04/24/2025
Here's an update on Katya (the Amur tiger)'s treatment with our Immunocidin immunotherapy. We're so pleased to hear that her bladder tumor is shrinking! Another win for Immunocidin!
The veterinary team at Seneca Park Zoo has confirmed that Katya, our nearly 20-year-old female Amur tiger, is undergoing treatment for a noncancerous tumor on her bladder wall.
“We discovered the mass during a routine physical evaluation about a year ago,” said Seneca Park Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Chris McKinney. “Given her advanced age, and because testing indicates it is likely a noncancerous tumor, surgery is not an option. We began a protocol of Immunocidin, the same medication we used to slow the growth of Masai giraffe Kipenzi’s malignant tumor.”
On March 20, 2025, Katya was sedated for treatment of an ingrown nail, common in geriatric big cats, and for an ultrasound of her bladder to check the tumor. The ultrasound shows that the bladder tumor has reduced in size about one-third since February 2024.
“Clearly, the medication is helping, and Katya has not shown any symptoms related to her tumor,” Dr. McKinney continues. “Her blood work also looks very good. She does have some arthritis which is very common at her age. She receives weekly laser therapy for her hips and shoulders, as well as medications to reduce inflammation to help alleviate arthritic symptoms.”
“Katya’s advanced age is a testament to the care she receives from our Animal Health and Animal Care teams,” said Seneca Park Zoo Director Bob Lee. “Our teams will continue to monitor Katya closely for any changes in health.”
To read the complete press release, visit:https://senecaparkzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Seneca-Park-Zoo-Amur-Tiger-Treated-for-Nonmalignant-Tumor.pdf
