Business & Tech

Buffalo Grove Animal Clinic Offers Hemodialysis

New technology is added at Veterinary Specialty Center.

Veterinary Specialty Center is the first in the Midwest and among the first in the United States to offer hemodialysis to pets. Hemodialysis is only offered by a handful of other facilities in the United States as an option for companion animals.

During hemodialysis, the blood is filtered repeatedly through an artificial kidney composed of many tiny “straws” that act as the semi-permeable membranes that allow toxic waste to be diffused out of the blood. As the blood filtrates through this system, metabolic waste and excess fluids are removed and discarded.

“We are excited to offer this life-saving option to our patients,” Dr. Jerry Thornhill, a nephrologist at VSC, said.

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The first patient to receive hemodialysis at VSC was Walle Solberg, a 2-year-old Pit Bull mix. Walle was referred to VSC by an emergency doctor at the Animal Emergency Clinic in Rockford due to his development of rapidly advancing kidney failure. Walle was later diagnosed with leptospirosis, a disease that rapidly spreads through the bloodstream, producing toxins that attack the liver and kidney of animals. Leptospirosis is most often spread when animals swin in or drink contaminated water that washed by rains into standing water.

After a week’s stay at VSC and hemodialysis, Walle was sent home. According to his owner, Janet Solberg, he is back to his old self.

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To learn more about hemodialysis at VSC, visit the clinic's website or call 847-459-7535.


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