Dr. Kristin Lester is a general practice veterinarian who also offers chemotherapy for her cancer patients. You heard right – any vet can do chemotherapy, not just oncologists. Not all “regular” vets offer chemo, but those that do have some special safety equipment and protocols to keep the clinic staff, you, and your dog all safe and healthy.

Complicated and unusual cases still absolutely benefit from seeing an oncologist, but straightforward cancer cases may be able to be handled at your local vet’s office. If an oncologist isn’t an option in your area, see if your vet or another local vet is able to do chemotherapy. Oncologists are usually happy to give advice to other vets remotely.

Dr. Lester also tells the story of her incredible dog Sue Louise, the tutu-wearing hunting dog who inspired her passion for chemotherapy.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Show:

USP 800 Guidelines: https://www.usp.org/compounding/general-chapter-hazardous-drugs-handling-healthcare

2016 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/oncology-configuration/oncology-guidelines/

Videos of closed system transfer devices: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=closed+system+transfer+device+for+chemo

Related Links:

Palladia for Dogs (toceranib phosphate) article

Pet Cancer Care Consulting: Dog Cancer Care Online podcast episode

Is Dog Chemotherapy Worth It? article

Chapters:

0:00 Start

3:41 Sue Louise the Special Dog

9:56 Palladia Experience

12:01 Age is Not a Disease

13:32 Hooked on Chemo

16:53 Not Enough Oncologists

19:34 General Practice Vets Can Fill the Gap

20:48 Chemo Safety

26:44 Hood or Biosafety Cabinet

28:44 Closed System Transfer Devices

31:19 After Your Dog Gets a Chemo Treatment

33:58 Chemo Your Regular Vet Might Offer

36:04 Oncologist vs General Practitioner for Chemo

39:51 Resources for Vets Offering Chemo

About Today’s Guest, Dr. Kristen Lester:

I have always wanted to become a veterinarian. My grandfather practiced veterinary medicine for over 50 years, so at an early age I was exposed to the joys and fulfillment this career provides. My favorite part of practicing veterinary medicine is being challenged to seek out the right answers and support clients through good and hard times with their pet.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Louisiana Tech University. From there I was accepted to Louisiana State University where I graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2006. Geaux Tigers! After marrying my husband, Chris, we took a Facebook quiz that determined we should relocate to Charleston, South Carolina. We moved there on a whim. After discovering all of the wonderful benefits of the Carolinas, we made that area home for a little over a decade. Since then, we have relocated to the Tampa Bay area where I am a general practice veterinarian with a special interest in oncology. A typical day includes spays, neuters, dentistry, wellness visits, and dermatology, but it is my cancer cases that provide me the most fulfillment. There is something about taking something that is sad and scary and turning it into a positive experience for both the pet and their owner that brings me joy.

When not working, I enjoy being out in the great outdoors, watching football, taking naps with the pups, and eating delicious food with friends and family. Chris and I share our home with three dogs that we call the “Furballs of Fury” and are the proud guardians of Jeffrey, Pebbles, and Mary Frances. They keep us busy and fill our home with lots of love, funny stories, and dog hair.

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