Animal Planet to launch Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet

Animal Planet is adding a new show with a veterinary angle to its programming lineup this November. Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet is set to premiere at 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 7. The show centers on Dee Thornell, DVM, who practices in remote Alaska, following her as she travels across glaciers and works in subzero temperatures, even flying a small plane to reach her patients if needed.

Photo courtesy of Animal Planet.

Thornell, a former Midwesterner, started her business out of a pickup truck more than 25 years ago and now owns Animal House Veterinary Hospital in Fairbanks, Alaska, according to a release from Animal Planet. The hospital treats a variety of species that wouldn't necessarily show up on a veterinarian's day-to-day patient list in other areas: ox, moose, bear, beavers, bald eagles, chinchillas and iguanas. Those exotic cases often require her to leave her high-tech clinic and rely on the bare necessities in remote villages, using a small plane, four-wheeler or a horse and carriage to get there, the release states.

The first season will chronicle Thornell as she checks a team of sled dogs to ensure they're ready for glacier work, examines a black bear just out of hibernation, and embarks on a helicopter rescue of an injured horse. Thornell's team includes Terry Wighs, DVM; her husband, Ken, a pilot who accompanies her on house calls; and Nicole, the hospital administrator, according to the release. Thornell is a general contractor and built her own clinics throughout the years. She is also a former Ms. Alaska bodybuilder.

Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet joins Nat Geo Wild's The Incredible Dr. Pol,Vet School and Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet as television programs featuring veterinarians at work.

For more information about the show, visit animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dr-dee-alaska-vet/