Lady and the Vet

Last summer, Texas A&M University veterinarians treated the Baylor University mascot for a benign tumor using a revolutionary procedure.

Judge Sue “Lady” Sloan, a 17-year-old American black bear, holds the distinguished role as one of Baylor’s two live animal mascots, along with her sister, Joy.

During a routine checkup with specialists at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Dr. Sharman Hoppes diagnosed Lady with a benign mass in her chest called a thymoma.

Her care team—including zoological specialist Dr. J. Jill Heatley ’95 and radiation oncologist Dr. Lauren Smith—determined that stereotactic body radiation therapy, a treatment never before used on a bear, was the best course of action. The treatment uses many beams of high-energy photons to deliver large doses of radiation to the tumor and spare surrounding tissues.

After three trips to College Station for radiation doses, Lady is happily back home in Waco.

“We’re really lucky to be this close to Texas A&M,” said Dakota Farquhar-Caddell, associate director of student activities at Baylor University. “Joy and Lady are a beloved part of our community, and we’re really grateful that we have access to excellent care and resources.”