Just like in people, pets’ kidneys perform many functions, one of which is filtering out waste produced by the body. When the kidneys fail, these toxins build up in the blood, causing our pets to feel crummy.

One way to help is by hemodialysis, which involves slowly removing the blood, filtering out toxins and then returning the blood to the patient. Hemodialysis has been available for people for years, and now some veterinary facilities are providing this treatment for dogs, cats and other animals.

Few veterinary facilities across the country can provide hemodialysis, and the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital is one of them. Potential patients include dogs or cats with acute kidney damage due to toxins, infection or heat stroke as well as dogs with leptospirosis.