Peritoneal dialysis in acute renal failure in canines: A review

Peritoneal dialysis is a technique whereby infusion of dialysis solution into the peritoneal cavity is followed by a variable dwell time and subsequent drainage. During peritoneal dialysis, solutes and fluids are exchanged between the capillary blood and the intraperitoneal fluid through a biologic membrane, the peritoneum. Inadequate renal function leads to disturbance in the removal of the extra fluid and waste products. It removes the waste product and extra fluid from the body in renal failure in small animal practice. Peritoneal dialysis is more accessible, more affordable and easier to administer to the small animal patient. The most common indication for peritoneal dialysis in dogs is acute renal failure (ARF). Peritoneal dialysis is an important therapeutic tool for mitigating clinical signs of uremia and giving the kidneys time to recover in cats with acute kidney injury when conventional therapy is no longer effective.