The University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center is now able to perform therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPE) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) using the Baxter Prismaflex machine. The Baxter website defines the Prismaflex machine as an innovative system that is designed to support the recovery of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
This machine has already been used to assist a VHC patient named Beau. Beau is a 6-month-old hound dog, Labrador mix who was severely anemic on arrival. He was considered to be in critical condition and needed a blood transfusion right away. “Beau had a condition called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) where his body was destroying its own red blood cells by creating antibodies against them,” said Colin Reich, DVM, DACVECC, an assistant teaching professor and board-certified specialist in veterinary emergency and critical care at MU. “Since a lot of the body’s antibodies can be found in the plasma, we removed them with a therapeutic plasma exchange to stop the progression of his disease.”
Beau made a quick turnaround after the procedure, with his plasma returning to a normal color and his anemia stabilizing within 24 hours. This indicated that the procedure was effective. “We are definitely not the first to perform TPE for dogs with IMHA, but we are excited to offer this therapy for dogs in a more convenient way at the University of Missouri using the Baxter Prismaflex machine,” said Reich.
The Prismaflex machine also allows veterinarians at Mizzou to perform continuous renal replacement therapy. CRRT is a form of dialysis used for animals with acute kidney injury. Both dogs and cats can develop acute kidney injury, which is caused by infections, urinary obstructions and toxicities. “Not all animals with acute kidney injury will need CRRT, but it can be a life-saving therapy for those animals in which it is indicated,” said Reich. “It is important to recognize that we are unable to provide long-term dialysis for patients with chronic kidney disease.”
by Nick Childress
