🩺 Vet Guide 2025: Kidney Dialysis for Dogs and Cats – When Is It Worth Considering? 🐶🐱💉

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

🧠 What Does the Kidney Do?

Your pet’s kidneys are responsible for much more than urine production. They manage hydration, blood pressure, calcium and phosphorus balance, pH regulation, and the excretion of toxins. When kidney function fails, toxins build up—this condition is called uremia—and the pet becomes dangerously sick. 🧪💧

🔁 What Is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a blood-cleansing therapy that filters waste and toxins when the kidneys can’t. It’s more advanced than fluid therapy and may be used when traditional diuresis fails. There are two types:

• Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine using a dialyzer membrane.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: Dialysate fluid is introduced into the abdomen and later drained, using the peritoneal lining as a filter.

🧪 When Is Dialysis Used?

Dialysis is considered for:

• 📈 Acute kidney failure (e.g., from antifreeze toxicity, leptospirosis, or ureter obstruction)
• 🧬 Chronic kidney failure not responding to fluids
• 🦠 Severe electrolyte imbalances or poisoning

📅 How Often Is It Needed?

• 🐕 Pets in acute crisis may need dialysis for 2–4 weeks while kidneys heal
• 🐾 Chronic cases may need 3x weekly sessions indefinitely

💡 What Does Hemodialysis Involve?

• 🩺 Surgery may be required to place a large catheter
• 🕒 Each session lasts 3–5 hours
• 💉 Blood is pumped out, cleansed, and returned

Facilities are still rare and require specialized equipment for small animals and highly trained staff.

📈 Success Rates

Effectiveness depends on the underlying cause:

• ✅ Leptospirosis: 50–70% success
• ✅ Ureter obstruction: ~70% success in cats
• 📉 Toxin-related damage (e.g., antifreeze): mixed results

Early referral increases success rate. Don’t wait until traditional therapy completely fails to explore dialysis.

💰 Costs & Accessibility

Dialysis is expensive, with costs running into the thousands for a full treatment cycle. It’s typically available only at large referral or university centers.

As pet insurance becomes more common, access to dialysis may improve over time. 🏥💳

⚠️ Complications of Dialysis

• 📉 Malnutrition: due to appetite loss and increased nutrient needs
• 🦴 Metabolic bone disease: from calcium/phosphorus imbalance
• ❤️ Carnitine and taurine deficiency: can lead to heart or muscle issues
• 🦠 Catheter infection: can cause life-threatening blood infections
• 🩸 Blood clotting issues from catheter problems

🌀 What About CRRT?

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is a newer method where toxins are removed over 24–48 hours, more closely mimicking kidney function. It’s less stressful on the body but requires sedation and longer hospitalization. Used mostly for acute, one-time conditions.

🧭 Is Dialysis Right for Your Pet?

Dialysis is not for every pet or situation. It is best for:

• 🆘 Sudden kidney damage with chance of recovery
• 💉 Toxin ingestion cases (like antifreeze)
• 🧬 Ureter blockage prior to surgery
• 🐶 Chronic failure with dedicated, well-prepared owners

Speak with your vet early to arrange referral and evaluation if this is an option you’d like to explore.

📌 Summary from Dr Duncan Houston

Kidney dialysis for pets is a life-saving tool—especially for acute kidney failure. It’s complex, costly, and still limited in availability, but can offer hope in situations that previously had none. If your pet is facing kidney failure and you’re interested in dialysis, act early. Timely intervention can make all the difference. 🐾💉

📲 Interested in Dialysis for Your Pet? Ask A Vet Now

Wondering if dialysis is an option for your pet? Download the Ask A Vet app and chat live with Dr Duncan Houston and other licensed professionals for guidance, referrals, and realistic expectations 🩺🐶🐱.