SWT/KWS Meru Veterinary Unit Report for September 2025

SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

SEPTEMBER 2025

3 Cases in September 2025

September Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan

100% Success

1 Elephant Cases

The month of September in the Meru ecosystem was characterized by extreme day and night temperatures. Most of the seasonal water pans have dried up, while the permanent rivers, though at low levels, continue to sustain wildlife across the landscape. Vegetation has dried out significantly, and sporadic incidents of wildfires were reported.

During the month, the SWT/KWS Meru Veterinary Unit attended to three cases. In Meru National Park, the team administered prophylactic vaccination against trypanosomiasis to Sep- the tracker dog attached to the Meru Rhino Canine Unit and treated Farid, an adult lion, for marked lameness and a fractured canine, both with a favourable prognosis. At Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the team treated Ngare Mara, a juvenile orphaned female elephant, for a trunk injury, also with a favourable prognosis

Acknowledgement

The success of these interventions was made possible through the steadfast generosity of Sylvie Chantecaille, whose continued support via the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has significantly strengthened the operations of the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit. This commitment has enabled the team to respond promptly to emergencies, thereby safeguarding the health and welfare of iconic wildlife species across the Eastern Conservation Area. We extend our gratitude to the Kenya Wildlife Service for their strategic leadership and logistical guidance. The coordination provided by the Senior Assistant Director for the Eastern Conservation Area, together with the Head of the Veterinary Services Department, was instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of our operations. Their collaboration remains central to the success of our conservation mission. We also sincerely appreciate the support of other conservation partners, including the Born Free Foundation and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, whose contributions were invaluable during our various interventions.

Case Details

September 2025

Case 1 – 16th September 2025

Security Dog

Technical Case

Meru National Park

The security dog at Meru National Park plays an essential role in wildlife conservation through tracking poachers and detecting illegal activities within the Meru ecosystem. However, this canine faces a significant health risk from Trypanosomiasis, a highly fatal disease transmitted by tsetse flies. To safeguard his wellbeing and sustain his effectiveness in anti-poaching operations, the Meru Veterinary Team administered a prophylactic vaccination against Trypanosomiasis to Sep, a security dog with the Meru Canine Unit

Immobilisation and treatment

To facilitate a smooth examination, the dog was first introduced to the attending veterinarian to ensure he remained calm. On physical examination, he was found to be in fair body condition (score 3/5), active, and alert. Notable findings included excessive shedding and a subcutaneous swelling on the leg. His body weight was recorded at 27.8 kg, which was used to calculate the appropriate drug dosages.

The dog was fitted with a muzzle and administered a subcutaneous injection of 0.8 ml Triquin (a combination of Quinapyramine sulphate and Quinapyramine chloride) on the dorsal aspect of the neck. The subcutaneous swelling was confirmed to be due to a mango worm infestation, which was manually extruded. The wound was flushed with sterile saline and infused with an antibiotic ointment. Additionally, he received 10 mgs of Ivermectin subcutaneously and an intramuscular injection of metabolic stimulants. No adverse reactions were observed following drug administration, and the overall prognosis was considered good.

Case 2 – 18th September 2025

Lion

Natural Causes

Meru National Park

The SWT/KWS Meru Vet Unit received a report regarding an adult male lion named Farid, who had been sighted with pronounced lameness in the right hind limb. The Born Free Foundation team monitored and tracked the lion, whilst the Vet Team mobilized and proceeded to his reported location along Kubai Road.

Immobilisation and treatment

The lion was approached slowly with a vehicle and darted on the right shoulder with a combination of 6mgs Medetomidine and 270mgs Ketamine.

Examination revealed evidence of a previously sustained tibiofibular joint fracture, most likely incurred during a hunting attempt, which had healed but left the animal with a permanent limp. Further examination revealed a fractured upper right canine extending below the gum line with suspected ankylosis, rendering extraction complicated. Food debris lodged in the cavity was flushed out with normal saline, followed by irrigation with dilute Hydrogen peroxide. Supportive treatment administered included antibiotics, antiinflammatories, and metabolic stimulators.

Prognosis

The prognosis is fair. The lion will continue to be closely monitored, with follow-up treatment if necessary

Case

Elephant

Other Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Mathews Range

A call was received from the Manager at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, concerning an orphaned elephant named Ngare Mara who had sustained an injury on the dorsal aspect of the trunk near the tip after it was accidentally trapped by a door. As it was already late, the intervention was scheduled for the following morning. The veterinary team was airlifted from Meru National Park to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary by a fixed-wing aircraft to assess the injury and administer the necessary medical care.

Immobilisation and treatment

Ngare Mara was found inside the enclosure, calm and feeding, while being comforted by her caregivers. Examination of the trunk revealed a fresh, irregular cross-sectional cut, though no active bleeding was observed. She was hand-injected with 7mgs Etorphine and became recumbent within five minutes.

The wound was thoroughly flushed and cleaned with normal saline to remove dirt and debris, after which the edges were apposed using a simple interrupted suture pattern. An antibiotic ointment was infused along the suture line before being covered with green clay and an antibiotic aerosol to deter flies. Intramuscularly she was administered with 1,000mgs Flunixin meglumine, 4,500mgs Amoxicillin, and metabolic stimulants.

Prognosis

The elephant stood up within two minutes of reversal, appearing relieved, with a favorable prognosis. .