Hemodialysis is a form of an extracorporeal therapy (ECT) that involves the movement of blood through a filter and the blood cleansed of toxins that build up in the body when the kidneys are not working. The filter is located outside of the body and the blood moves through a blood circuit. The most common reason for recommending hemodialysis in dogs and cats is the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI can be caused by infection (e.g. leptospirosis), toxin exposure (e.g. NSAID toxicity or lily exposure in cats). AKI differs from chronic kidney disease in that the injury is sudden and the damage is potentially reversible.

Eclipse also offers other extracorporeal therapies including:

  • Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE or plasmapheresis): TPE uses a filter membrane to remove the pet’s own plasma proteins from the blood. The pet’s own red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are returned and donar plasma is used to replace what was removed. Antibodies are a large protein removed in this way. When a pet is suffering from an immune mediated disease removal of these antibodies can help gain control over the disease much quicker than with medication alone. This can prevent further decline and the need for more intensive care, lead to the pet feeling better quicker, as well as lessen the time in hospital. TPE can also be used to remove highly plasma bound substances in certain intoxications with the same goal of preventing or treating clinical signs.wn red and white blood cells are returned while donor plasma

  • Hemoperfusion: Hemoperfusion involves the movement of blood through a special filter that can bind toxins and other unwanted substances from the blood. When a dog or cat ingests a toxic medication or overdoses on a medication, we can remove the drug directly from the blood preventing damage to organs. Common drugs that can be removed include but not limited to:
    • NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, carprofen, naproxen, etc)
    • Ethylene glycol
    • 5-FU
    • Phenobarbital
    • Baclofen

Eclipse also offers other extracorporeal therapies including:

  • Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE or plasmapheresis): TPE uses a filter membrane to remove the pet’s own plasma proteins from the blood. The pet’s own red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are returned and donar plasma is used to replace what was removed. Antibodies are a large protein removed in this way. When a pet is suffering from an immune mediated disease removal of these antibodies can help gain control over the disease much quicker than with medication alone. This can prevent further decline and the need for more intensive care, lead to the pet feeling better quicker, as well as lessen the time in hospital. TPE can also be used to remove highly plasma bound substances in certain intoxications with the same goal of preventing or treating clinical signs.wn red and white blood cells are returned while donor plasma
  • Hemoperfusion: Hemoperfusion involves the movement of blood through a special filter that can bind toxins and other unwanted substances from the blood. When a dog or cat ingests a toxic medication or overdoses on a medication, we can remove the drug directly from the blood preventing damage to organs. Common drugs that can be removed include but not limited to:
    • NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, carprofen, naproxen, etc)
    • Ethylene glycol
    • 5-FU
    • Phenobarbital
    • Baclofen

The Hemodialysis & Extracorporeal Therapies Service is excited to provide these treatment options to help improve the lives of pets with severe disease. Please do not hesitate to contact our team at (862) 404-0991. We are readily available for consultation on prospective cases.