In a remarkable display of veterinary medical technology, two vizsla dogs, Mia and Kodak, were saved from a potentially fatal situation using an advanced dialysis technique known as total plasma exchange (TPE). The siblings found themselves at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Portland, Oregon, after their owners feared they might have ingested naproxen, a common pain reliever that is highly toxic to dogs.
Despite initial tests at a local clinic and DoveLewis showing no immediate abnormalities, the situation remained fraught with uncertainty regarding the amount of the drug ingested, if at all. Opting for a proactive strategy, the medical team at DoveLewis decided to employ the TPE procedure, a method not commonly found in veterinary settings. This cutting-edge approach allowed the team to cleanse the dogs’ bloodstreams of the suspected toxins efficiently and effectively.
The results were nothing short of miraculous. “Both Mia and Kodak responded exceptionally well to the TPE treatment,” reported Dr. Lindsey McGuire, DVM, from DoveLewis. She noted that the dogs showed no signs of organ damage and maintained normal kidney function throughout their recovery. Impressively, both Mia and Kodak were back to their usual selves, displaying excellent appetites and normal behavior just days after undergoing the procedure.
Dr. McGuire expressed excitement about the capabilities of the dialysis machine, emphasizing its rarity and value in treating pet emergencies involving toxins. “Having a dialysis machine is something that is rare for veterinary hospitals to have, but we’re excited to be able to offer families a new way to combat pet toxin emergencies,” she added.
Thanks to the swift and innovative actions of the DoveLewis team, Mia and Kodak were able to return home, healthy and happy. Their story not only highlights the importance of quick thinking and advanced medical technology in veterinary care but also serves as a reminder of the dangers household medications can pose to our furry friends.
