The health of your pet’s kidneys is a crucial aspect of keeping your pet healthy. Hemodialysis, also known as dialysis, is a well-known treatment for declining kidney function. Dialysis is not a solution to kidney problems; however, it does fulfill the blood-filtering role that kidneys typically perform until they heal.
Dialysis is much more than an option for treating kidney insufficiency. In treatment for different conditions, dialysis can be altered to eliminate harmful substances from circulation or to remove the liquid component of blood, referred to as plasma.
What are the advantages of hemodialysis to your pet?
Through hemodialysis, harmful metabolites are eliminated from blood, electrolytes are balanced, and any extra water that the kidneys cannot stop is eliminated. The presence of toxic substances in your pet’s blood could cause illness or even death in some cases when left untreated. Here are a few additional advantages of hemodialysis:
Detecting and Removing Dangerous Substances
Ethylene glycol, also known as automobile antifreeze, is a different chemical molecule that can be easily removed by dialysis. Dialysis should be initiated within 8 hours of antifreeze consumption to eliminate it. Byproducts of antifreeze can cause severe renal damage if they are not eliminated early enough through dialysis.
If the issue isn’t treated, dogs who consume antifreeze but do not receive prompt medical attention could risk the death of their pet, long-term renal impairment, or even surgery. If you think your pet needs immediate medical attention, call your vet or visit their website to check the best course of action that you should take.
Filtration of Contaminated Blood
The dialysis machine also has an advanced centrifuge along with the filters. Centrifuges can be utilized to remove the red blood cells and the gold-colored liquid called plasma, one of the two primary blood components. It is possible to use plasma from a dog that has donated blood in dialysis machines to substitute contaminated plasma in certain conditions. Plasma exchange can be described as the medical term used to describe this procedure. It can also be performed without using centrifuges by using a specialized membrane filter.
Naproxen, ibuprofen, and deracoxib, among other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are known to save the lives of dogs that ingest them. Plasma exchange has been a lifesaver for a lot of canines.
Treatment Against Autoimmune Disease
The autoimmune disease can be life-threatening in some situations for cats and dogs, similar to in humans. There is a way to accelerate the patient’s healing process by using therapy plasma exchange, which is a type of dialysis. These are usually used for pets that aren’t responding to conventional medications or suffer from serious medical issues.
A variety of primary kidney disorders, such as kidney cancer and autoimmune diseases like leptospirosis or Lyme disease, can trigger this type of symptom. Some of the most severe systemic illnesses can also cause damage to the kidneys. Ensure that your pet vaccinations are up to date, as specific ailments can be prevented by giving your pet vaccinations.
The Takeaway
Dialysis is a lengthy, expensive therapy for both cats and dogs; therefore, deciding whether or not to utilize it is a decision made on a case-by-case basis. Consult your vet if uncertain about whether dialysis is a good option for your pet. Click here to learn more.
Dialysis is typically used to treat acute ailments. However, more animals with chronic illnesses will benefit when this procedure gets more widely available and affordable. The need to initiate hemodialysis as quickly as possible is essential; however, it shouldn’t be considered an option that is only available at the last minute.
