A novel study on the quality of life index in canine chronic kidney disease treated with incremental intermittent hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In veterinary medicine, health-related quality-of-life index (QOL) measurements are becoming increasingly important because they are a multifaceted concept that represents not only patients' physical well-being but also clients' emotional health. This study assessed QOL in dogs receiving incremental intermittent hemodialysis (-IHD) with high- and low-flux dialyzers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty dogs diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage IV were randomly divided into two groups of 15 dogs each. A high-flux dialyzer was used in Group I, whereas a low-flux dialyzer was used in Group II. -IHD was performed on days 0, 2, 4, 19, and 34, whereas QOL evaluation was performed on days 0, 15, 30, and 45.

RESULTS

Both groups exhibited considerable decreases in post-dialysis creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and phosphorus levels, while Group I experienced notable reductions in post-dialysis triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Dialysis adequacy did not show any significant difference between the clearance rates of high- and low-flux dialyzers. The QOL assessment showed better post-dialysis scores in all categories except for water balance in Group I, while Group II demonstrated a worsening trend in scores for mental status, appetite, mobility, general health, and pain.

CONCLUSION

In the first three sessions of -IHD, dogs with CKD should be treated every other day, and the schedule can be extended by 15 days after that. A high-flux membrane, which effectively decreases triglyceride and cholesterol levels more than a low-flux membrane, warrants consideration for dogs with cardiovascular complications undergoing dialysis. The dialysis-related QOL aids in clinical decision-making and encourages client engagement.