{"id":186613,"date":"2025-06-18T20:11:47","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T18:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/?page_id=186613"},"modified":"2026-06-29T21:08:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:08:54","slug":"dialysis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/clinics\/small-animal\/internal-medicine\/dialysis\/","title":{"rendered":"Dialysis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dialysis at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest<\/b> <\/span><\/h4>

 <\/p>

What is dialysis good for?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

Dialysis refers to the medical technology of artificially removing waste materials from the body. In a healthy organism, the kidneys perform this function. However, in cases of severe kidney damage, detoxification is inadequate, and the accumulated waste products can lead to severe symptoms (uremia) and even death. Therefore, dialysis is also called renal replacement therapy.<\/span><\/p>

What types of dialysis exist?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

Technically, there are two types of dialysis. <\/span><\/p>

During <\/span>hemodialysis,<\/span><\/b> a part of the patient’s blood is removed from the body, cleaned through a filter (dialyzer), and then returned to the patient. In the filter, the patient’s blood flows on one side of the semipermeable membranes and dialysis fluid on the other side. Toxins are transferred from the blood into the dialysis fluid, and the purified blood is then returned to the patient. The structure of the membrane and the composition of the dialysis fluid allow only the toxins to be removed from the blood, while important blood components remain in the circulation. We offer two types of hemodialysis treatments: for larger\u2013sized dogs (> 12\u201315 kg), we do intermittent hemodialysis (IHD, meaning 4\u20136 hour\u2013long treatments) whereas for smaller patients (<12\u201315 kg) we offer continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT, meaning 10\u201320 hours of treatment). <\/span><\/p>

In case of peritoneal dialysis, the peritoneum is used as the semipermeable membrane through which toxins are removed from the body. A dialysis catheter is surgically implanted into the abdominal cavity. The abdominal cavity is filled with a special dialysis fluid through the catheter. Toxic substances are filtered into this fluid through the peritoneum, then the fluid is drained, and the abdominal cavity is refilled with fresh dialysis solution. This fluid change is repeated several times a day.<\/span> <\/b><\/p>

Which procedures are available at the Small Animal Clinic of the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

We have been offering peritoneal dialysis in our clinic for many years, and after long preparations, we introduced hemodialysis in 2019.<\/span><\/p>

When is dialysis therapy indicated?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

The indication of dialysis in veterinary medicine is an acute kidney injury with a sudden onset. For example, intoxications (painkiller drugs, antifreeze, lily, raisins), kidney injury after longer anaesthesia, or infectious diseases like babesiosis or leptospirosis.<\/span><\/p>

After an acute injury, the kidneys may regenerate to some extent; in some cases, even complete recovery is possible. The degree of recovery depends on the cause itself, the severity of the injury, and the available treatment.<\/span><\/p>

However, it often takes days to weeks for the regeneration to begin. If the work of the impaired kidneys is not artificially replaced during this time, the patient dies within a few days due to the accumulation of waste products. The task of dialysis is, therefore, to take over the role of the kidneys until they can regenerate. Dialysis should be continued until the kidneys can perform the detoxification function of the body. <\/span>This may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.<\/span> Unfortunately, it also happens that kidney function does not improve at all, or even if it does, it is insufficient, and chronic kidney disease remains.<\/span><\/p>

It is important to understand that dialysis treatment does not accelerate kidney healing. The task of dialysis is to temporarily take over the function of the kidneys (detoxify the body, regulate the fluid, acid\u2013base, and electrolyte balance) until the kidneys regenerate. In other words, to keep the patient alive until the kidneys are functional again. <\/span><\/b><\/p>

Is there a guarantee that my pet will fully recover with the help of dialysis?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee. At the moment of admission to the intensive care unit, when we see that the pet’s kidneys have suddenly stopped, we cannot predict how much regeneration will take place. It may be 100%, or it may only be 10%. Of course, there are good prognostic signs (e.g., acceptable general condition, satisfactory urine production) and bad prognostic signs (poor general condition, oral ulcerations, severe uremic symptoms, complete lack of urine production) that help us to establish the prognosis. <\/span> <\/b><\/p>

How is a dialysis treatment carried out technically?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

The pet with acute renal failure is admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital, and supportive therapy is initiated. Various tests are carried out (blood\u2013, urine test, ultrasound, blood pressure measurement, etc.) to assess the severity of kidney damage and to look for the possible cause if it is unknown. If, based on the examination results and the course of the disease, dialysis therapy is needed, the patient’s owner will be informed of the course and cost of the treatment.<\/span><\/p>

In case of <\/span>hemodialysis<\/span><\/b>, a special dialysis catheter is inserted into the jugular vein (on the neck) under general anaesthesia. If the patient has severe anaemia, it also receives a blood transfusion before or during the dialysis treatment. The duration of one treatment is determined by the severity of the animal’s condition and the laboratory parameters. An intermittent hemodialysis treatment (for dogs >12\u201315 kg) usually lasts 4 to 6 hours. The patient is under veterinary supervision during the whole treatment. Dialysis treatments are usually performed on days 1, 2, and 4. Smaller\u2013sized animals (<12\u201315 kg) are treated on a different dialysis machine and with a different type of treatment, as their blood circulation is much more unstable. In their case, we use so\u2013called \u201ccontinuous renal replacement therapy\u201d (CRRT), during which the first two dialysis treatments are performed together, so the treatment lasts for 10\u201312 hours, sometimes even longer. If needed, this treatment is repeated after 2\u20133 days.<\/span><\/p>

On days 5\u20136, we reevaluate the patient’s condition and laboratory parameters, and whether there is any improvement. Either there is a considerable improvement, and we can stop the dialysis treatments, or there is an improvement, but further treatments are necessary, or there is no improvement at all, and it is meaningless to continue the treatment. If we decide to continue the dialysis therapy, it will usually be needed 2\u20133 times a week. We repeat the dialysis treatments until the kidneys regain their function (a few days to a few weeks) or, in the worst case, until it becomes clear that the kidneys will not regain their function.<\/span><\/p>

In the case of <\/span>peritoneal dialysis<\/span><\/b>, a special catheter is surgically inserted into the abdominal cavity under general anaesthesia. The abdominal cavity is filled with a special dialysis fluid through the catheter. Toxic substances are filtered into this fluid through the peritoneum, then the fluid is drained, and the abdomen is refilled with fresh dialysis solution. This process is initially repeated every 2 hours. Once the patient’s circulation has stabilized and its general condition is acceptable, the number of dialysis sessions can be reduced to 4\u20136 times daily. Fluid changes are continued until the kidneys regain their function (a few days to a few weeks) or, in the worst case, until it becomes evident that the kidneys will not regenerate. If the pet is stable on dialysis and does not require further intensive care, peritoneal dialysis can be continued at home. The exact steps of the process will be taught to the owners. Home dialysis requires a great effort from the owners. The owners have to assess whether they will be able to do it or not. They will have to change the fluid 4\u20135 times a day, which takes approximately 20\u201330 minutes each, and they have to be able to give medications orally. As the patient’s condition improves, the number of dialysis sessions can be gradually reduced, and once dialysis is not needed, the catheter has to be removed during a small operation.<\/span><\/p>

Before and after dialysis treatment (both peritoneal and hemodialysis), patients are placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) where they are under continuous (24\u2013hour) observation and are receiving medication and (if necessary) infusion therapy.<\/span><\/p>

Does dialysis make sense in animals with chronic kidney disease?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

Dialysis of pets with chronic kidney disease is not recommended. In people with chronic kidney disease, dialysis is continued until they receive a kidney transplant. Since this is generally not an option for pets, dialysis should be continued lifelong. <\/span><\/p>

Lifelong dialysis is limited on the one hand by the owner (time, energy and money requirements), and on the other hand by the patient. We cannot provide a good quality of life on long\u2013term dialysis for our pets (continuous treatments, examinations, interventions, complications, general discomfort because of the disease).<\/span><\/p>

What are the costs of dialysis?<\/span><\/b><\/h5>

Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are advanced, intensive therapeutic interventions. Because pets in need of dialysis are generally patients in poor condition, they require intensive care as well. Hence, in addition to the cost of dialysis, the cost of the intensive care, further treatments, examinations, and laboratory tests will also be calculated. <\/span><\/p>

Prices provided here are for information purposes only. The exact costs can vary from case to case and will be discussed on\u2013site. <\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>

  • First evaluation<\/span><\/b> whether dialysis therapy is needed (usually physical examination, blood, urine test, ultrasound examination): approx. 300\u2013500 euro<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
    • Hospital daily fees<\/span><\/b> (including continuous monitoring, regular physical examinations and blood pressure measurements, special nutrition, medicines, infusions): approx. 200\u2013300 euro<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
      • Laboratory fees<\/span><\/b> (mostly blood tests): approx. 50\u2013120 euro \/ day<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
        • Blood transfusion <\/span><\/b>(if needed):<\/span> <\/b>approx. 300 euro<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
          • Hemodialysis treatment: <\/span><\/b><\/li> <\/ul>
            • Implantation of a special dialysis vein catheter on the first day approx. 250\u2013400 euro <\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
              • Cost of one hemodialysis treatment (4\u20136 hours) with hourly blood tests: approx. 800\u20131000 euro<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
                • Peritoneal dialysis: <\/span><\/b><\/li> <\/ul>
                  • Implantation of a special dialysis catheter in the abdominal cavity: approx. 500\u2013700 euro<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
                    • Daily intensive care fees and laboratory costs: approx. 200\u2013350 euro<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>

                      Taking these costs into account, the average cost of the <\/span>first week<\/span><\/b> <\/b>of intensive care is:<\/span><\/p>

                      • on hemodialysis <\/span><\/b>is 4000\u20136000 euro (with 3\u20134 dialysis treatments). If we continue the hemodialysis treatments and intensive care the average cost is 3000\u20134800 euro\/week.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>
                        • on peritoneal dialysis<\/span><\/b> is around 2400\u20133000 euro. If we continue the treatments and intensive care the average cost is 1500\u20132200 euro\/week.<\/span><\/li> <\/ul>

                          A prepayment of at least 1000 euro is needed at the time of hospitalization. <\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          Dialysis at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest   What is dialysis good for? Dialysis refers to the medical technology of artificially removing waste materials from the body. In a healthy organism, the kidneys perform this function. However, in cases of severe kidney damage, detoxification is inadequate, and the accumulated waste products can lead to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":329,"featured_media":0,"parent":44849,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-186613","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/186613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/329"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=186613"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/186613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":208664,"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/186613\/revisions\/208664"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/44849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=186613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=186613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univet.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=186613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}