March 5, 2008

AQUARIUM SEA LION RECEIVES DENTAL LASER TREATMENT AND CHEMOTHERAPY

Vancouver, BC: The Vancouver Aquarium’s 14-year-old male Steller sea lion, Tag, received treatment today for a form of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which, in dogs, has been found to affect multiple adjacent tissues, but metastasises very slowly.

Tag, currently 640 kg, first arrived at the Aquarium as a two-week-old pup, and has participated in Steller sea lion studies conducted by UBC researchers as part of the North Pacific Universities Marine Mammal Research Consortium. Tag has had a history over the past 10 years of oral and dental problems, including having several procedures to remove loose teeth. During a procedure last month to remove necrotic tissue and a few teeth, a biopsy was performed. Results from the biopsies indicated cancer, for which Tag started treatment today.

“Our treatment plan has been developed with the help of some of the world's leading veterinary specialists - both locally and internationally,” said Aquarium Veterinarian Dr. Marty Haulena. “Animal care staff has been working incredibly hard so that we have the right training to make this as easy as possible on Tag. I can confidently say we are providing the very best possible care anywhere in the world for one of our most loved animals. The level of expertise, care, treatment, and even expense is second to none.”

This morning, Dr. Haulena anesthetised Tag, and with the help of a board-certified veterinary dental specialist used a highly-specialized laser to remove as much of the abnormal tissue as possible. As well, veterinary staff started Tag on chemotherapy, using one of the newest and safest anti-cancer drugs available.

“At this point, it is very difficult to say what the long-term outcome for Tag will be,” said Dr. Haulena. “We do expect to need to perform more procedures over the next year or so.  Our most important focus is on Tag himself - to make him as happy and comfortable as possible.”

Public viewing space around Tag’s habitat has been stanchioned off to provide him with additional quiet and comfort during his recovery.

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For further information, please contact:

Brenda Jones

Manager, Public Relations

publicrelations@vanaqua.org