Dialytic support of dogs with clinically occurring renal failure: a realistic model of acute renal failure in man.

In canine veterinary medicine, both acute and chronic renal failure occur relatively frequently, from a variety of causes similar to those in man. However, the normal dog has a very high protein catabolic rate and high endogenous kidney function, and, therefore, requires frequent and highly efficient dialysis, for maintenance during renal failure. We have developed techniques to support the uremic dog with hemodialysis. An experimentally anephric dog, and two dogs with clinically occurring acute renal failure (caused by ethylene glycol intoxication and heat stroke) have been supported with frequent use of hollow fiber dialyzers, using a carotid artery to jugular vein shunt. Patency of shunts was maintained by administration of oral aspirin. A very high urea and creatinine generation rate necessitated daily dialysis during much of the clinical course of renal failure. The experimentally anuric animal was supported for 35 days. The ethylene glycol-induced renal failure animal was euthanized on the 21st day, and the heat stress-induced renal failure animal recovered sufficient intrinsic renal function after 16 days of dialysis for maintenance of life without dialysis.