What Is Total Plasma Exchange for Pets?
Total plasma exchange (apheresis) is a procedure that involves separating and removing a portion of a pet’s plasma, the liquid component of blood. Plasma contains proteins and antibodies that can contribute to illness, especially in cases of autoimmune diseases or exposure to certain toxins. During the procedure, a sample of the pet’s blood is drawn and processed through a specialized machine that filters out the plasma, replacing it with donor plasma or a substitute fluid. The treated blood is then returned to the pet’s body.
This therapy is primarily used for pets with immune-mediated diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells. By removing harmful antibodies from the plasma, total plasma exchange can help mitigate the immune system’s damaging effects. Additionally, it is effective in cases of toxin exposure when traditional detoxification methods may not adequately remove harmful substances from the bloodstream.
Benefits of Pet Total Plasma Exchange
A total plasma exchange can swiftly remove toxic or harmful substances from the bloodstream, providing relief for pets in critical condition. For those with autoimmune diseases, apheresis can disrupt the body’s damaging immune response, allowing veterinarians to manage the condition more effectively. Additionally, this procedure can reduce the reliance on long-term immunosuppressive medications, which may carry significant side effects for pets.
At Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care, our team is trained to perform total plasma exchange safely and efficiently, ensuring your pet receives the highest standard of care. The treatment is conducted under close monitoring, and our experienced staff is dedicated to minimizing any potential risks throughout the procedure.
When Is Total Plasma Exchange Necessary?
Total plasma exchange is frequently recommended for pets diagnosed with severe immune-mediated conditions, such as immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) or immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). These disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the pet’s red blood cells or platelets, leading to serious health complications like anemia, bleeding, or even organ failure. Apheresis can help stabilize these pets by removing the harmful antibodies that contribute to their condition.
In addition to autoimmune diseases, total plasma exchange is also utilized in cases of toxin exposure, particularly when a pet has ingested substances that standard treatments cannot effectively neutralize. Toxins that bind to plasma proteins, such as certain drugs or chemicals, can be more efficiently removed through apheresis, thereby reducing the toxic burden on the pet’s body.
If your pet is exhibiting symptoms such as unexplained bleeding, severe anemia, or other signs of autoimmune disease, total plasma exchange may be a crucial component of their treatment plan. Our team at Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care will evaluate your pet’s condition and determine whether apheresis is the appropriate course of action based on their individual needs.
Trust Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care for Total Plasma Exchange in Puyallup, WA
At Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care, we are dedicated to meeting serious health challenges with expert techniques and state-of-the-art healthcare technology. Our total plasma exchanges in Puyallup, WA, are just one of the specialized services we offer to aid in the recovery of pets from life-threatening conditions. With our state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained staff, you can have confidence that your pet is in expert hands.
If your pet is experiencing an immune-mediated condition or has been exposed to toxins, total plasma exchange may be a vital component of their treatment plan. Contact us today to learn more about how this advanced service can benefit your pet. We are committed to delivering compassionate, expert care to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet’s health.