RRAEH'S

HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT

Advanced hemodialysis care for animals at Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center.

OVERVIEW FOR OUR

Veterinary Hemodialysis in Fargo, ND

At Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center, we provide veterinary hemodialysis for dogs and cats. This advanced treatment is available through our Critical Care service, led by board-certified specialists Dr. Andy Carver and Dr. Sam Wigglesworth. Our hospital offers 24-hour emergency access, a fully equipped ICU, and the regional specialty resources needed to support pets facing serious kidney illness or toxin exposure.

If you are worried about your pet’s kidneys or if poisoning is suspected, we encourage you to call us at any time to speak with a member of our medical team.

What Is Hemodialysis for Pets?

Hemodialysis is a specialized treatment that filters the blood when the kidneys cannot remove toxins and waste on their own. During treatment, your pet’s blood is passed through a medical-grade filter that removes harmful substances and returns clean, balanced blood to the body. This process supports pets who have experienced severe kidney injuries, sudden toxin exposure, or life-threatening changes in their blood chemistry.

In some cases, hemodialysis may include charcoal-based filtration known as hemoperfusion. This technique helps remove certain toxins more efficiently, giving pets the support they need while their bodies work to recover.

When Does a Pet Need Hemodialysis?

A pet may require hemodialysis when their kidneys can no longer filter toxins effectively or when dangerous substances have entered the bloodstream. At Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center, we use this therapy in select situations, including:

  • Acute kidney injury that is not improving with standard treatment
  • Toxin ingestion, such as antifreeze
  • Medication overdose, including NSAIDs or certain seizure medications
  • Fluid overload

Hemodialysis at our hospital is limited to mostly dogs; we may consider other species on a case-by-case basis.

How Hemodialysis Supports Pets With Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury, often called AKI, occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly. This may be caused by infections such as leptospirosis, severe illness, toxins, medication exposure, urinary obstruction, or complications after surgery or trauma.

Hemodialysis does not cure kidney disease, but it gives the body vital time to heal. By filtering the blood externally, hemodialysis helps stabilize electrolyte levels, remove damaging waste products, and relieve the kidneys from overwhelming strain. This support allows many pets to recover kidney function over time.

Our Critical Care team monitors your pet closely throughout treatment, providing supportive care in our ICU and guiding families through every step of the process.

What Is ReVive Hemoperfusion

for Rapid Detoxification?

In time-sensitive poisoning cases, Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center also offers ReVive Hemoperfusion, a form of extracorporeal blood purification designed to selectively remove many toxins that were previously difficult to treat. Using the ReVive system, our critical care team filters your pet’s blood through a specialized cartridge to help remove specific toxins quickly. 

Hemoperfusion is typically safer, less invasive, and more affordable than therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and it avoids plasma replacement altogether. This can be an important option when toxin exposure threatens the nervous system, heart function, or overall stability.

 

Toxins That May Be Treated With Hemoperfusion

Hemoperfusion may be considered for serious exposures involving:

  • Baclofen
  • NSAIDs
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Beta-blockers
  • Ivermectin
  • Permethrins, particularly in cats
  • THC
  • Organophosphates and carbamates
  • Bromethalin
  • Certain chemotherapy agents
  • Theobromine in life-threatening exposures
  • Mushroom toxicity (Amanita spp.)

Time Sensitivity Matters

Hemoperfusion is ideally performed within 4 to 6 hours after ingestion. If you are outside that window, contact us anyway. Treatment may still be beneficial depending on the toxin, dose, and your pet’s condition.

If a toxin ingestion is suspected, our team will move quickly through a structured process that may include:

  • Triage and assessment to determine timing, estimated exposure amount, and neurologic or cardiovascular status
  • Inducing vomiting when appropriate (generally within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion and only if the patient is alert)
  • Activated charcoal as early decontamination when indicated, because early decontamination saves lives
  • IV access and fluids to support circulation, correct dehydration or hypotension, and assist toxin elimination
  • Stabilization prior to transfer as needed, including management of seizures, arrhythmias, or bradycardia

What Should I Expect

During My Pet’s Hemodialysis Session?

A dog hemodialysis or cat hemodialysis session is performed by trained 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, electrolytes, and comfort
  • Gentle handling by experienced ICU technicians
  • Temperature and fluid balance management throughout the treatment
  • Sedation only if your pet is anxious or if the catheter site needs protection

Our ICU is designed to keep pets calm, supported, and closely watched. Families can feel confident knowing their pet is in a quiet, attentive environment focused entirely on safety.

How Long Does a Hemodialysis Treatment Session Last?

Most hemodialysis sessions last between 4 and 6 hours, although the exact time varies based on your pet’s condition, toxin levels, and how they respond during treatment. Throughout the session, our team monitors your pet continuously and adjusts the treatment as needed.

What Is the Typical Schedule or Frequency of Hemodialysis Treatments?

The number of treatments depends on your pet’s diagnosis and overall health. In many cases of acute kidney injury, pets may need several sessions over a short period. Pets with chronic conditions may require multiple sessions per week. Every treatment plan is individualized and guided by our specialists, ensuring that each patient receives the appropriate level of care.

How Much Does Veterinary Hemodialysis Cost?

The cost of veterinary hemodialysis varies based on:

  • The severity of the illness
  • Number of sessions required
  • Time spent in the ICU
  • Required medications, fluids, and diagnostics

At Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center, we provide upfront estimates before treatment begins. Our prices remain the same regardless of the time of day, and our team will review all recommended care to help families make informed decisions.

Why Choose Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center for Your Pet’s Hemodialysis?

Families throughout North Dakota and western Minnesota turn to our hospital for advanced kidney support and urgent care because we offer:

  • Care from board-certified Critical Care specialists
  • A 24-hour ICU with advanced monitoring and life-support capabilities
  • On-site imaging, diagnostics, and blood products
  • A regional referral center with Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, and more
  • Strong partnerships with primary veterinarians
  • Clear, compassionate communication at every stage

Emergency Kidney Care in Fargo, ND

If your pet is experiencing kidney problems or may have consumed a toxin, please contact Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center right away. Our team is available 24 hours a day to assist with urgent evaluation, stabilization, and animal kidney care.

We are here to support your pet with advanced care and the guidance you need during emergencies.