Dog Recovers from Life-Threatening Kidney Failure Thanks to Rapid Hemodialysis
A dog recently made a remarkable recovery from severe acute kidney injury (AKI) at Yeonggi Animal Medical Center, under the direction of Kuk-jin Yoon. The dog initially displayed a decreased appetite approximately 10 days before being brought to the hospital, initially dismissed as simple pickiness.However, the condition rapidly worsened, culminating in complete loss of appetite and lethargy three days prior to admission. Upon arrival, the dog had lost consciousness.
Diagnostic testing revealed stage 5 AKI caused by pyelonephritis,specifically in the oliguric phase. This critical condition demanded immediate hemodialysis for any chance of survival.
After receiving a thorough explanation from the medical team,the dog’s guardian promptly authorized treatment. The first hemodialysis session quickly stabilized the dog’s kidney values and indicated a positive response to therapy. Intensive monitoring continued to address the dog’s overall weakness. A notable turning point came on the 7th day of hospitalization when the dog began to recognize its guardian and drink water independently. This improvement led to the resumption of eating and drinking, accelerating the recovery process.
Following 15 days of hospitalization and two hemodialysis treatments, the dog was well enough to return home and resume a normal life. A representative from the veterinary hospital emphasized the crucial role of timely intervention in AKI cases, stating that dialysis provides vital time for the kidneys to heal.
Hemodialysis, a renal replacement therapy, effectively removes waste products, manages fluid overload, and balances electrolytes and acid-base levels when kidneys are failing. in veterinary medicine, it’s frequently employed as a temporary measure to support recovery from acute conditions like AKI, rather then as a long-term life-sustaining treatment.
According to the International Society of Renal Research (IRIS), dialysis should be considered when: kidney values continue to rise despite fluid therapy; oliguria or anuria persists for over 6 hours; edema and breathing difficulties don’t respond to diuretics; or electrolyte/acid-base imbalances remain unresolved with medical or surgical intervention.
cho Young-wook, head of the dialysis center at Gyeonggi Animal Medical Center, underscored the life-or-death importance of swift treatment in AKI cases. “This case vividly demonstrates the impact of a guardian’s rapid decision and cooperation in saving a life,” he stated. “Hemodialysis is an effective treatment that allows the kidneys to recover, and the timing of that treatment considerably influences the outcome.”
