Other male lion coalitions from Masai Mara

[Gamiz]

From Lion lovers
Dr.Limo's Report Feb 2018:  "This old male christened ‘Lipstick’ was seen injured by the Mara Reserve rangers on their normal patrol. They called the vet unit for help. Lipstick found alone, hungry and severely limping on both his right front and right hind legs.

Immobilization, examination and treatment

Darting was carried out from a vehicle and it took eight minutes for the drugs to take full effect.

After positioning him well, examination revealed a sprain of his right shoulder with moderate swelling. His right hind leg was wasted from a long term injury with some degree of muscular atrophy. No fresh injury to this hind leg was evident.

This lion is over 15 years old with his upper canines worn out and infected. There was also advanced degradation of the incisors meaning this lion cannot live without other pride members to help him kill prey. Treatment involved administration of anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and reduce swelling as well as antibiotics to prevent any opportunistic infections.

There was also advanced degradation of the incisors  Due to his old age and worn out canines, this lion is approaching his sunset years

Reversal

Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved after one hour by use of Yohimbine given intravenously through saphenous vein. He woke up in four minutes and went to a shade.

Prognosis

Due to his old age and worn out canines, this lion is approaching his sunset years in the wild and might not live for long. The good thing is that the pride was still close by and they are still hunting for him, for now." Reply