Introduction The Tsavo ecosystem continues to witness blessings in terms of heavy rains in the region and accompanying greening of vegetation. Seasonal rivers, dams and temporary water pools are now full and the vegetation lush green to the relief of wild game and the surrounding human population. The availability of food and water within the protected areas is expected to lead to decrease in case load, though the unit handled several cases related to injuries and conflict in the month of November. Elephant case with a swollen abdomen in Aruba, Tsavo East 3rd November. This is a case of an adult female elephant that was spotted near a water point with distended abdomen and appeared in pain due to its sluggish movement. Closer inspection revealed distended skin with oedema or pus accumulation. The elephant was immobilized and an old wound suspected to be an arrow wound above the swelling was cleaned and disinfected. The swelling was due to an infection spreading under the skin ventrally to the abdominal wall.
Report by: Dr. Jeremiah Poghon
The Mobile Veterinary Unit operated by The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust working with The Kenyan Wildlife Service and funded by Vier Pfoten.