Tratamiento de quimioterapia para una tigresa de Bengala en el zoológico de Thiruvananthapuram después de ser diagnosticada con cáncer

A Bengal tigress named Babita, currently residing at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in Kerala, is receiving chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer. The treatment marks a significant step in the management of the condition, which had previously been addressed only through palliative care due to the absence of established protocols for treating such cases in wild animals. Babita was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer affecting the mesothelial lining around internal organs. This diagnosis came after she exhibited symptoms including severe ascites, fluid buildup in the abdomen, and a noticeable loss of appetite. These signs prompted a thorough clinical evaluation conducted by the zoo's veterinary surgeon, Nikesh Kiran. Following this assessment, a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals confirmed the diagnosis. The team included Dr. Sachin Manoj, Dr. Jayakrishnan Narayanan, and Dr. Aiswarya Vijay from the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital in Kudappanakkunnu, along with Harish C. from the State Animal Disease Institute in Palode and Dr. Devi S.S., an assistant professor at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The decision to pursue chemotherapy followed recent deterioration in Babita’s health. Previous research from North Carolina State University highlighted the potential benefits of chemotherapy in treating a similar form of cancer in domestic cats, where it was associated with extending survival by roughly four months. Based on these findings and the urgency of the situation, the veterinary team opted to begin chemotherapy using carboplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent known for its efficacy against certain types of cancer. Babita will receive at least three doses of the drug, administered once every three weeks. Babita was originally captured by the Kerala Forest Department in March 2024 from the South Wayanad Forest Division. Her capture was necessitated by multiple instances of human-wildlife conflict in nearby residential areas. After relocation, she was placed under rehabilitation at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, where she continues to receive care and attention from both veterinary staff and conservation experts. The case of Babita underscores the challenges faced in managing complex medical conditions in wildlife, particularly when standard treatment protocols are lacking. It also highlights the increasing role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing such issues, bringing together veterinary science, oncology, and zoological expertise. As the treatment progresses, ongoing monitoring will be essential to assess its effectiveness and adjust the regimen as needed. The veterinary team remains focused on providing optimal care while ensuring that Babita’s well-being is prioritized throughout the process. With the administration of chemotherapy underway, the hope is that this intervention will contribute positively to her recovery and quality of life.