Joel Alves [30 June 2025] Good morning all, I am looking for some advice. We have an adult white rhino cow that was burned 10 days ago. Photos and videos are from yesterday afternoon and this morning. The information that we have is that she is moving relatively well, but in a small general area, as can be expected. She appears to be slightly lame on the right forelimb and I expect that the sole is potentially burned. She is still feeding and appears to be getting to water. The guys following have noticed a bad smell, likely associated with secondary infection of some of those burned areas. I remember discussions some time back on burned elephants that the outward appearance is often a lot worse than what the burns actually are and very often little is achieved by treatment. I’m interested in any thoughts or experiences on the above or with burned rhino. My current feeling is that the secondary infection could pose a serious issue without intervention. I am thinking along the route of knockdown, silver sulpha treatment of wounds, long term antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and take blood samples for clinical pathology and urinalysis for kidney function check. A boma is unfortunately unlikely at this stage, but I am trying to make a plan. Free roaming in large open system. Any thoughts? The alternative, like with the elephant, is to leave and monitor. Which worked in those cases. HO Reuter, [30 Jun 2024 at 11:01:04]: My gut feeling is that the wounds, infection, pain and general prognosis is probably worse than might seem. I would aim for a standing sedation with butorphanol plus medetomidine / Dormicum for closer assessment and treatment (including rectal fluids). Joel Alves, [30 Jun 2024 at 11:05:00]: Thanks HO. What would your doses look like for a compromised adult cow? HO Reuter, [30 Jun 2024 at 11:32:29]: Try butorphanol 50 mg + medetomidine 8 mg + midazolam 20 mg and give a bit of time to slow down and stand? If still strong after 15 minutes, assess, and give a top-up dose? Hendrik has done a lot more. Maybe he can advise if this recommendation is too low? Hendrik Hansen, [30 Jun 2024 at 11:49:55]: Hi HO, Joel. My normal knock down dose would be 150 mg butorphanol + 12 mg medetomidine, and some midazolam. HO, the 50 mg butorphanol and 8 mg medetomidine will be spot on for standing sedation in this compromised animal but give time (maybe 15 mins) before you try to blindfold. Joel, please let us know how the anaesthesia went. This is surely your safest option. Ulf Tubessing, [30 Jun 2024 at 12:00:35]: Hi Joel. I agree with immobilisation and topical treatment. Debride as much necrotic stuff as you can (consider rough nylon brush)! I have suffered severe 3rd degree burns and debridement was pretty drastic, but effective! I had skin grafts on the burns on my arms, but I refused to have them done on my legs. My legs actually healed nicer than the skin grafts on the arms. Conservative therapy with LA antibiotics will go a long way! Roy Bengis, [30 Jun 2024 at 12:22:43]: Two other thoughts Joel, check the corneas. My experience with burnt rhinos was they often have a severe keratitis. If no ulcers present, give intraconjunctival LA steroid and a bit of the systemic antibiotic that you are using. With burnt wild rhinos, bomas are not advised because they stress and don't eat. They do surprisingly well if left in the veld after initial treatment, as long as they are mobile. Joel Alves, [30 Jun 2024 at 12:28:51]: The boma would be an electric tape enclosed area as an attempt – in the field or close to the capture area. Jacques ODell, [30 Jun 2024 at 14:15:33]: Hi Joel It is the other way round - the effect is generally worse than what the burn wounds appear. I think you must intervene with systemic and topical antibiotics as well as pain meds. They lose a ton of protein through those wounds – I would definitely run blood analysis. If you can get hold of Prof Tony Shakespeare, then he will be able to give you a wealth of advice Good luck Jacques Henry Labuschagne, [30 Jun 2024 at 14:52:05]: I would also add doramectin to treat/ prevent maggots
