EPISODE 222 | RELEASED June 26, 2023

Can Regular Vets Do Chemo for Dogs? Yes! | Dr. Kristen Lester

Your general practice vet may be able to do your dog’s chemotherapy! This can save travel time and money.

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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

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