Advanced Nephrology & Critical Care for Your Pet
Why Choose Our Nephrology & Critical Care Team?
Expert, life-saving care for pets throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Our integrated team provides advanced treatment for kidney disease, renal failure, toxins, and critical emergencies, 24 hours a day.
Why See a Residency-Trained Veterinarian for Nephrology & Critical Care?
When your pet faces a kidney crisis, severe toxin ingestion, or a life-threatening emergency, specialized care can make all the difference. Our residency-trained specialists bring a higher level of expertise in managing complex, critical conditions where precise, immediate intervention is vital.
Advanced Training and Expertise
Our criticalists and nephrologists have completed intensive multi-year residencies in addition to veterinary school and internships. This advanced training is dedicated to the physiology of critical illness and organ failure, ensuring they are experts in the latest life-support techniques and treatments like extracorporeal therapy (ECT).
Specialized Diagnostic & Treatment Tools
Our department is equipped with a state-of-the-art intensive care unit (ICU), advanced laboratory for immediate testing, and specialized medical devices for Extracorporeal Therapy (ECT), often called dialysis for pets. This allows for precise diagnosis and advanced support of failing organs.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We develop comprehensive, individualized strategies for acute crises and chronic conditions. We consider the complete picture of your pet's health to create a plan that supports recovery and quality of life.
Collaborative Care Approach
We work closely with your primary veterinarian and other specialists, sharing findings and ensuring seamless continuity of care before, during, and after your pet's time with us.
Meet our Nephrology & Critical Care 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 integrated Nephrology & Critical Care team diagnoses and treats a wide range of life-threatening and complex conditions.
Acute & Chronic Kidney Failure
We manage sudden (acute) kidney injury from toxins or illness, as well as progressive (chronic) kidney disease, utilizing medical management and advanced therapies like hemodialysis.
Toxin Ingestion & Overdose
Life-threatening ingestions of substances like antifreeze, medications, or poisonous plants, where rapid decontamination and specific antidotes or ECT are required.
Urinary Tract Obstructions
Emergency situations where a pet is unable to urinate, which is a painful and rapidly fatal condition requiring immediate intervention.
Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated Diseases
Conditions where the immune system attacks the body, which can be managed with advanced therapies like plasmapheresis (a type of ECT).
Complex Metabolic & Hormonal Disorders
Diabetic crises, electrolyte imbalances, and other systemic illnesses that destabilize a pet’s critical body functions.
Critical Emergencies
Severe trauma, shock, sepsis, acute respiratory distress, and other crises requiring 24/7 intensive monitoring and life-support interventions like mechanical ventilation.
Advanced Diagnostic Procedures
Accurate, immediate diagnosis and advanced intervention are the foundation of saving lives in critical care and nephrology.
Extracorporeal Therapy (ECT / Dialysis)
Hemodialysis to support or replace kidney function, plasmapheresis to filter the blood, and other blood purification techniques for toxins or immune disease.
Advanced ICU Monitoring
Continuous direct blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiogram (ECG), capnography, and other vital sign tracking to detect subtle changes in a pet’s status.
Point-of-Care Laboratory Testing
Immediate in-house blood gas, electrolyte, and chemistry analysis to guide treatment decisions in real time.
Advanced Imaging
Ultrasound for rapid assessment of abdominal organs and CT capabilities for detailed visualization of complex conditions.
Comprehensive Fluid & Transfusion Therapy
Precise administration of IV fluids, blood products, and nutritional support tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To ensure we get the most accurate picture of your pet’s condition, please follow these guidelines:
Bring all current medications and your pet's complete medical records from your primary veterinarian.
If possible, note your pet's recent water consumption, urination habits, and appetite.
Come prepared with questions and a timeline of your pet's symptoms.
Questions before your visit? Our nephrology team is available at nephrology@mvsvets.com
Home Care Tips for Kidney Health
Proactive care at home plays a vital role in supporting your pet’s kidney function and overall well-being. Alongside veterinary treatments, these simple practices can help manage kidney health:
Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Consider using water fountains or adding wet food to their diet to increase fluid intake.
Offer veterinary-recommended food that is easier on the kidneys, typically with controlled levels of phosphorus, protein, and sodium.
Keep a regular log of your pet’s water consumption, urination habits, appetite, and weight to spot any changes early.
Routine blood and urine tests are essential for detecting early signs of kidney changes before symptoms appear.
Prevent access to toxins like antifreeze, human medications (especially NSAIDs), and certain toxic plants.
Ready to Help Your Pet Feel Better?
If your pet is struggling with kidney disease, a urinary emergency, or a critical illness, our team is here to help. Many pet owners travel from throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and the greater Midwest to access our specialized nephrology services and 24/7 critical care in Madison.
At Madison Veterinary Specialists, we understand that kidney disease and critical illness can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. Our residency-trained expertise is committed to finding answers and providing life-saving relief through advanced diagnostics, extracorporeal therapies, and customized treatment plans.