FIELD VETERINARY REPORT FOR TSAVO MOBILE VET UNIT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2015

Reported By Jeremiah Poghon

Introduction

There was a reduction in cases this month due to improved security and the start of the rainy season which increases vegetation and water points thereby reducing human wildlife conflict. Tsavo Vet Unit were on leave for the majority of the month and many cases were handled by the Amboseli vet unit. The unit rescued an orphaned Buffalo calf from Lualenyi Ranch and brought it to Voi stockade for care and an elephant bull was treated for an arrow injury in Emusaya area north of Galana River.

CASE#1 RESCUE OF AN ORPHAN BUFFALO CALF

Date: 21st April 2015

Species: Buffalo

Sex: Male

Age: Infant

Location: Lualenyi Ranch

Rescue

The report was received from a cattle keeper in the ranch who kept the calf after it strayed into his herd. He kept the buffalo calf at his boma and came to Tsavo headquarters to request if he can raise it within the ranch of which he was denied due to the risks involved when the buffalo grows up.

The calf was rescued, placed onto a vehicle and transported to Voi elephant stockade.

He was given glucose water and then introduced to dilute milk.

CASE#2 TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT WITH AN ARROW WOUND

Date: 4th May 2015

Species: Elephant      

Sex: Male

Age: Adult

Location: Emusaya, Tsavo East

History

The DSWT aircraft patrolling the northern sector of Tsavo east spotted five elephant bulls and among them was one injured bull with pus oozing from an injury on the right side of the abdominal wall. The team rushed to the area to find the injured bull still within the vicinity.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

This elephant was immobilised using 18mg Etorphine in a Dan - inject dart from a vehicle using a Dan inject dart rifle. The elephant was immobilized after 6 minutes and fell on the lateral side. The team went into action with the rangers pouring water on the ears while the vet undertook the examination.

There was a penetrating wound to the right abdominal wall thought to have been caused by an arrow with pus oozing out. An incision was made at the lowest point to drain the pus and soil material from the wound. The wound was cleaned using Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water and doused with tincture of Iodine then covered with green clay. Long acting Amoxicillin and Dexamethasone were administered parenterally.

Reversal

The anaesthetic was reversed with Diprenorphine Hcl at 3 times the Etorphine dose administered intravenously.

Prognosis

Prognosis is good

Conclusion and acknowledgement

The unit would like to appreciate the support of its sponsors ViER PFOTEN through the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) for their continued support. We also thank Kenya Wildlife Service through the Assistant director Tsavo conservation area and the head, veterinary and capture services department for their contribution. Many thanks to Southern Conservation Mobile vet unit (SCMVU) based in Amboseli national park for holding brief while the Tsavo vet unit was on off duty.