Haematological, Biochemical and Acid-Base Changes in Uraemic Dogs Undergoing Intermittent Haemodialysis (2017-2024)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Nephrology
• Critical Care

Background:

• Laboratory variables are crucial for managing animals with kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis.
• Uraemic crisis in dogs presents complex laboratory abnormalities requiring therapeutic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and characterize laboratory variables in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI) during intermittent haemodialysis (IHD).
• To assess the impact of IHD on key haematological and biochemical parameters.
• To provide data for optimizing therapeutic strategies and predicting outcomes in dogs undergoing IHD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for dogs with CKD or AKI undergoing IHD between 2017 and 2024.
• Analysis of 149 IHD sessions across 58 dogs, focusing on pre- and post-session laboratory values.
• Statistical analysis to determine significant changes in various parameters.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia at admission, worsening with increased IHD sessions.
• IHD effectively corrected acidaemia, metabolic acidosis, and reduced creatinine, urea, and phosphorus levels.
• Significant decreases in RBC, haematocrit, and platelets, alongside increases in pH, bicarbonate, and ionized calcium were observed post-IHD.
• An average decrease in haematocrit of 3.42-5% per session was noted.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent haemodialysis is effective in correcting acid-base disturbances and removing uremic toxins in dogs.
• Progressive anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia necessitate continued monitoring and proactive management strategies.
• Understanding haematocrit changes per session aids in planning fluid selection and blood product replacement.