Introduction The month experienced continued precipitation but with increased intensity. Much of the activities were restricted to early parts of the day as afternoons were characterized by heavy downpour which made mobility impossible. Among the major activities undertaken was ear notching of rhinos within the entire Masai mara conservation area which was carried out in collaboration with the KWS headquarters capture team and Narok county government. During the month we handled the following cases: Case#1 Treatment of an injured male lion Date: 9th December 2013 History This lion christened scar face is among the marsh pride of Mara. The management of Governors camp reported having seen this lion limping and spending most of the time lying. They suspected he could have been involved in a fight with males from another pride. Capture and assessment Capture was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 290mg Ketamine Hcl and 5mg medetomidine Hcl in a 3ml Dan inject dart delivered through Dan inject darting system. The drug was delivered on gluteus muscles and full anaesthesia achieved after 8 mins. The lion assumed sterna recumbency and for comfort he was placed on right lateral position after being blind folded. Eye ointment was used on the eyes to prevent dessication. All vital parameters were within range. On closer examination the lion was found to be having a fresh laceration wound on its right paw. This appeared to have been inflicted by a sharp object which he could have stepped on while hunting. No other injury was noted. Treatment The wound was cleaned with surgical spirit and iodine applied. Oxytetracycline spray was also applied. 3000mg Amoxycillin antibiotic and 20mg Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory was administered i.m. 7mg ivermectin was also given subcutaneously to get rid of internal and external parasites. Reversal This was achieved by giving 18mg Atipamizole Hcl 1 hr after darting and treatment completed. He woke up 12 mins after reversal. Prognosis Good.
Report by Dr.Campaign K. Limo