Cheetah with a sprained leg: This cheetah had just made a kill, but a painfully sprained leg left him without much to celebrate. Cheetahs rely on speed and stamina to catch their food, and such an injury could seriously limit his future hunting successes. Dr Limo anaesthetised the patient and investigated the root cause of his pain. Fortunately, there was no evidence of fracture or dislocation, so he was treated and reawakened with a good prognosis for a speedy recovery. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit left his meal undisturbed, and was happy to see him enjoying it later in the day.

Rhino caught in a fight: For a species as territorial as a rhino, fights can get fierce. This white rhino was a little worse for wear after a scrap with another male in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit conducted a morning treatment. His eye was in a bad way, but the team was relieved to find that his eyeball was still intact. A heavy dose of eye ointment, antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatories later, he was sent on his way with a positive prognosis.

Elephant with a leg injury: Later, the team proceeded to Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy, where they conducted a follow-up on a bull elephant treated by our Meru Vet Unit last week for a leg injury. Although he is still limping, he has already made enormous progress and is even putting weight on the leg. Dr Mijele is optimistic that the bull will make a full recovery. To help him along his way, the team injected long-acting antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatories.

Giraffe suffering from blunt trauma: The SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit started their day with a bull giraffe in Meru National Park. He had a wound on his left forelimb, which was likely the result of blunt trauma. Fortunately the treatment was a success and Dr Aminga is optimistic that he will make a complete recovery.

Grevy’s zebra in recovery: Later in the afternoon, the team conducted a follow-up on a Grevy’s zebra who had been relocated to Meru National Park. He had been found in a nearby town centre, where he sustained deep cut wounds all over his body. By all appearances, he is thriving in his new home. Dr Aminga was amazed by how quickly he has put on weight in such a short period of time, which is a good indication of his recovery. Grevy’s zebras are a highly endangered species, so it was extra special to see this stallion given a second chance.

This is but a peek into the week's activities of three of our SWT/KWS Mobile Veterinary Units. To learn more about all six teams, plus Sky Vets, and read the latest reports from the field, visit the Mobile Vets project page.