This clinic is dedicated to those pets recovering from acute kidney injury (AKI) that have been treated at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals

Our aim is to provide careful review, management and advice for those dogs recovering from acute kidney injury and to optimise monitoring for any long-term consequences or progression of kidney disease.

Client FAQs for renal recovery clinic

Why has a renal recovery clinic been recommended by my vet?

Kidneys need time to fully recovery after injury and this can take up to 3 months.
Your pet’s kidneys are susceptible to further kidney injury which may lead to longstanding damage and associated complications such as high blood pressure that require treatment.
Our team can monitor your pet closely, providing advice and treatment, as necessary.

What does my renal recovery clinic include?

The renal recovery clinic includes a re-examination at the RVC, specific blood, and urine tests to check on renal recovery and blood pressure check. Ultrasound may be recommended at some appointments. As part of this clinic, we will also send a questionnaire on your pet’s health prior to each appointment, and we will use your answers to help guide our management plan.  The renal recovery clinic includes ongoing regular support by our specialist team outside the scheduled appointments.

What happens at a renal recovery clinic appointment?

• Re-examination with the Nephrology/Urology team to review your dog’s progress after their acute kidney injury.
• Monitoring tests that help to track the progress of your dog to ensure optimal care in this important recovery period
• Depending our findings, an ultrasound may be recommended. This will require a short stay in hospital; your pet will require clipping and may require sedation.

After the appointment, we will discuss the results with you and provide ongoing support.

How does much a renal recovery clinic consultation cost?

Last price update: 23^rd January 2025

For dogs who were managed for their acute kidney injury at RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA)

The renal recovery clinic bundle without ultrasound costs £350

The renal recovery clinic bundle with ultrasound costs £600

If there are any tests or procedures that are recommended outside of the renal recovery clinic bundle these will incur additional costs but will be discussed with you directly at the appointment so that you can decide whether to proceed.

For dogs who had their initial acute kidney injury managed at a practice other than the QMHA:

Where we have not previously seen your dog for their kidney injury, you will need to request referral from your primary care veterinary surgeon. We recommend that you have an initial new internal medicine appointment. Based on this we will be able to ensure we have all the necessary information about your dog and their previous treatment and ensure suitability to join the renal recovery clinic.

How long does the renal recovery clinic appointment take?

This renal recovery appointment is booked for 30mins, but you should schedule at least 90 minutes so we to have time to obtain the blood tests. If your pet is going to have an ultrasound performed, they will need to stay in with us for the day.

We would be grateful if you are able to bring a free-catch urine sample from your dog with you to the appointment.

Who conducts the renal recovery clinic work?

The renal recovery clinic is a collaboration between our emergency and critical care team and our Internal Medicine team. The re-examination will be undertaken by one of residents supervised by Nephrology specialists within Internal Medicine team.

When does the RVC renal recovery clinic run?

The renal recovery clinic runs throughout the year (Mon-Thurs) in our routine internal medicine re-examination appointments. Our specialists can also provide advice to your local vets.

Is my renal recovery clinic appointment cost covered by my insurance?

The appointment may be covered by the insurance company, depending on the policy that you have. Please check with your insurance first to make sure they will cover a kidney condition prior to attending the appointment.

Where does the RVC renal recovery clinic take place?

The RVC renal recovery clinic is an outpatient clinic which is located at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, England. If you are unable to attend the appointment our specialists can provide ongoing advice to your local vets.

Patient participation in RVC’s acute kidney research project

For interested clients, they can participate in a longitudinal study following the outcome of dogs after acute kidney injury (URN 2025 2380-A)

Learn more:

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/research/projects/acute-kidney-injury-renal-recovery-clinic