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.
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: www.usp.org/compounding/gener...
- 2016 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/...
- Videos of closed system transfer devices: ruclips.net/user/results?searc...
Related Links:
- Palladia for Dogs (toceranib phosphate) article - www.dogcancer.com/articles/dr...
- Pet Cancer Care Consulting: Dog Cancer Care Online podcast episode - www.dogcancer.com/podcast/bui...
- Is Dog Chemotherapy Worth It? article - www.dogcancer.com/articles/dr...
0:00 Start
3:43 Sue Louise the Special Dog
9:58 Palladia Experience
12:03 Age is Not a Disease
13:34 Hooked on Chemo
16:55 Not Enough Oncologists
19:36 General Practice Vets Can Fill the Gap
20:50 Chemo Safety
26:46 Hood or Biosafety Cabinet
28:46 Closed System Transfer Devices
31:21 After Your Dog Gets a Chemo Treatment
35:14 Chemo Your Regular Vet Might Offer
37:20 Oncologist vs General Practitioner for Chemo
41:07 Resources for Vets Offering Chemo
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Get to know today's guest, Kristen Marie Lester, DVM: www.dogcancer.com/people/kris...
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: www.dogcancer.com/podcast/dia...

[@DogCancer]

Were you able to have dog chemotherapy done at your regular vet's office, or did your pup go to see an oncologist?

[@user-kf5yl2ek2c]

How dangerous is for people leaving with their dogs that are under chemotherapy? I gave a kiss to my dog to his mouth right after his first chemotherapy when the pet doctor brought the dog back to me . Should I be concerned ?

[@DogCancer]

Thanks for your question! Most likely your exposure was minimal, if you had any at all. Please check this article and the "Harms to Humans" section to get a fuller understanding of the potential risks.

[@DogCancer]

www.dogcancer.com/articles/drugs/dog-chemotherapy/