Case 1 – 01st December 2022

Elephant Natural Causes

Ndara Plains – Tsavo East National Park

This adult female elephant was spotted by the Rukinga Ranch pilot during a routine patrol

Examination and treatment

The elephant cow was found lying on its left side and struggling to stand It was exhausted, and it seemed that it had been recumbent for the last 24 hours. No observable injury was seen on close examination. 4 litres Dextrose and Ringers lactate solution were administered through a prominent ear vein to rehydrate the elephant and boost its energy levels. The elephant was then successfully assisted to rise, once it was on all fours, it walked towards a herd of elephants in the area.

Prognosis

The elephant has a fair prognosis. The ground team was requested to monitor the elephant and carry out extensive patrols to find similar cases requiring veterinary intervention.

Elephant Natural Causes Ithumba – Tsavo East National Park

Oldope, a young male elephant, had been translocated to the Ithumba stockades from the Nairobi Nursery a few days prior alongside his friends - Roho and Neshashi. He developed muscle rigidity and signs of spastic paralysis 4 days after arrival.

Examination and treatment

Oldope appeared weak, and he had difficulty breathing. He collapsed during examination due to muscle rigidity. He had signs of laryngeal paralysis, and anything he tried to swallow including water was vomited. The young bull appeared moderately dehydrated. No injury was detected, but muscle spasms were evident. Any sound or touch stimuli triggered violent spasms. Blood samples were collected, then Oldope was rehydrated with Ringer’s lactate and Dextrose to boost energy. Calcium borogluconate, anti-biotics, antiinflammatories and Catasol muscle tonic were also administered accordingly. Differential diagnosis considered included tetanus by Clostridium tetani, hypomagnesemia and possible plant poisoning.

Prognosis

Oldope was given a guarded to grave prognosis. Sadly, he passed away 3 days later despite our best efforts to restore his health.