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Veterinary Extracorporeal Therapy (ECT) and Nephrology Services

Specialized Care for Your Pet’s Kidney Health

We offer advanced veterinary dialysis and nephrology services to ensure your pet’s kidney health is managed with the highest level of care. Our team of specialists is equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of kidney-related conditions, providing life-saving treatments and improving the quality of life for pets with renal issues.

What Is Extracorporeal Therapy for Dogs and Cats?

Extracorporeal therapy (ECT), also referred to as “dialysis for pets” is an advanced veterinary treatment that uses specialized medical devices to support or replace critical functions in your pet’s body. This cutting-edge therapy is non-invasive and takes place outside the body, allowing veterinarians to precisely target and treat specific conditions.

How Does It Work?
During ECT, your pet’s blood is carefully drawn from their body, processed through a machine that performs a specific therapeutic function, and then safely returned to their system. This process is highly controlled and monitored to ensure comfort and safety for your pet.

When Is ECT Used?
Extracorporeal therapy can be life-saving in many situations, including:

  • Acute Kidney or liver failure: Treatments like hemodialysis or hemoperfusion remove toxins and waste products from the bloodstream.
  • Toxin ingestion: Some toxic substances, such as antifreeze or certain medications, can be effectively removed through extracorporeal techniques.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Plasmapheresis can filter harmful antibodies or immune complexes from the blood.
  • Severe infections or sepsis: ECT can help reduce inflammation and stabilize critically ill pets.

Benefits of ECT for Pets

  • Targeted treatment: ECT addresses specific issues without affecting healthy tissues.
  • Advanced technology: It provides options for pets with conditions that were once untreatable.
  • Improved recovery: By supporting vital organ function, ECT enhances your pet’s ability to heal.

Is ECT Right for My Pet?
Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s condition and overall health to determine if extracorporeal therapy is the best option. While this therapy is often reserved for critical or complex cases, it can dramatically improve outcomes when traditional treatments are not enough.

If you’d like to learn more about how ECT could benefit your dog or cat, you can email us at dialysis@mvsvets.com We’re here to answer your questions and provide the highest level of care for your furry family members. You can also follow the link below to our appointment request form.

Dr. Finstad is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical care. She attended the University of Wisconsin for veterinary medical school followed by a rotating internship at Tufts University and an ECC residency at The Ohio State University. During residency she became captivated by the kidney and extracorporeal therapy. She is currently a member of the inaugural class of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, completed Hemodialysis Academy and a fellowship in Extracorporeal Therapy at OSU. She hopes to one day be considered a veterinary critical care nephrologist.

In her spare time, Dr. Finstad loves to spend time with her husband, Zach, and their Labrador Retriever, Samson.

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