When a beloved dog or cat’s kidneys stop working the way they should, every hour matters. Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center in Fargo, ND, offers veterinary hemodialysis through our Critical Care team, giving pets facing acute kidney injury or dangerous toxin exposure a fighting chance at recovery. Board-certified specialists lead a skilled ICU team that combines advanced technology with round-the-clock monitoring, so families never have to face a kidney crisis alone. If you’re worried about your pet’s kidneys or suspect poisoning, call us any time, day or night, to speak with our medical team.
When Does a Pet Need Hemodialysis?
A pet typically needs hemodialysis when the kidneys can no longer filter toxins effectively, or when a dangerous substance has entered the bloodstream. Common situations include:
- Acute kidney injury that isn’t responding to standard treatment
- Ingestion of a toxin such as antifreeze
- Overdose of certain medications, including NSAIDs or seizure drugs
- Dangerous fluid overload
This therapy is used most often in dogs, though cats and other species are considered case by case. Our specialists weigh your pet’s specific bloodwork, history, and condition before recommending pet kidney dialysis over other treatment options.
How Does Hemodialysis Help Pets with Acute Kidney Injury?
Hemodialysis doesn’t cure kidney disease, but it buys damaged kidneys time to heal by taking over the job of filtering blood. Acute kidney injury, often shortened to AKI, happens when the kidneys suddenly stop working properly. Common causes include infections such as leptospirosis, severe illness, toxin exposure, urinary blockages, and complications after surgery or trauma. By stabilizing electrolyte levels and clearing waste products externally, this acute kidney injury treatment for dogs relieves pressure on damaged organs so many pets can regain function over time. Our Critical Care team monitors every patient closely in the ICU, adjusting fluids, medications, and treatment as bloodwork changes throughout recovery.
What Is ReVive Hemoperfusion, and How Does It Work?
ReVive Hemoperfusion is a form of blood purification that filters a pet’s blood through a specialized cartridge to remove specific toxins quickly. In time-sensitive poisoning cases, our Critical Care team turns to this hemoperfusion for pets when standard treatment alone isn’t enough. Compared with therapeutic plasma exchange, hemoperfusion is typically safer, less invasive, and more affordable, and it avoids the need for plasma replacement altogether. That makes it a valuable option when a toxin threatens the nervous system, heart, or overall stability.
Which Toxins Can Be Treated with Hemoperfusion?
As part of our pet toxin treatment protocol, hemoperfusion may help with a range of serious exposures that are otherwise difficult to manage, including:
- Baclofen and certain seizure medications
- NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers
- Ivermectin and permethrins, especially in cats
- THC, organophosphates, and carbamates
- Bromethalin and select chemotherapy agents
- Theobromine in life-threatening chocolate exposures
- Mushroom toxicity from Amanita species
If you suspect any of these exposures, call us immediately rather than waiting to see if symptoms appear.
Why Does Timing Matter After a Toxin Ingestion?
Timing matters because hemoperfusion works best within four to six hours of ingestion, though treatment can still help beyond that window. If you’re outside that window, contact us anyway, since whether treatment can help still depends on the toxin, the dose, and your pet’s condition. Our team moves quickly through triage, decontamination such as inducing vomiting or activated charcoal when appropriate, and IV fluids to support circulation and stabilize your pet before any specialized filtration begins. Prompt action after suspected antifreeze poisoning can make a meaningful difference in outcome, since this particular toxin moves through the body fast.
What Happens During a Pet’s Hemodialysis Session?
A dog hemodialysis or cat hemodialysis session is performed by trained ICU technicians under the direct supervision of our Critical Care specialists. Each session typically includes:
- Placement of a specialized catheter for blood filtration
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and electrolytes
- Gentle handling in a calm, quiet space
- Careful management of temperature and fluid balance
- Sedation only if your pet is anxious or the catheter site needs protection
Our ICU is designed to keep pets calm and closely watched, so families can feel confident their pet is supported every minute of treatment.
How Long Does a Treatment Session Last?
Most sessions last between four and six hours, though the exact time depends on your pet’s condition, toxin levels, and how they respond. Throughout the session, our team continuously monitors your pet and adjusts treatment as needed, so timing can shift in either direction depending on how quickly their body responds to therapy.
How Many Treatments Will My Pet Need?
The number of sessions depends on your pet’s diagnosis and overall health, and it varies quite a bit from patient to patient. Many cases of acute kidney injury need several sessions over a short period, while pets with more chronic conditions may need multiple sessions each week. Every plan is built around your pet’s individual response and guided by our specialists at each step, so treatment can be adjusted as bloodwork and symptoms improve.
What Does Hemodialysis Cost for Pets?
The cost of hemodialysis depends on the severity of illness, the number of sessions needed, time spent in the ICU, and any medications, fluids, or diagnostics required. We provide upfront estimates before treatment begins, and our prices stay the same regardless of the time of day. Our team reviews all recommended care with you so you can make informed decisions for your pet. Families facing financial hardship may also qualify for support through our Pawsitive Care Fund.
Why Choose Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center for Hemodialysis
Families throughout the region turn to RRAEH for kidney support because our hospital combines specialist-level expertise with round-the-clock ICU care. Reasons families trust us with their pet’s care include:
- Treatment led by board-certified Critical Care specialists, including Dr. Andy Carver, one of the few veterinarians in the region trained at a dedicated hemodialysis center for pets
- A 24-hour ICU with advanced monitoring and life-support capability
- On-site imaging, diagnostics, and blood products from our own donor Blood Bank
- Access to our full range of specialty services, including Surgery and Internal Medicine, all under one roof
- Strong partnerships with primary care veterinarians for seamless follow-up care
- Clear, compassionate communication with your family at every step
That combination of specialty training and steady communication is what lets families trust us with their pet’s most difficult moments.
Get Emergency Kidney Care for Your Pet at RRAEH
If your pet is showing signs of kidney trouble or may have gotten into something toxic, don’t wait to reach out. Our team is available 24 hours a day in Fargo, ND, for urgent evaluation, stabilization, and ongoing kidney care. Call us, reach our team online, or head straight to our hospital any time, and we’ll walk you and your family veterinarian through every step of your pet’s treatment and recovery.
