Hemoperfusion
If your pet ingests a toxin and no antidote is available, hemoperfusion may help. Blood is removed, passed through a sterile carbon filter to remove toxins, and then returned to the patient.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis replaces the function of the kidneys. Blood is removed from the patient, filtered through a machine to remove built-up waste and restore balance, and then returned to the body. This therapy can treat kidney failure and give the kidneys time to rest and recover.
Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration is a gentle, continuous therapy that removes excess fluid from the blood. It is primarily used in patients with refractory heart failure.
Plasmapheresis
This therapy uses a specialized filter to remove the plasma portion of the blood, helping clear certain toxins and treat some immune-mediated diseases.
If a patient is experiencing any of the following, consider consulting with our extracorporeal therapies service and seeking a same day referral by calling 608-263-7600:
- Creatinine >5 mg/dL or azotemia of any level with hyperkalemia, fluid overload or oligo/anuria
- Toxin ingestion: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, apoquel, SSRI, ethylene glycol, any on a case-by-case basis
- Refractory heart failure
UWVC ECT TEAM
Faculty
- Michael Wood, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVNU, President-elect, American Board of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology (ABVNU), Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology
- Molly Racette, DVM, MS, DACVECC
- Jessica Pritchard, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM)
- Sam Bilko DVM, DACVECC
Technicians
- Niki Deram, CVT
Residents
UWVC’s extracorporeal therapies service is supported by residents from the hospital’s internal medicine and emergency and critical care services.
Continuing Education
Interested in coordinating continuing education about these therapies? Contact outreach@vetmed.wisc.edu.