Hemodialysis Technique (CRRT) Now Available at Our Hospital
The Gambro Prisma Dialysis Machine, which is the most widely used machine for continuous renal replacement therapy in veterinary medicine.
Dialyzer chamber used with continuous renal replacement. The blood is filtered through many tiny straw-like, semi-permeable membranes surrounded by dialysate fluid, which promotes the removal of uremic toxins.
Dr. Danna Torre
Larry Berkwitt, DVM, DACVIM
VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center is pleased to announce that Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is now available at our hospital. Begun January 1, 2011, this new service is managed by the center's Critical Care and Internal Medicine Services.
CRRT is a form of hemodialysis used to gradually remove uremic toxins in pets with acute renal failure. CRRT more closely resembles the normal kidney function and can be operated "cage side." Due to its ability to provide better control of electrolyte and acid-base balance, and its ability to remove larger molecules (toxins), CRRT has recently emerged as the dialysis technique of choice for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
The center is currently accepting canine patients weighing 20 lbs. or greater. Each patient will be evaluated by the specialty team and appropriate therapy will be recommended on a case by case basis. For further information about CRRT, please contact Dr. Holahan, Dr. Torre or Dr. Berkwitt at (203) 929-8600.
