MONTHLY REPORT - VETERINARY CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR THE SOUTHERN CONSERVATION AREA (MVU) – December 2015

Introduction

The Amboseli ecosystem is currently experiencing heavy rains which have turned the area green with many temporary water holes filled up. Plenty of food and water usually leads to less human wildlife conflict and poaching attempts as many people turn to their farms to grow food plants. However, during this month we experienced two cases of human wildlife conflict, a situation where two lions were killed amid other cases which we handled.

CASE#1TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT WITH A BULLET WOUND

Date: 3rd December 2015

Species: Elephant

Sex: Male

Age: 30-35 yrs

Location: Ithumba, Tsavo East

History

The DSWT pilot at Ithumba reported to have spotted a male elephant with a suspected arrow head injury in the right fore limb. The veterinary team had to locate and assess the elephant from the helicopter since the vegetation was thick. Plans were made on how to immobilize and treat the elephant. The elephant was in a thick bush thicket but relatively easy to dart using the helicopter. The elephant was pushed to a relatively open ground for darting.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

This elephant was immobilised using 18mg EtorphineHcltopped up with water for injection in a 3 ml Dan - inject dart from a helicopter. The elephant went down in a dog sitting position after 10 minutes. He was placed into lateral recumbency with the help of a landcruiser. The trunk was maintained patent using a piece of stick placed across the nostril entrances. The temperature was high hence plenty of water was doused on the elephant to keep the body temperatures low.  The ears were used as blindfold. On physical examination the elephant had an approximately 5 inch deep wound (1-2 weeks old) on the right fore limb. The wound was septic and had necrotic tissue and most likelycaused by a bullet.

The dead tissue was debrided and removed and the wound thoroughly cleaned using clean water and Hydrogen Peroxide. It was then lavaged using tincture of Iodine before topical antibiotic cream and green clay were applied into the wound to facilitate healing and avoid infection. The elephant was then injected with 100 ml Betamox L.A, 1200 mg Clindamycin (Dalacin C) and 100 ml Dexamethasone at different sites intramuscularly. The entire operation lasted about 30 minutes.

Reversal

The anaesthetic was reversed using 60mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochloride into the ear vein was used. It took about 6 minutes to be fully awake from anaesthesia.

Prognosis

Good

CASE #2 ATTENDING TO A TRAPPED GIRAFFE

Date:9th December 2015

Species: Giraffe

Sex: Male

Age: Sub adult

Location: Lemongo area, Amboseli ecosystem

History

A giraffe was reported to have been spotted trapped in a 60 acre electric fenced plot in Lemongo area of Amboseli ecosystem. The giraffe could not jump over the fence and it was evident he had succumbed from the effects of electrocution from the powered fence.

CASE#3RESCUE OF ELAND AT AMBOSELI

Date:11th December 2015

Species: Eland

Age: Infant (1 month old)

Sex: Male

History

A young eland was reported abandoned in Amboseli by rangers. Efforts to reunite the young eland with the mother were not viable.A decision was made to relocate him to the DSWT rescue centre at Voi.

Restraint and Rescue

Physical restraint was used due to the age of the eland. Using a landcruiser the eland was relocated to the rescue centre for further nurturing and care.

The eland is in good health and chances of survival high.

CASE#4 POST MORTEM REPORT OF A LION

Date: 18th December 2015

Species: Lion

Age: Adult

Sex: Male

History

A report was done to the Amboseli National Park headquarters of a speared male lion after attacking people and livestock.

General examination

The lion had severe spear injuries to the lumbarsacral region and to the thoracic region. Seven spear penetrations were clearly visible and it was evident that the lion had succumbed from the fatal spear penetrations into the thoracic cavity.

CASE#5POST MORTEM REPORT OF A LION

Date: 19th December 2015

Species: Lion

Age: 3 months

Sex: Male

History

A report was done to the Amboseli National Park headquarters of a speared male lion.

General examination

The lion had severe spear injuries in the abdominal and thoracic region. Several spear penetrations were clearly visible and it was evident that the lion had succumbed from the fatal spear penetrations into the vital organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavity.

The lungs,gut and heart had been severely punctured.