Wednesday 23 April 2014

APRIL 2013 ROTHSCHILD GIRAFFES’ SWELLINGS IN LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Introduction
A Rothschild giraffe was spotted 10-4-2012 with a swelling on the upper left fore limb. It was ambulating well and browsing normally. The swelling appeared to have developed a wound on its lateral surface. The Naivasha Mobile Veterinary unit was called to examine the animal.

Findings
It was established that:
- Several giraffes are affected
- Three males and one female were spotted.
- The swellings are located at pressure points (left elbow) except in female were bilateral
- They were ranging in sizes from approximately 2kgs to1/4kgs
- The one sighted on 10/4/2012 (Fig.1) was not located on 11/4/2012. Others were seen instead
- One candidate was darted (Fig. 11) and the swelling was approximately 2kgs. The swelling was firm and yielded nothing upon aspiration attempts from various points
- All animals appeared to have no pain and were ambulating well
- All affected animals were adults and relatively old as all had black colorations

Conclusion/Recommendations
- The wounded swollen one to be sighted and reported so that it can be attended to and sampled
- The ones not wounded to be put under observation and progress of the swellings noted by area research scientist. This to be reported regularly to area vet after every two weeks
- Excision was not considered because of the size of the swellings. The wounded one would be best to sample and institute preliminary study and determine the way forward. Heavy bleeding was feared as a result of any surgical intervention

- Differential diagnosis considered include abscesses and cancerous growths

Fig.1: Reported R.Giraffe with wound

Fig.11: The candidate darted

Fig.111: Another candidate with the swelling






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