Learn how dialysis in pets works, when hemodialysis is recommended, and how it can save pets suffering from acute kidney injury, toxin ingestion, or autoimmune disease.
What Is Hemodialysis in Pets?
Hemodialysis is a type of extracorporeal therapy—a medical treatment performed outside the body—used to support pets experiencing severe acute kidney injury (AKI), toxin ingestion, or life-threatening fluid or electrolyte imbalances. It functions as an artificial kidney, helping filter waste products from the bloodstream when the kidneys can’t do the job.
This therapy is typically available only at advanced specialty or university veterinary hospitals, and it requires extensive training and specialized equipment.
When Do Pets Need Dialysis?
Veterinary specialists may recommend hemodialysis for your dog or cat in cases such as:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) when the kidneys suddenly stop filtering waste
Toxin ingestion, like antifreeze, grapes, or certain chemotherapy drugs
Leptospirosis or other infectious causes of kidney failure
Severe electrolyte imbalances, like dangerously high potassium
Overhydration or congestive heart failure not responding to medication
Autoimmune conditions when therapeutic plasma exchange is needed
Pro Tip: One of the most inspiring cases involved a golden retriever puppy with seizures from chemotherapy cream ingestion. After emergency hemodialysis, he woke up, wagging his tail and playing with a toy the next day.
How Does Hemodialysis Work?
During treatment, your pet’s blood is passed through a machine where a dialyzer (filter) removes toxins and excess waste. A fluid called dialysate flows on the other side of the filter and carries waste products away. Clean blood is then returned to your pet’s body.
This is much more intensive than standard IV fluids. In fact, IV fluids only work if your pet is still producing urine. If they aren’t, fluids can build up dangerously—and hemodialysis is the only effective solution.
What Pet Owners Should Expect with Dialysis
Hospitalization: Your pet will likely be hospitalized for several days.
Feeding Tube Placement: Pets often receive a feeding tube at the same time as a dialysis catheter to support healing and energy needs.
Treatment Duration: Sessions typically last 4–8 hours and are closely monitored by a trained dialysis technician.
Sedation and Comfort: Pets are sedated for catheter placement and are monitored continuously during dialysis.
Risks include: low blood pressure, bleeding, infection, or clotting—but experienced teams work to minimize these risks.
Dialysis is a Lifesaving Treatment for Pets with Acute Kidney Injury
If caught early, many pets with AKI can make a full recovery with hemodialysis. In cases of chronic kidney disease, dialysis may offer temporary relief but is usually palliative.
The key is timing. The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of success. Don’t wait—if you suspect your pet is sick, see your family veterinarian or emergency vet immediately.
Extracorporeal Therapies for Pets
Additional innovating Extracorporeal Therapies beyond standard hemodialysis for pets include:
Hemoperfusion: Uses special cartridges to absorb toxins (only available in pets—not humans!)
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE): Removes harmful antibodies for diseases like IMHA, ITP, and possibly even severe autoimmune skin disease (e.g. pemphigus foliaceus)
Understanding Dialysis in Pets
Hemodialysis is a life-saving tool for pets with acute kidney injury or toxic exposures.
Not every animal is a candidate—but for those who are, outcomes can be amazing.
Timing is everything—seek veterinary care early.
These advanced therapies are a testament to how far veterinary medicine has come.
Dr. Simona Buoncompangi, DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Buoncompangi is a veterinary internal medicine specialist focusing on kidney disease and extracorporeal therapies who practices veterinary medicine in Florida at LeadER Animal Speciality Hospital.
