Amazing Fish Story

Illinois veterinarians played a role in the remarkable recovery of Bubba, a Queensland grouper at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Bubba was diagnosed with a connective tissue cancer, but he recovered last year after an aggressive combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and laser treatments to remove the tumor—believed to be the first treatment of this kind for a fish.

Bubba’s biopsies were read through the College’s Zoological Pathology Program by its chief, Dr. Michael Kinsel (DVM ’93), and by Dr. Allan Pessier. Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko (DVM ’99), an associate veterinarian at Shedd as well as an adjunct clinical assistant professor at the College, reports that Bubba is doing “very, very well. There has been no recurrence of cancer in over a year. He’s in his new home—the 400,000-gallon Wild Reef exhibit—with over 30 sharks.” Currently more than 4 feet long and 140 pounds, Bubba may grow to 6 feet long and 600 pounds.

A new aquatics rotation organized by Dr. Mylniczenko for fourth-year Illinois veterinary students began in June.