A sub-adult Mountain bongo was reported to be suckling from a Mountain bongo dam with a few days old calf and therefore not allowing the calf to receive the first portions of colostrum. This therefore called for an immediate translocation of the bongo to another paddock. Immobilisation The bongo was immobilised chemically with 3mgs Etorphine combined with 40mgs Azaperone. He was darted from foot into the right rump and the drugs took effect after 6 minutes. The anaesthesia was monitored throughout the translocation exercise and the animal had an average respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute. Oxygen was also supplied and the head positioned appropriately for optimal breathing. Relocation Once the bongo was moved to its new paddock the anaesthesia was reversed with 75mgs Naltrexone administered via the jugular vein and the animal rose after 2 minutes.
Case 11 – 12th February 2022 Lion
Natural Causes
Segera Conservancy, Sosian Ranch
Segera wildlife conservancy team reported a case of a lion who had multiple bite wounds. Immobilisation examination and treatment The lion was approached by a vehicle and darted from a dan-inject compressed CO2 Dart gun with 300mgs of Ketamine combined with 8mgs of Medetomidine. The dart landed in the left rump muscles, with the drugs taking effect after 5 minutes and the animal was fully anaesthetized in sternal position. On a close physical examination the wounds had sharp edges and some had anastomose within the muscles. The bite wounds were spread all over the body and a brutal one to the shoulder had broken the ribs. The lion also appeared lethargic and dehydrated. The wounds were cleaned with water, debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and then disinfected with tincture of Iodine. Slow-release antibiotic pessaries, antibiotic clay and Oxytetracycline spray were also administered. The animal was then given 4,000mgs Phenylbutazone and 6,000mgs Amoxicillin. Prognosis The prognosis was guarded due to the severity of the injuries and broken ribs.
Case 12 – 13th February 2022 Elephant
Natural Causes
Ol Donyiro Wildlife Conservancy
The Security team from Oldonyiro Wildlife Conservancy reported an elephant calf with a fractured limb.
Immobilisation and examination The calf was darted with 3mgs Etorphine which landed in the right rump and the animal went down on left lateral recumbency after 5 mins. The animal had a complete open fracture of the ulnar and the radial bones. On extension and flexion of the limb, crepitus sound of bone fragments could be heard. Relocation The elephant calf was in extreme pain and was unable to move. A decision was made to euthanise the elephant on welfare grounds to prevent further suffering as the injury was untreatable. .
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Case 13 – 14th February 2022 Warthog
Relocation
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Due to the prolonged drought which resulted in inadequate pasture coupled with the large population of warthogs within the endangered species of the animals section, the Ol Pejeta team deemed it fit to move some of the warthogs within that section to another place to reduce the extreme competition for pasture.
Relocation exercise The warthogs were physically restrained by use of nets. They were directed towards the net with vehicles. Once on the net they were trapped and the team on the ground physically restrained and loaded them into a truck for transportation and release.
Case 14 – 15th February 2022 Zebra
Post-mortem
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
A day before death the animal was recumbent and appeared to be lethargic. It was dull dehydrated and anorexic. The body condition score was around 3 out of 5. Post-mortem Examination There was extensive frothing in the trachea down to the lungs. This was attributed to by the paramphistoms which were found on the gastric mucosa, sucking proteins from the blood which led to an imbalanced osmotic pressure between the intravascular and extravascular space. This led to blood fluid moving from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration which resulted in the frothing of the lungs and trachea. The mucus membrane at the buccal cavity was pale white. The oesophagus was full of ingesta and the gastric mucosa had multiple paramphistoms larvae. Also evident was petechial hemorrhage and congestion on the gastric and intestinal lining. The spleen was pale with mild petechial hemorrhages. Cause of Death The animal died due to asphyxiation caused by the froth in its lungs. It drowned in its own fluid. There are no pictorials of this case
Case 15 – 15th February 2022 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
An adult male mountain bongo had multiple wounds after a territorial fight Immobilisation, examination and treatment Chemical immobilization was achieved with 7mgs Etorphine combined with 60mgs Azaperone. The bongo was darted from foot into the right side of the neck and the drugs took effect after 6 minutes. The animal went down on its left side then was physically restrained and blind folded. The anaesthesia was monitored throughout treatment and he an average respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute. Examination revealed the animal had multiple penetrating wounds to the shoulder, thoracic, neck and gluteal muscles. The wounds were washed with water, debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with Iodine. Slow release antibiotic pessaries were inserted into the deepest wounds, some of which required suturing. Oxytetracycline spray was then applied to all the wounds. The bongo was also administered Phenylbutazone and Amoxicillin. Prognosis Prognosis was fair to as the penetrating wounds were intramuscular and never accessed the peritoneum..
Case 16 – 20th February 2022 Elephant
Natural Causes
Ol Donyiro Conservancy, Samburu
Ol Donyiro Security Team reported a case of an elephant with a dislocated leg.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment Chemical immobilization was achieved with 17mgs Etorphine. He was darted from foot with a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed in the right rump muscles and the drug took effect after 5 minutes. The elephant went down on right lateral recumbency and had to be physically turned onto the left lateral recumbency to allow examination of the affected limb. The left hind limb was completely dislocated at the hock joint and was freely moving on flexion and extension. No physical intervention was possible so the elephant was treated with 12,000mgs of Phenylbutazone, 15,000mgs of Amoxicillin and 24,000mgs of Calcium borogluconate, all administered intramuscularly. Prognosis Prognosis was fair as though the dislocation was severe to a point that the lower limb was loose, the elephant was able to move around and feed
Case 17 – 21st February 2022 Lion
Post-mortem
Meru National Park
An adult male lion was captured in Lolomarik Farm and translocated to Meru National park for collaring and release. It died minutes after collaring and before release. Post-mortem Findings • •
Traumatic head injuries Petechial hemorrhages on the back and the thoracic region
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Haemoperitoneum Traumatic wounds on the palmer and planter
Cause of Death The lion died due to hypovolemic shock caused by the extensive internal haemorrhage.
Case 18 – 22nd February 2022 Elephant
Natural Causes
Mwea National Reserve
Mwea National Reserve Security Team reported a case of an elephant with a severe wound at the left ear. Immobilisation examination and treatment Chemical immobilization was achieved with 16mgs Etorphine placed in a 1.5cc dart syringe. The elephant was darted from foot with a Dan-inject compressed CO2 dart gun. The dart landed in the right rump and the drug took effect after 5 minutes. The elephant went down on right lateral recumbency after which it was physically assisted to lie on left lateral recumbency for proper exposure of the wound. The ear was greatly affected and had weathered out due to extensive necrosis and exudation of the surrounding tissues. The wound was cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide and then disinfected with tincture of Iodine. Antibiotic clay was applied then the wound was sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The elephant was then treated with 15,000mgs Amoxicillin and 12,000mgs Phenylbutazone both administered intramuscularly. Prognosis The elephant should make a full recovery.
Case 19 – 26th February 2022 White Rhino
Natural Causes
Solio Ranch
An adult male white rhino was reported to be limping on its left hind limb and it had difficulty walking. It laid down most of the time, this required an urgent veterinary intervention. Immobilisation examination and treatment The rhino was approached with a vehicle and darted with 5mgs of Etorphine mixed with 80mgs Azaperone. The drug took effect after about 7 minutes and the rhino went down on lateral recumbency. The injured leg was examined by palpation and flexion. there was a superficial wound on the quadriceps muscles. The animal appeared to be in a lot of pain due to the impact on the muscles and the ligaments. The rhino was treated with 15,000mgs of Amoxicillin and 8,000mgs of Phenylbutazone to prevent infection and inflammation. The superficial wound was debrided with 10% Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with a tincture of iodine. It was then sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Prognosis The prognosis was good as the animal was strong and the sprain was discovered and managed in time.