Rare cancer hits white tigress

In humans,melanoma occurs in people with light complexion,especially Europeans and Americans,whose skin lacks melanin pigments. Rare among both humans and animals,albinos (or animals with gene mutation) are in danger of contracting this type of cancer.

Dr Vinaya Jangale,national park veterinarian,said,“In October,we first noticed the cancerous growth under her eyes and removed it with laser surgery. Now,the malignant cells have returned around her throat. Unfortunately,our latest X-rays revealed that it has entered her lungs. We have started treating her with chemotherapy.”

On Thursday,experts from the Tata Memorial Hospital and other veterinary doctors visited SGNP,to offer consultancy and treatment. “Dr Pradip Choudhary of TMH’s Advanced Centre for Treatment,Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC),tested the speed at which the cancer is spreading and the prognosis doesn’t look too positive,” Jangale said. She said while hopes were high and chemotherapy was on,chances of Renuka’s survival looks bleak.

Former veterinary professor of the Bombay Veterinary college,Parel,Dr Chandrakant Wakankar said,“This type of cancer is peculiar to defective pigment cells and as far as we know,there is no existing record among animals. We administered the first dose of medication on the tigress today. However,her chances of recuperating depends on how she responds to the medication.”

Renuka’s illness has come as a shock to her keeper Mukesh More,who has been looking after her for the past 11 years. “For the past few days,her schedule is completely disrupted. She is under heavy anaesthesia and the medication is also tough on her. Strangely,she has been eating well,but it’s a huge stress on us,” he said.