What Is Extracorporeal Therapy?
Extracorporeal therapy is a highly advanced treatment that involves filtering and treating a pet’s blood outside of their body. This type of therapy is particularly useful for pets with conditions that cannot be managed with traditional treatments alone. Our extracorporeal therapy services include:
- Dialysis: This process supports pets with acute or chronic kidney failure by filtering waste and toxins from their blood, helping to restore proper kidney function and improve overall health.
- Total Plasma Exchange (Apheresis): This therapy removes harmful substances from the bloodstream by separating plasma from blood cells, effectively eliminating toxins, antibodies, or excess proteins that may be contributing to a pet’s illness.
- Hemoperfusion: This specialized treatment involves passing a pet’s blood through a filter that captures specific toxins or drugs, providing rapid detoxification and support for pets that have ingested harmful substances.
These treatments can be life-saving, especially for pets with severe, rapidly progressing conditions. Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and an expert team dedicated to providing this complex care.
When Your Pet Might Need Extracorporeal Therapy
Extracorporeal therapy may be recommended if your pet is facing a life-threatening condition that cannot be treated effectively with standard medical care. Some of the situations that may require this therapy include:
- Acute kidney failure that doesn’t respond to fluids or medication
- Ingestion of toxic substances such as antifreeze, certain medications, or other harmful chemicals
- Immune-mediated diseases where the body’s own immune system is attacking vital organs or tissues
- Severe infections or sepsis, where filtering the blood can help remove harmful substances and improve recovery chances
If your pet is diagnosed with a condition that could benefit from extracorporeal therapy, our team will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment.
Expert Care with Advanced Technology
Our extracorporeal therapy program at Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care combines cutting-edge medical equipment with a highly skilled veterinary team to deliver the highest level of care. Our specialists have extensive experience managing critical cases and are trained in the complex techniques required for extracorporeal therapy. Throughout treatment, your pet will be carefully monitored to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Around-the-Clock Support
We understand how stressful it is when your pet is facing a critical condition, and we are here to provide both immediate intervention and ongoing support throughout the treatment process. Our compassionate team will communicate with you regularly, keeping you informed of your pet’s progress and discussing next steps in their care.
Leading the Way in Puget Sound
As the only veterinary facility in the Puget Sound region offering extracorporeal therapy, Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care is at the forefront of advanced veterinary medicine. We are committed to providing unique, life-saving treatments that give pets the best possible chance at recovery, even in the most challenging situations.