Go behind the scenes with vet techs saving dogs from cancer — and meet Bear, the Labrador who defied the odds!
Jenny Fisher, an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) specializing in oncology, shares tales of hope and inspiration, plus insight into the critical roles that vet techs play in the care and treatment of dogs with cancer. From the day-to-day responsibilities of veterinary technicians to emotional and physical demands, Jenny opens up about what it's really like to work in a veterinary oncology team.
She also shares a heartwarming story about Bear, a Labrador who beat the odds thanks to cancer treatment and a dedicated veterinary team.
Key Topics Discussed:
• The difference between veterinary assistants, techs, and specialists
• Behind the scenes of a vet hospital’s cancer treatments
• The critical role of veterinary technicians in surgery and patient care
• The inspiring story of Bear, a dog who survived against the odds
• How veterinary technicians provide compassionate support to pet owners
• The physical and emotional challenges vet techs face daily
Your Voice Matters!
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.
Related Videos:
Your Dog Cancer Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOrT39LPcrU
Prepare for your first oncologist visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9ONO8g_8C0
Related Links:
A great article about the “behind the scenes” people on your dog cancer care team: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/building-your-team/meet-the-heroes-who-fight-dog-cancer-without-a-veterinary-license/
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Meet Jenny Fisher, RVT & Oncology Specialist
03:00 - Understanding Vet Tech Credentials and Specializations
04:45 - The Importance of Title Protection for Veterinary Technicians
06:30 - Who’s Who in the Vet Practice: From Reception to Veterinary Technicians
09:00 - What Vet Techs Can and Can’t Do: Surgical Assistance, Anesthesia, and More
12:00 - Bear’s Story: A Labrador’s Inspiring Journey Through Cancer Treatment
16:45 - The Emotional Impact of Veterinary Oncology on Vet Techs
18:15 - Why Vet Techs Leave the Profession: Pay and Job Protection Issues
20:30 - The Physical and Emotional Demands on Veterinary Technicians
23:00 - Long-Term Health Risks for Vet Techs: Radiation and Hazardous Drugs
25:45 - Managing Client Expectations and Communication in a Busy Hospital
28:00 - How Veterinary Technicians Handle Emotional Labor and Client Judgement
30:00 - Why Vet Hospitals Need More Vet Techs and Assistants
31:45 - The Cost of Veterinary Care: Efficiency and Staffing Ratios
33:00 - Becoming a Veterinary Technician: Training and Certification Explained
36:00 - The Role of Vet Techs in Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy, Radiation, and More
37:45 - Closing Thoughts: Jenny Fisher on the Future of Oncology Vet Techs
Get to know Jenny Fisher: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/jenny-cassibry-fisher-rvt-vts-oncology/
For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/