Defying all odds: Pune vet reverses 85% kidney failure in dog through dialysis intervention

Pune: Kidney problems are not limited to humans. Experts say our canine friends are increasingly falling prey to them, often requiring timely and advanced care.In one such emotional and inspiring case, a five-year-old beloved pet dog suffering from severe kidney failure, for whom euthanasia had been recommended after he did not respond to treatment earlier, got a second chance at life when advanced hemodialysis and dedicated care helped him recover with Pune-based veterinarian expertise.Belagavi-based Shilpa Doddanavar, the pet parent of the young German Shepherd, told TOI, "Shelby, who was once full of energy, was since the past few months gradually becoming weaker and quieter. He started vomiting frequently, showed lethargy, and poor appetite. We were worried and took him to a private veterinary hospital in Bengaluru, where he underwent treatment since March 15. But despite 15 days of hospitalization, his condition showed no improvement. By March 31, his condition had worsened so much that euthanasia was advised, leaving our family heartbroken."Unwilling to give up, the pet parent sought further guidance and was recommended The Small Animal Clinic, Pune. The clinic's veterinary surgeon Dr Narendra Pardeshi, who treated Shelby, said, "The dog was brought to the clinic on April 1 in a very critical and depressed condition. Both his kidneys were severely compromised, and his overall prognosis was extremely poor. On arrival, we did detailed investigations, including sonography, ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and blood tests. These revealed a dangerously high creatinine level of 6.06 mg/dL, confirming severe kidney dysfunction, for which tick fever was one of the main causes."He added, "Shelby's condition at the presentation was critical. Both kidneys were severely compromised, with nearly 85% damage and very high creatinine levels, so the chances of recovery were minimal. In such cases, euthanasia is often considered."Considering the seriousness of the case, Dr Pardeshi advised four cycles of haemodialysis, with kidney transplantation as a secondary option. He explained, "Dialysis was initiated without delay as it helps remove toxins from the blood and gives the kidneys time to recover. The first session of dialysis was performed on April 1 itself, followed by alternate-day sessions. Encouragingly, Shelby began responding, with gradual improvement seen after each cycle. By the third dialysis on April 7, his creatinine level had reduced to 4.85 mg/dL."Thereafter, dialysis was stopped and Shelby was shifted to oral treatment. Gradually, he began eating and drinking on his own, with improved urine output. The doctor said, "By April 17, his creatinine levels had further dropped to 3.52 mg/dL. A follow-up sonography showed improved Doppler flow in both kidneys, indicating recovery."Shelby was finally discharged on April 28. Dr Pardeshi said, "Shelby has been stable, active, and eating his prescription renal diet on his own for 10 days as of April-end. He has been off all injections and IV fluids, with kidney function steadily improving. This case highlights that even in very severe kidney failure, timely intervention with advanced treatments like dialysis can make a huge difference. Pet parents need to know that options exist beyond euthanasia, and early referral to specialised care can save lives."Shelby's elated family is now celebrating his cure. Doddanvar said, "We were shattered to see him suffer. When we were told about euthanasia or a transplant, we felt helpless and were scared of losing him. But we just couldn't give up. We kept searching for hope. Today, seeing Shelby recover feels nothing short of a miracle. He is family, and having him back means everything to us."
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