SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
MAY 2023
Introduction
12 Cases in May 9 Lion Cases
May Report by Dr. Campaign Limo
6 Elephant Cases
Many parts of the Tsavo Conservation Area had enough water and forage after the abundant rain received in April. Vast vegetation cover was noted in the Northern Area which seemed to have received a fair share of the rain Some of the cases attended to in May were in the Amboseli Conservation Area. The team attended to 18 cases in total. These included 2 lion treatment cases, 7 lion spear/HWC post-mortem cases, 5 elephant treatment cases, 1 elephant de-snaring case, 1 common zebra de-snaring case, 1 African rock python treatment case and 1 black rhino treatment case.
Acknowledgement
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit appreciates all the stakeholders who facilitated the veterinary interventions undertaken over this period. The team is grateful for the ongoing funding received from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the technical support provided by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) management.
Case Details
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations
May 2023
Lion Natural Causes Aruba Area, Tsavo East National Park
Tourists spotted a limping adult male lion in the Aruba area and informed park management. This was then relayed to the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The injured lion was approx. 3-4 years old; it was found in the Aruba area with another male lion. The team observed that the lion was limping slightly on the left forelimb. The lion was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 250 mg Ketamine and 5.6 mg Medetomidine. The animal was fully immobilized 10 minutes later Close examination revealed thorns on the lion’s paw and wounds caused by thorns. The lion also had a big injury on the left lower canine gum. The wounds were disinfected with Iodine and infused with Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Dexamethasone anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was then reversed with 20 mg Atipamezole hydrochloride administered intramuscularly. The lion stood 12 minutes post-reversal and walked to a nearby bush.
Prognosis
The lion has a good prognosis
Lion Human-Wildlife Conflict Iltilal, Amboseli
An ill adult lioness, approx. 4-5 years old, was found by the community near Itilal Centre. The lioness could barely move. They notified the Amboseli Lion Conservation Trust and KWS officers who then informed the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lioness was found lying prostrate under a small shrub. Nearby, there were remains of a zebra that had been preyed upon. The lioness appeared weak, and traces of vomitus could be seen near the animal. This was suspected to be a poisoning case.
The lioness was not immobilized since it was an anaesthetic risk. It was darted with 12 mg Atropine followed by 3 mg Atropine every 20 minutes until 24 mg in total was delivered. Dexamethasone anti-inflammatories were also administered intramuscularly with a Dan-inject dart. Darting was carried out on foot. Some slight improvement was noted and after an hour the lioness went into a partial coma. More Atropine was administered intravenously and Catasol administered intramuscularly. Monitoring and guarding the lioness overnight was advised as additional treatment was to be administered the following day
On 08th May 2023, the team carried out follow up treatment. However, no improvement occurred. Extreme dehydration was noted, and intravenous fluid was given comprising 1,500 ml Normal saline, 500 ml RL and 100 ml 50% Dextrose. Sadly, the lioness was reported dead on 09th May 2023.
Cause of death
The lioness was a poisoning victim. The causative poison is under investigation, but preliminary assessment points to synthetic pyrethroids.
Elephant Spear Iltialal, Amboseli
Local patrol teams and KWS rangers reported an adult elephant cow that was dragging its left hindlimb
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant cow was found with 2 calves, it was limping and almost dragging its left hindlimb The injured mother was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 17 mgs Etorphine. It took 9 minutes for the drugs to take full effect. The elephant assumed left lateral recumbency when it went down Close examination revealed a deep wound on the foot that was clearly a fresh spear wound. The point of entry was the front while the exit was through the caudo-lateral aspect of the sole. Damaged devitalized muscle tissue was surgically exercised then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, infused with Iodine, and packed with green clay. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine antiinflammatories were given intramuscularly then anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 100 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The elephant stood 3 minutes post-reversal and walked towards its calves.
Prognosis
The elephant has a good prognosis.
Cases 4 – 13th & 14th May 2023
Lion Human-Wildlife Conflict Imbirikani, Amboseli
Big Life Foundation and local KWS management informed the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit about 6 subadult lions that were speared and killed at Imbirikani Conservancy. This occurred after the lions invaded a nearby livestock homestead during the night on 12th May 2023 and killed 12 goats and a dog. The lions were driven away by rangers and sought refuge at Big Life Foundation fenced headquarters. An agitated, armed crowd broke down the fence and retaliated by spearing the lions to death around 9 am on 13th May 2023. On 14th May 2023, another lion suspected to be from the same pride was speared to death by the same crowd after it was found in the homestead of a local woman. This brought the total number of lions killed to 7 (i.e., 5 males and 2 females). The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was requested to carry out post-mortems on the lions on the same day they were killed.
General post-mortem findings
The carcasses of the 6 lions were found at different points near the fenced area, it appeared that they met their death as they tried to escape. They all exhibited multiple spear wounds at different areas of their bodies. The victims appeared to have been in fair to poor body condition prior to their death. Another male lion was speared to death the following day after it strayed into a homestead within the Imbirikani area.
Case 4a – 13th May 2023
Specific post-mortem findings
This sub-adult male lion, approx. 18 - 24 months old, was in fair body condition before death. The carcass had multiple spear wounds with a deep wound on the left forelimb near the scapula region There was a puncture wound on the right lumber region, protruding intestines and another puncture wound on the ventral chest. Upon opening the carcass, excessive bleeding was evident with blood in the thoracic cavity, there was peritoneal perforation, and the heart, diaphragm and liver were punctured
Immediate cause of death
Excessive bleeding.
Case 4b – 13th May 2023
Specific post-mortem findings
This sub-adult female, approx. 14-16 months old, appeared to have been in fair body condition before death. Multiple spear wounds were seen. Deep spear wounds were seen on the right thoracic and abdominal region, right scapula and the right side of the neck. Other deep wounds were observed on the ventral abdomen, left scapula, right biceps and on the head. The diaphragm and stomach were punctured with gastrointestinal contents in the pleural cavity. Both lungs were also damaged.
Immediate cause of death: Excessive bleeding.
Case 4c – 13th May 2023
Specific post-mortem findings
Sub-adult male lion, approx. 18 -24 months, with fair body condition before death. Multiple spear wounds seen with a major one slicing the left cheek. Notable spear wound on the right biceps, 2 penetrating wounds on the right thoracic region, 3 puncture wounds on the left abdomen. Findings upon opening the carcass were a broken right 4th rib; peritoneal perforation; and a punctured diaphragm.
Immediate cause of death: Excessive blood loss.
Case 4d – 13th May 2023
Specific post-mortem findings
This lioness, approx. 18 -24 months, appeared to have been in fair body condition before death. Multiple spear wounds were seen A large wound was on the dorsal aspect of right scapula exposing the cervical vertebrae. There were notable deep wounds on the sternal region and ventrolateral thorax. A large superficial slice wound was seen on the right lateral abdominal region. Upon opening the carcass, the heart, lungs and stomach were found to have been punctured.
Immediate cause of death: Severe blood loss.
Case 4e – 13th May 2023
Specific post-mortem findings
This sub-adult male lion, approx. 18 - 24 months, was in fairly good body condition before death. Multiple spear wounds were observed. There were deep wounds on the ventral chest, right thoracic region, right abdominal region, right lumbar region and on the sternum. Upon opening the carcass, multiple liver punctures were seen, and the heart was also punctured.
Immediate cause of death: Severe blood loss.
Case 4f – 13th May 2023
Specific post-mortem findings
This sub-adult male lion, approx. 16 months old, was in fair body condition before death. Externally, multiple spear wounds were seen with a shuttered right scapula. There was a deep wound on the right abdomen exiting on the left side, and another wound on the lumbar region and left thorax. Upon opening the carcass, the lungs and the heart were found to have been punctured.
Immediate cause of death
Excessive blood loss.
Case 4g – 14th May 2023
Specific post-mortem findings
This sub-adult male, approx. 16 -24 months, was in poor body condition before death. There were 2 deep wounds on the right thorax exiting on the left side; a deep wound on the left lateral abdomen exiting on the right; old septic fight wounds were seen on the left side of the neck near the elbow joint and the right front paw. Upon opening the carcass, the colon, the heart and both lungs were found to have been punctured Multiple abscesses were seen in the liver and heart worms, all considered as incidental findings.
Immediate cause of death: Severe blood loss.
Elephant Spear Kimana Gate, Amboseli National Park
An elephant bull that was limping was seen near Kimana Gate by a KWS patrol team.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The bull was found alone in an area with enough forage and water. It seemed to be in pain, the animal’s right hindlimb was swollen at the level of the knee joint proximally. There was straw like discharge emanating from a wound on the medial side of the limb. The elephant was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 20 mgs Etorphine. Close examination revealed a wound just below the level of the knee joint caudally and another wound on the medial side just above the knee joint. The wounds were communicating. It was suspected that the wounds were caused by a spear. Damaged devitalized muscle tissue was surgically excised, the wounds were then debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with a foley catheter, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotic and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 36 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and continued feeding nearby.
Prognosis
The elephant bull has a guarded prognosis.
Rhino Natural Causes Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary
The rhino patrol team reported that an adult black rhino named Benjamin had developed new wounds after being treated late last year for filarial wounds on his face. A treatment plan was put together involving a team from KWS headquarters backing up the Tsavo team.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Benjamin was found alone near Ngulia Safari Lodge in thick bush He was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 4.5 mgs Etorphine hydrochloride and 80 mgs Azaperone. The drugs took full effect after 9 minutes with the rhino assuming left lateral recumbency. 5 mg Butorphanol tartrate was administered intravenously to improve respiration before examination was conducted. Oxygen was also administered through the nostrils for respiratory support.
Examination revealed multiple fresh wounds with irregular edges external to the right ear, around the chest, and on both forelimbs around the elbow joints. The wounds were shallow ulcers that did not go beyond the subcutis. This was assessed and considered to be a condition caused by filarial worms. Benjamin had difficulty breathing, his left nostril was partially obstructed by a healed scar which was causing a rough snoring noise as he breathed.
The wounds were cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine, and packed with green clay. Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously to control external and internal parasites. Oxytetracycline antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were also administered accordingly
Anaesthesia reversal was achieved with 24 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 50 mgs Naltrexone administered intravenously though an ear vein, 24 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride was also given intramuscularly. Benjamin woke up 3 minutes post-reversal and walked away slowly to a nearby thicket.
Prognosis
Benjamin has a favourable prognosis.
Elephant Snared Ol-Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park
A young elephant bull with a wire snare around the left hindlimb was spotted by research scientists from the Amboseli Trust for Elephants.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The young bull was found alongside its mother amidst an elephant herd that was in the middle of a swamp It was shepherded away from the herd and its mother and darted from a helicopter with 7 mg Etorphine. Full immobilization was achieved after 8 minutes. Upon examination, the young bull was found to be in a good body condition. A plain wire snare was observed around the right forelimb. Luckily, the snare had not inflicted any injuries. The snare was removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The young bull stood 3 minutes post-revival and joined its family.
Prognosis
The young elephant bull has a good prognosis.
Python Natural Causes Manyani Training School
An injured juvenile male African rock python was spotted by students at the school who informed the KWS Training school management.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The python had a wound on the right side of the neck that was infested with maggots The snake was physically restrained by holding it by the neck. Close examination revealed a maggot infested wound on the right lateral side of the neck. The wound was flushed with dilute Hydrogen peroxide after the maggots were removed manually with forceps. Ivermectin was splashed onto the wound then the wound was disinfected with Iodine. An antibiotic spray was applied along with Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics were also administered intramuscularly.
Relocation and prognosis
The team translocated the python to the nearby Tsavo riverbank. The snake has a good prognosis.
Elephant Snared Kiboko
A snared sub-adult elephant bull was spotted by a SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit. The young bull had a terrible snare wound on the right forelimb caused by a wire snare.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The young bull was found with a companion. The snared bull was darted from a helicopter with 15 mgs Etorphine, and fully immobilized 10 minutes later Close examination revealed a septic maggot infested wound above the tarsus joint. Maggots were manually removed then damaged devitalized muscle tissue was surgically exercised The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine, and packed with green clay. Topical antibiotic spray was then applied. 30,000 mg Amoxicillin antibiotics and 5,000 mg Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly while Ivermectin was injected subcutaneously to control external and internal parasites Anaesthesia reversal was achieved with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 50 mg Naltrexone given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and joined its companion.
Prognosis
The young bull has a favourable prognosis.
