The health of your pet’s kidneys is an essential element to keep your pet healthy. Hemodialysis, or dialysis, is a well-known treatment for declining kidney function. Dialysis does not fix kidney problems. However, it serves the blood-filtering function that kidneys typically perform until they recover.
Dialysis is not just the treatment of renal failure. As part of the treatment process for different conditions, dialysis can be modified to help remove dangerous compounds from the circulation or remove the liquid component of blood, referred to as plasma.
What are the benefits of hemodialysis to your pet?
By hemodialysis, harmful substances are removed from the blood as electrolytes are balanced and the excess water that kidneys cannot eliminate is eliminated. Intoxication in your pet’s blood can lead to illness and even death in some instances in the event of not being treated. Here are some other benefits of hemodialysis:
Detecting and Removing Dangerous Substances
Ethylene glycol, also known as auto antifreeze, is another tiny chemical molecule that can be easily removed by dialysis. Dialysis is required within the first eight hours after consuming antifreeze to eliminate it.
Antifreeze byproducts can trigger an acute impairment of the kidney if they are not removed early enough by dialysis. If the issue isn’t treated, dogs who consume antifreeze but do not seek medical attention immediately could suffer death or long-term renal failure.
Filtration of Contaminated Blood
The dialysis device also comes with an efficient centrifuge alongside the filters. Centrifuges can isolate Red blood cells out of the golden liquid referred to as plasma, which is one of the two main components of blood. It is possible to use plasma from a blood donor dog inside the dialysis unit to replenish contaminated plasma for specific conditions. Plasma exchange may be the medical term for the procedure, which could also be done without the centrifuge, using special membrane filters.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and deracoxib, have saved the lives of dogs who swallowed the drugs. Plasma exchange has proven to be a lifesaver to many dogs. Consult with pet care experts from facilities like Smith Animal Hospital Fort Valley to learn more.
Treatment Against Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune illness may be life-threatening in cats and dogs the same way it is in humans. It is possible to speed up the patient’s healing process by using the therapeutic exchange of plasma, which is a kind of dialysis. They are generally kept for pets that aren’t responding to conventional medications or suffer from severe medical conditions.
Many primary kidney diseases like kidney cancer, and autoimmune diseases like leptospirosis or Lyme disease, can trigger this sign. Sure, the most severe systemic illnesses may cause kidney damage. Be sure to check if your pet’s vaccinations are on time since some of these ailments may be avoided by administering pet vaccinations. Click this link to learn more.
The Takeaway
Dialysis is a lengthy, costly therapy for both cats and dogs, so deciding whether to use it is individual. Consult your veterinary surgeon if you are doubtful about whether dialysis might benefit your pet.
Dialysis is mainly used to treat acute ailments; However, pets suffering from chronic conditions will benefit as the procedure becomes more widely accessible and economical. Beginning hemodialysis as soon as is feasible is essential; however, it shouldn’t be seen as a last resort.
