Browsing by Author "Leiberich M"

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    A Portable Fluid Administration System for Prolonged Intravenous Fluid Administration in Subadult and Adult White Rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum)
    (Wiley Periodicals LLC, 2024-11) Leiberich M; Hooijberg E; van Heerden B; Meyer L
    While translocations of white rhinoceroses have become an important conservation tool, dehydration during long-distance transports has been identified as a welfare concern. Intravenous (iv) fluid administration might therefore be useful to mitigate dehydration; however, special requirements need to be met to make iv fluid administration suitable for large, wild rhinoceroses during transport. Requirements include a portable and robust system that is capable of delivering high flow rates, is easy to set up, and remains patent and operating for long periods of time while allowing the animals to freely stand or lay down in the transport crates. Due to the lack of suitable fluid administration systems, we developed a custom-made system consisting of 8 L drip bags, a three-part, 4.4-m–long, large bore and partially coiled administration set, and a robust, battery-operated infusion pump, which allowed us to successfully administer iv fluids at a maintenance rate of 1–2 mL/kg/h to eight rhinoceroses for 24 h during a mock transport. While iv fluid administration in transported rhinoceroses is time intensive and the large amount of drip bags required during lengthy transports might pose a limitation, the developed system may be useful for the long-distance transport of small groups of rhinoceroses. Furthermore, this system would be of value for injured or sick rhinoceroses, which require parenteral fluid therapy when commercially available infusion pumps cannot provide the large fluid volumes needed.
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    Ketamine-butorphanol-medetomidine for the immobilisation of free-living hyenas (Crocuta crocuta)
    (Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2024-03-01) Roug A; Meyer L; Netshitavhadulu L; Leiberich M; Buss P
    Free-ranging spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are immobilised for a variety of purposes, including wildlife-human conflict mitigation, research, and veterinary treatment. Combinations of tiletamine-zolazepam (Zoletil) and medetomidine are commonly used for immobilisation of hyenas, however, recovery times are long. In this descriptive study, a total of 20 adult or subadult free-ranging hyenas were immobilised near Skukuza in the Kruger National Park using ketamine, butorphanol, and medetomidine. The goal of the study was to evaluate a suitable dose and measure cardiorespiratory effects of this combination. The quality of induction and recovery were scored using an established scoring system from 1 (excellent) to (poor). Twelve of the 20 hyenas were given an induction score of 1 (excellent), five an induction score of 2 (good), and three an induction score of 3 (fair). Of the animals with induction score = 1, the mean drug dose was 1.17 mg/kg ketamine, 0.25 mg/kg butorphanol and 0.03 mg/kg medetomidine, and the mean induction time and time to handling 6:25 minutes and 9:46 minutes respectively. The mean recovery time (from reversal to standing) was 10:16 min, which is shorter than what has been reported for tiletamine-zolazepam-based combinations in hyenas. Most hyenas were bradycardic (< 40 beats per minute) and the mean PaO2 69.5 mmHg. Three hyenas, one with induction score = 2, and two with induction scores = 3 spontaneously recovered at 33, 44 and 56 minutes post approach respectively. Regardless of induction time, all hyenas reached a level of surgical anaesthesia while immobilised. Overall, ketamine-butorphanol-medetomidine (KBM) was effective in immobilising hyenas but induction times varied, and animals were bradycardic during immobilisation.
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    Promoting rhinoceros welfare during transit: veterinarians' perspectives on transportation practices
    (Medpharm Publications on behalf of the South African Veterinary Association, 2024-11-01) Macha ES; Meyer LCR; Leiberich M; Hofmeyr M; Hooijberg EH
    Despite translocation being a useful conservation strategy in rhinoceros management, morbidities and mortalities occurring during transportation pose a significant concern to rhinoceros managers, veterinarians, and scientists. The objectives of this study were to better understand the effects of transport on rhinoceros and to gain insights from veterinarians involved in rhinoceros translocations about current practices and potential interventions that could improve welfare. A weblink and QR code to an online questionnaire with a total of 46 questions in Google Forms was sent to veterinarians who had experience in African rhinoceros transportation, through personal emails and social network forums. Results demonstrated that despite dehydration and negative energy balance being reported as the major causes of morbidities and mortalities during transport and post-release, most veterinarians (30/35; 86%) involved in rhinoceros translocation did not offer water, parenteral fluids, or feed to transported animals, for logistical reasons and the knowledge or perception of rhinoceros' resistance to taking ad lib food and water during transport. However, 52% (15/29) and 41% (15/34) of participants suggested that parenteral fluids could be used as an intervention to mitigate dehydration and negative energy balance respectively. To reduce stress, 94% (33/35) of respondents suggested the use of tranquilisers and sedatives. This study is the first to systematically investigate and report on practices by veterinarians involved in rhinoceros translocations globally. The study highlights that further research is required to explore optimal and pragmatic techniques in the field to mitigate reported welfare challenges in rhinoceros during transport.
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