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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