Nephrology & Urology
Nephrology is an area of internal medicine that specializes in the kidneys, which play a pivotal role in the maintenance of a patient’s health. VSC has been a leader in the management of kidney disease for over a decade and offers state-of-the-art equipment that assists with the diagnosis and treatment of pets with renal disorders. We were the first facility in the Midwest to offer hemodialysis and one of the first in the country to offer plasmapheresis to companion animals. Our team stands apart as the only hospital in Illinois with two veterinarians acknowledged by the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology. Dr. Thornhill has been named an honorary member, and Dr. Bierlein is currently in residency. We have the capability to provide care at any stage of renal failure.
What Our Nephrology Team Can Treat
Some of the common illnesses and disorders that are treated by our nephrology team include:
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Acute Kidney Injury/Failure
Rapid loss of kidney function
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Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Elevated systemic arterial blood pressure
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Hematuria
Presence of red blood cells in urine
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Disorders of Acid-Base and/or Electrolytes
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Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)
Solid concretion aggregation formed in the kidneys
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Chronic Kidney (Renal) Disease
Progressive loss of renal function over time (months or years)
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Proteinuria
Elevated presence of serum proteins in urine
Urology
Working closely with our nephrology team, our specialists provide advanced veterinary urology services to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the entire urinary tract, including the ureters, bladder, and urethra, as well as the reproductive organs.
Our services include:
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Bladder stone management which involves treatment for recurrent calcium oxalate, urate, and cystine stones, as well as medical dissolution of struvite stones
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Voiding urohydropropulsion for the removal of small bladder stones
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Cystoscopy for the evaluation of bladder masses, bladder wall thickening, urethral disease, ectopic ureters, and potential bladder stones
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Diagnostic workups for suspected bladder masses
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Management of prostatic disease
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Evaluation and treatment of vaginal discharge and vaginitis
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Medical management of ureteral obstructions with guidance on when surgical options may be necessary
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Post-operative care for SUBs and ureteral stents
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Treatment for urinary incontinence in both male and female patients
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Assessment of urinary concerns including frequent urination, urinary accidents, straining or inability to urinate