Advanced Nephrology & Dialysis for Your Pet
Why Choose Our Nephrology Team?
Expert nephrology and life-saving dialysis care for pets throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Our specialists diagnose and treat complex kidney conditions and provide advanced extracorporeal therapy (ECT) for pets in critical need.
Why See a Veterinary Nephrology Specialist?
When your pet faces kidney failure, a dangerous toxin ingestion, or a complex autoimmune disease, specialized care can make all the difference. Our nephrology team brings advanced expertise in managing these critical conditions, including cutting-edge therapies that support or replace vital organ function.
Advanced Training and Expertise
Our specialists have completed intensive residency training in internal medicine with a focus on nephrology. They are experts in managing acute and chronic kidney disease and are highly skilled in operating advanced extracorporeal therapy (ECT) equipment.
Specialized Diagnostic & Treatment Tools
Our department features advanced extracorporeal therapy (ECT) machines for dialysis and blood purification, state-of-the-art laboratory for immediate kidney function testing, and ultrasound for detailed imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We develop comprehensive, individualized strategies that may include medical management, dietary plans, and advanced ECT, always focusing on your pet's comfort, quality of life, and recovery.
Collaborative Care Approach
We work closely with your primary veterinarian, our critical care team, and other specialists to ensure seamless, coordinated care for your pet from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
Meet Our Nephrology Staff:
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.
Emily joined the MVS team in December 2025.
Kennedy joined the MVS team in March 2025.
Conditions We Treat
Our nephrology team diagnoses and manages a wide range of kidney-related and systemic conditions.
Acute & Chronic Kidney Failure
We provide intensive medical management and life-saving hemodialysis for sudden (acute) kidney injury and ongoing care for progressive (chronic) kidney disease.
Toxin Ingestion
Emergency treatment for life-threatening ingestions of substances like antifreeze, grapes/raisins, or certain medications, where rapid blood purification through ECT is critical.
Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Diseases
Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells, which can be managed with advanced ECT techniques like plasmapheresis to filter harmful antibodies from the blood.
Severe Systemic Infections (Sepsis)
ECT can be used to help stabilize critically ill pets by reducing overwhelming inflammation and supporting organ function during recovery.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
We provide accurate diagnosis through direct blood pressure monitoring and manage it with targeted medications to protect your pet’s kidneys, eyes, heart, and brain. This condition is often seen alongside other diseases we treat with ECT, such as certain autoimmune disorders.
Urinary Tract Obstructions
Following emergency relief, our nephrology team provides essential follow-up care. We work to diagnose the underlying cause (such as stones, crystals, or strictures), manage kidney injury caused by the blockage, and create a long-term plan, including dietary management and monitoring to prevent recurrence and protect long-term kidney health.
Advanced Treatment: Extracorporeal Therapy (ECT)
Extracorporeal Therapy, often called dialysis for pets, is a cornerstone of our advanced nephrology care. This non-invasive treatment processes your pet’s blood outside the body to perform life-saving functions.
How ECT Works
Your pet’s blood is carefully drawn, circulated through a specialized machine that filters toxins, removes waste products, or modifies blood components, and then safely returned. The entire process is continuously monitored for your pet’s safety and comfort.
Types of ECT We Offer
Hemodialysis: Filters toxins and waste from the blood to support failing kidneys.
Hemoperfusion: Uses a special filter to directly remove toxins from the bloodstream.
Plasmapheresis: Separates and removes harmful antibodies or immune complexes from the blood plasma.
Benefits of ECT for Your Pet
Targeted Action: Precisely treats the blood without major impact on other healthy tissues.
Advanced Intervention: Offers a treatment path for conditions previously considered untreatable.
Enhanced Healing: By supporting vital organ function, it gives your pet’s body the critical opportunity to recover.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To help us best understand your pet’s condition, please:
Bring all medical records, recent blood work, and urinalysis results from your primary veterinarian.
Have a list of all current medications, supplements, and your pet's diet.
If possible, note your pet's recent water intake, urination habits, appetite, and energy levels.
Questions before your visit? Our dermatology team is available at nephrology@mvsvets.com
Home Care Tips for Kidney Health
Proactive care at home is a vital part of managing kidney conditions.
Ensure Constant Hydration : Always provide fresh, clean water. Adding water to food or offering pet-safe broths can increase fluid intake.
Feed a Prescribed Kidney Diet: Use veterinary-recommended food formulated to reduce kidney workload.
Monitor Closely: Keep a simple log of daily water consumption, urination frequency, appetite, and weight.
Schedule Regular Check-ups: Ongoing blood and urine tests are essential for monitoring kidney health.
Avoid Toxins: Safely store antifreeze, human medications, and toxic foods (like grapes) well out of reach.
Ready to Help Your Pet Feel Better?
If your pet is struggling with kidney disease, has ingested a toxin, or has a condition that might benefit from advanced blood purification therapy, our team is here to help. Many pet owners travel from throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and the greater Midwest to access our specialized nephrology and ECT services in Madison.
At Madison Veterinary Specialists, we understand that kidney disease and critical illness are deeply concerning. Our specialized nephrology team is committed to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care—including life-saving dialysis—to support your pet’s recovery and quality of life.