SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
FEBRUARY 2023
Introduction
16 Cases in February 3 Big Cat Cases
February Report by Dr. Campaign Limo
8 Elephant Cases
In February 2023, the Tsavo Conservation Area was generally dry, and extremely high temperatures scorched the little vegetation that was left. Forage is becoming increasingly scarce, and most small pools and natural water pans are running dry save for a few deep in the park where most of the animals have sought refuge
The SWT-KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit attend to 16 cases in total in February, these comprised 8 elephant cases, 2 lion cases, 1 cheetah case, 3 zebra cases, and 2 buffalo cases.
Acknowledgement
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit would like to thank all stakeholders for their support. The Veterinary Unit is grateful for the on-going financial support received from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the technical support received from KWS management.
Case Details
Date Species Area Found Reason for Intervention Outcome 05-Feb 23 Zebra Ndii Area Snared Adult female common zebra with 2 wire snares around the neck Task successful 06-Feb 23 Lion Pipeline Area Natural Causes Adult lioness with porcupine spikes below its chin, neck region and lower abdomen Successfully treated 06-Feb 23 Elephant Rukinga Ranch Snared Sub-adult elephant bull with a winch wire snare on its right hind leg Task successful 07-Feb 23 Zebra Ndii Area Snared Adult female zebra with a snare around its neck Task successful 09-Feb 23 Elephant Kimana Sanctuary Spear Elephant bull bleeding from its front left leg Successfully treated 11-Feb 23 Cheetah Taita Hills Sanctuary Natural Causes Recent mother of 4 with injuries sustained during a hunt Successfully treated 12-Feb 23 Buffalo Tsavo West N.P. Natural Causes Adult female buffalo inured on the right forelimb at the elbow joint Successfully treated 14-Feb 23 Elephant Manyani Arrow Lame elephant bull with a swollen left front limb Successfully treated 14-Feb 23 Elephant Toroto, Emali HWC Elephant bull carcass found below an electricity transmission line Died. Electrocution 14-Feb 23 Elephant Lake Jipe Bullet wound Lame elephant cow spotted during an aerial patrol in the Lake Jipe area Successfully treated 15-Feb 23 Elephant Maungu Ranch Natural Causes Young elephant bull found alone, leaning against a tree, and breathing strenuously Successfully treated 17-Feb 23 Lion Tsavo East N.P. Natural Causes Injured pregnant lioness spotted in the Aruba area Successfully treated 21-Feb 23 Buffalo Manga HWC Translocation of a rogue sub-adult female buffalo posing a danger to SGR staff Task successful 22-Feb 23 Elephant Ithumba Arrow & Spear Elephant bull with arrow and spear wounds on its trunk Successfully treated 23-Feb 23 Zebra Maungu Snared Grevy’s Zebra with a snare around his head Successfully treated 25-Feb 23 Elephant Ithumba Arrow Elephant bull with an arrow wound Successfully treated
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations
February 2023
Zebra Snared Ndii Area
The SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit reported seeing an adult female common zebra with a wire snare around the neck by the roadside in Ndii area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The zebra had 2 tight wire snares around its neck. It was darted from a vehicle with 6 mg Etorphine and 40 mg Azaperone. The drugs took 5 minutes to take effect.
Upon examination, the zebra was found to be in good body condition. Luckily the snares had not inflicted any injury. The snares were cut loose with wire cutters and removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride delivered intravenously through the jugular vein. The zebra stood one and half minutes post-reversal and re-joined other zebras in the area
Prognosis
The zebra has a good prognosis.
Case 1 – 05th February 2023
Lion Natural Causes Pipeline Area
A KWS team on patrol spotted an adult lioness with porcupine spikes bellow its chin, neck region and lower abdomen. The lioness had been rescued from a similar situation a few months ago.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The Vet team found the lioness with another lioness, both animals were under a shade just beside the road. The injured lioness still had spikes under her chin, neck and around the thoracic region. The other lioness appeared to be in good health with no injuries. The injured lioness was active and in good body condition. Restraint was achieved chemically with 220 mg ketamine and 6 mg Medetomidine. The lioness was darted from a vehicle, and the animal was fully immobilized 7 minutes later. The other lioness was ushered away so treatment could be carried out. The injured lioness was noted to be heavily gravid. Removal of spikes was done manually. 2,250 mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 20 mg Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatories were dispensed intramuscularly. Additionally, 50 mg Ivermectin was given subcutaneously to get rid of both internal and external parasites. After waiting for an hour for full metabolization of Ketamine, the animal was revived with 15 mg Atipamezole hydrochloride injected intramuscularly. The lioness was up in 10 minutes.
Prognosis
The lioness has a good prognosis
Case 2 – 06th February
2023
Elephant Snared Rukinga Ranch
The Wildlife Works patrol team spotted a sub-adult elephant bull with a snare. This was later confirmed by their pilot and reported to the SWT-KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The snared elephant was found in a herd that was in dense bush. The young bull could barely be seen from the ground. Therefore, the SWT helicopter was called in to assist in identifying the animal and shepherding it away from the herd for darting. The elephant was successfully immobilized with 6 mg Etorphine delivered via a 1.5 Dan-Inject dart fired from the helicopter using a Dan-Inject CO2 rifle. Full anaesthesia was achieved 6 minutes post-darting. The young bull was found to be in a good body condition. It had a tight winch wire snare around its right hind leg. The snare was cut off with wire cutters then anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The young bull stood 2 minutes later and joined its family.
Prognosis
The elephant has a good prognosis
3 – 06th
Case
February 2023
Zebra Snared Ndii Area
An adult female zebra with a snare around its neck was seen by the roadside in the Ndii Area by the SWTKWS De-Snaring Unit.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The long wire snare was restricting the zebra’s movements since it was dragging the snare along the ground, and stepping on it with its hind legs as it went along. The snared zebra also had a foal. Immobilization was achieved by darting the animal with 6 mg Etorphine and 40 mg Azaperone, full sedation was achieved 7 minutes post-daring.
Upon examination, the zebra was found to be in good body condition. The snare was tightly bound around its neck, but luckily no injury had been inflicted. The wire snare was removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride delivered intravenously through the jugular vein. The zebra stood 2 minutes post reversal and re-united with its foal.
Prognosis
The zebra has a good prognosis.
Case 4 – 07th February 2023
Elephant Spear Kimana Sanctuary
The Big Life Foundation Patrol team spotted an elephant bull bleeding from its front left leg and requested immediate veterinary intervention.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The bull was found among a herd of elephants near a swampy area. It was limping slightly, and bleeding from its front left leg. The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 20 mgs Etorphine, full sedation was achieved after 7 minutes. 2 main wounds were observed on the elephant’s left front leg. The wound on the mid lateral side of the humerus was not too deep, the other wound around the lateral side of the metacarpus was about 20 cm deep and bleeding excessively. The priority was to stop the bleeding which was achieved surgically with Crile forceps. After controlling the bleeding, the wounds were disinfected with Iodine. Green clay was then packed into both wounds. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine antiinflammatories were given intramuscularly. An Iron dextran injection was also given due to the excessive loss of blood. Anaesthesia was reversed with 66 mg Diprenorphine administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 2 minutes later and walked back to the herd.
Prognosis
The bull was given a good prognosis, the vet is optimistic that the elephant will recover fully
Case 5 – 09th February
2023
Cheetah Natural Causes Taita Hills Sanctuary
The Taita Hills sanctuary patrol team noted that a cheetah that had recently became a mother of 4 was away from its cubs most of the time. The cheetah was observed to have some injuries on its hind limbs.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The animal appeared to be weak, and wounds were observed on her right rump. However, it was active and moved on seeing the veterinary team. Lameness was also noted on the animal’s left hindlimb. The cheetah was darted from a vehicle with 130 mg Ketamine and 1.8 mg Medetomidine. It was fully anaesthetized 8 minutes later.
Upon closer examination a large wound was observed on the right side just above the gluteus muscles beside the tail. The wound extended into muscle tissue, and it was about 10 cm long. Another wound was observed on the animal’s left hind limb; the wound was maggot infested, and it had split the paw exposing the metatarsal bones. Another maggot infested wound was also observe on the tail. The wounds were most likely inflicted by large prey, such as male impala, during a hunt.
The maggots and debris on the wounds were manually removed then the edges of the wounds were debrided and disinfected with Iodine. Deeper tissues were sutured with a simple interrupted pattern using absorbable vicryl. Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment was then infused into the wound. Topical antibiotics spray was applied on all the wounds followed by intramuscular administration of broad-spectrum Amoxicillin antibiotics and Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory. Ivermectin parasiticide was also given subcutaneously to take care of external and internal parasites.
Anaesthesia was reversed 1-hour post immobilization with 10 mg Atipamezole hydrochloride injected intramuscularly. The team watched as mother cheetah woke up after 8 minutes.
Prognosis
The mother cheetah was given a favourable prognosis.
Case 6 – 11th February 2023
Buffalo Natural Causes Kilaguni, Tsavo West National Park
Guests at Kilaguni Lodge spotted a limping adult female buffalo and informed the KWS security team around the Lodge. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was then notified and responded.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The injured buffalo was found near a water hole, away from the rest of the herd. The buffalo was injured on the right forelimb at the elbow joint. It was darted from a vehicle with 6 mg Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. The drugs took 7 minutes to take effect. Upon closer examination, the buffalo was found to have 3 deep septic wounds possibly from a lion bite.
The wounds were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsing with water, disinfected with Iodine and antibiotic wound spray applied topically Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were then administered Anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mg Diprenorphine injected via the jugular vein, the buffalo stood and walked to a nearby shade once it woke up
Prognosis
The buffalo has a guarded prognosis.
Case
– 12th February
7
2023
Case 8 – 14th February 2023
Elephant Arrow Manyani
The KWS patrol team saw a lame elephant bull near the road in the Manyani Area and notified the SWT-KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The bull was found alone, it was limping, and it avoided putting any weight on its front left leg. However, the bull was active and moved away when the team approached. Swelling was also observed near the carpus. Immobilization was achieved with 20 mg Etorphine, and the animal was fully sedated after 8 minutes. The bull was found to have an old, shallow wound at the carpus that was healing. It was suspected that an arrow had inflicted the injury. The wound was flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine then sprayed with Oxytetracycline antibiotic topically. 30,000 mg broad-spectrum Amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000 mg Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory were also administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 66 mg Diprenorphine injected intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The team watched as the bull stood and headed into the wild.
Prognosis
The elephant bull has a good prognosis.
Elephant Human – Wildlife Conflict Toroto, Emali
A KWS patrol team found an elephant bull carcass directly below an electricity transmission line in the Emali Area. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed and requested to carry out an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
General Post-mortem findings
The carcass was found in right lateral recumbency, it was heavily bloated and intact save for both tusks which had been removed by KWS security personnel for accounting and safe custody. A 3-phase power line was directly above the carcass with one of the lines hanging low. The remains of an old elephant carcass were seen in the vicinity. There were no signs of struggle at the scene; this was a case of sudden death. The elephant appeared to have been in good body condition before death (body score of 4.5 out of 5 where 1 is poor and 5 is good). Excessive bloating was evident with whole carcass muscle rigidity. Singeing of hairs on the trunk was observed along with singe marks on the distal trunk with burns on both soles of the front limbs.
Specific post-mortem findings
The carcass had good muscle and fat cover. There was thin flowing blood on opening the carcass. There was clear post-mortem distention of the entire gastrointestinal tract. There was normal ingesta in the stomach (both in quality and quantity). There was congestion of mucous membranes and blood capillaries. Poorly clotted blood was evident with extravasation in the muscles at the neck and lower abdominal region. There was excessive muscle oedema. There was congestion and oedema on the perineal region. Apart from general congestion all organs appeared normal in shape and texture. No other changes were seen in all the other systems.
Cause of death
Based on the history, physical and post-mortem examination the elephant died suddenly from electrocution. This was caused by the low hanging electricity transmission line that the elephant innocently touched with its trunk. The old elephant carcass remnant may have been from a victim that suffered a similar fate more than a year ago. To stop similar occurrences in future, the low hanging power line need to be fixed.
Case 9 – 14th February 2023
Case 10 – 14th February 2023
Elephant Bullet wound Lake Jipe
While on patrol, the SWT pilot spotted a lame elephant cow early in the morning in the Lake Jipe area. The SWT-KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed while attending to Case 9 and responded later
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was found recumbent in a thicket after more than 30 minutes of searching from the air. It immediately stood once the vet team approached. The elephant appeared alert and active, but it was clearly in a lot of pain. Anaesthesia was necessary for closer examination, the elephant was approached on foot and darted with 10 mg Etorphine. A deep wound (approx. 30cm deep) was observed around the shoulder joint. It was suspected that elephant had suffered a bullet wound, dark coloured blood was oozing from the wound. Palpation of the area indicated that it was likely that bone had also been damaged It appeared that the elephant was nursing given its engorged and active mammary glands. The wound was cleaned and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and water then disinfected with Iodine. In addition, long-acting antibiotics and antiinflammatories were administered parenterally. Anaesthesia was reversed with 30 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride. The elephant stood 3 minutes post-reversal and limped away.
Prognosis
The elephant’s prognosis is guarded to grave. Ground teams were advised to monitor the animal’s progress
Elephant Natural Causes Maungu Ranch
KWS rangers and Wildlife Works patrol teams reported finding a young elephant bull alone, leaning against a tree, and breathing strenuously.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The young bull could be heard from more than 15meters away struggling to breath. The elephant appeared weak, it had moved a few metres from where it was first seen and was resting under the shade. Given that anaesthesia could easily compromise its prognosis, caution was employed in sedating the animal. 10 mg Etorphine was administered in a 1.5 ml Dan-Inject dart. Darting was done on foot, and it took about 7 minutes for the bull to go down on right lateral recumbency. Upon closer examination, the animal was found to have some suppurative smelly discharge coming from the trunk. The bull had clear signs of respiratory distress. Doxycycline antibiotics and Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatories were administered intravenously then anaesthesia was reversed with 30 mg Naltrexone. The elephant struggled slightly, but it finally managed to stand and move deep into the wild.
Prognosis
The elephant has a guarded prognosis. Ground teams were advised to monitor the animal’s progress
Case 11 – 15th February 2023
Lion Natural Causes Aruba
Visitors in Tsavo East National Park spotted an injured pregnant lioness in the Aruba area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion appeared weak; it had wounds on the abdominal region near the inguinal area. It also had mild lameness on the right hind limb and another wound on the right gluteus muscle. The lion was darted with 200 mg Ketamine and 4.8 mg Medetomidine, the animal was fully sedated after 9 minutes. Upon closer examination, a large wound was found between the abdominal and inguinal area. Two more wounds were also found on the lateral side of its left hind leg. It was suspected that the lion had been gored by a buffalo. The wounds were shaved and cleaned, the wound edges were also refreshed and disinfected with Iodine. Deeper tissues were sutured first using a simple interrupted suture pattern with absorbable Vicryl sutures The wounds were then disinfected with Iodine and Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment infused into the wound. Topical antibiotic spray was applied on all the wounds. Broad-spectrum Amoxicillin antibiotics and Dexamethasone were also given intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 15 mg Atipamezole hydrochloride 1 hour post-darting. The lioness stood and walked to a nearby bush 10 minutes post-reversal.
Prognosis
The lioness has a good prognosis
Case 12 – 17th February 2023
Case 13 – 21st February 2023
Buffalo Human – Wildlife Conflict Manga
The SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit reported that a rogue sub-adult female buffalo had gone through the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor fence and was posing a danger to SGR staff.
Immobilisation, examination, treatment and relocation
The fierce, enraged buffalo charged at the vehicles when the team drove closer to observe the animal. The animal had injuries on its head from previous fights with other buffalos. It seemed nervous and exhausted. The buffalo was darted from a vehicle with 7 mg Etorphine and 70 mg Azaperone and was immobilized 9 minutes post-darting. The animal was then loaded onto a SWT truck for translocation. Amoxicillin antibiotics were administered intramuscularly, then the buffalo was translocated to Tsavo East National Park. At the release site, anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine administered via the jugular vein. The buffalo stood and ran into a thicket.
Prognosis
The buffalo has a good prognosis.
Elephant Spear & Arrow Kalovoto Area, Ithumba
While on patrol, the SWT pilot spotted an elephant bull with injuries on its trunk.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant bull was found among many other bulls in a thicket. The injured bull was darted from a helicopter with 20 mgs Etorphine. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take effect. Upon close examination, a wound thought to have been inflicted by an arrow was observed at the medial area of the trunk. When the bull was turned to its left side another large, infected wound with suppurative discharge was seen on the right side of the proximal trunk at the base of the right tusk. The wound was deep and most likely inflicted by spearing. The team surgically excised damaged devitalized muscle tissues and cleaned the wounds with water, flushed them with Hydrogen peroxide and cleaned them again with water. Iodine was infused into the wounds and green clay packed into them. 30,000 mg long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and 5,000 mg Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly then anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mg Diprenorphine and 150 mg Naltrexone injected intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The elephant stood 2 minutes later and joined the other bulls.
Prognosis
The elephant has a good prognosis
Case 14 – 22nd February 2023
