Two vizslas, Mia and Kodak, were taken to the DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Portland, Ore. after owners suspected the pets may have accidentally ingested naproxen, a pain reliever potentially lethal to pets.
Although the initial laboratory results from both a local clinic, where the vizslas were initially brought, and at DoveLewis were normal, the family chose a proactive approach due to the uncertainty of whether one or both dogs ingested the medication and in what quantity. The DoveLewis team used a dialysis technology called total plasma exchange (TPE) to cleanse the two dogs’ bloodstreams of possible toxins within several hours.
“Both Mia and Kodak responded exceptionally well to the TPE treatment, showing no subsequent organ damage and maintaining normal kidney function throughout their recovery,” says Lindsey McGuire, DVM. Additionally, the dogs reportedly displayed “excellent appetite and normal behavior” within days of the procedure.
“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,” adds Dr. McGuire.
Both dogs have since been released from the hospital. For more information, visit the DoveLewis website.