Royal Veterinary College opens dedicated Renal Recovery Clinic
Four-year-old Cavapoo Nala is among the clinic's canine patients.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has opened a new Renal Recovery Clinic for dogs recovering from acute kidney injury (AKI).
The clinic, at RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA), will offer specialist-led advice for dogs in the months following an AKI diagnosis.
AKI presents as a serious, life-threatening condition, often caused by a sudden loss of kidney function. Even after an initial treatment, recovery can take up to three months.
During this time, the kidneys are susceptible to further injury as well as complications, including high blood pressure (hypertension).
RVC says its Renal Recovery Clinic will support pets and their owners through their recovery, ensuring progress is closely monitored with any issues managed as soon as possible.
The clinic has been integrated into the RVC’s Nephrology and Urology service and is supported by Emergency and Critical Care specialists. The RVC is the only centre in the UK to offer medical management of AKI and provide renal replacement therapies such as haemodialysis.
Its services can be accessed after referral from a first opinion practice. Owners complete a pre-appointment questionnaire, before receiving a clinical re-examination from the RVC.
The team uses monitoring tests, including blood and urine analysis and blood pressure evaluation, to assess progress and create treatment plans. Ultrasounds may also be requested, depending on discussions with clinicians.
The clinic has been operating for less than two months, with four-year-old Cavapoo Nala among its canine patients.
Holly and Henry Webb, Nala’s owners, said: “Two years ago, we nearly lost our little dog Nala, but the Royal Veterinary College saved her life and we couldn’t be more grateful.
“To have the opportunity to return for the Renal Recovery Clinic and benefit from the support of the phenomenal vets who kept an eye on her kidney health has been a big reassurance for us as her owners.
“We will continue to track her perfect progress with the help of the wonderful team at RVC and are so delighted that our Nala is able to continue living life to her fullest.”
Laura Cole, lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at the RVC, said: “We see many dogs at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals who present to our emergency service with acute kidney injury (AKI).
Dogs with AKI often have intensive support and treatment, but for a long time, being discharged from hospital was seen as the endpoint in this journey.
“But actually, we know that the full recovery period can take many months and that ongoing care is needed, for example, management of concurrent issues, such as hypertension and proteinuria, decision making around optimal nutrition and also monitoring for long-term consequences such as chronic kidney disease.”
Image © Royal Veterinary College
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
