Dr Kirsty Thompson graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2009. After initially working in the UK, she made the move to New Zealand in 2012 and hasn’t looked back!

Kirsty has always had an interest in oncology and over the years has done numerous courses and attended various conferences to continue to educate herself in an always developing field. Further advise is sought from Veterinary Oncology Consultants in Australia.

A diagnosis of cancer can be scary and there are understandably lots of questions and decisions to be made. An informed decision making process is important and Kirsty can help to guide you through the various stages of diagnosis, surgery (if required) and other ongoing treatment options such as chemotherapy or palliative care.

Cancers can vary as to how aggressive they are and whether they have spread. To identify this, a number of tests can be run which may include blood and urine tests, imaging (radiographs, ultrasound or CT) of the chest and abdomen and biopsies (fine needle aspirates or surgical). The majority of these tests can be done within the clinic or can be organised easily. Kirsty works closely with Dr Richard Lucy on a lot of these cases using his ultrasound skills to not only diagnose, but also monitor the response to treatment and progression.

Kirsty receives a lot of referrals from all around South Island for chemotherapy treatment. Depending on the type of cancer this can be as a first line treatment or additional treatment following surgery to help ‘mop up’ any remaining cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy in animals is different to humans and although similar drugs are used, only 10-20% of patients experience minimal side effects. These can usually be managed on an outpatient basis. Chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously or orally and we are fully set up to administer these drugs safely, adhering to Best Practice Cytotoxic Regulations. Click here for more information on Chemotherapy in Animals.

Working alongside Kirsty is Emily, one of our nurses. She has also has an interest in oncology and  is very passionate about her work. She provides excellent patient care and really does form a bond with both pets and owners alike.

Some of the cancers that are seen and have been treated in the clinic are:

  • Lymphoma
  • Splenic tumours
  • Mast cell tumours
  • Osteosarcoma – bone cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Mammary tumours
  • Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma) – bladder cancer
  • Prostatic carcinoma
  • Soft tissue sarcoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma

Ultimately, quality of life is the priority for our much loved pets and Kirsty and the team are here to help you with this as much as possible.

To organise a referral your usual clinic will need to send through all of your pets notes and diagnostic test results. Kirsty will then read through them and one of our team will contact you to arrange an appointment. These are usually done on a Thursday morning and patients can then be admitted and further diagnostics performed on the day if required.