A model of long-term peritoneal dialysis in the dog

We describe two preparations for chronic peritoneal dialysis in the dog. In one group uremia was induced by nephrectomy and in the other by ureteral ligation. Peritoneal access was obtained using the Ash disc column catheter. Survival of the animals ranged from 27 to 83 days. Using a dialysis schedule similar in concept to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in man we found that dialysate-induced ultrafiltration, equilibration of solute between serum and dialysate, as well as protein losses into dialysate approximated values found in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Careful attention to detail is required in order to maintain these animals. The advantages of these models are their technical simplicity and prolonged survival making intermediate range studies feasible. Disadvantages include anemia, seen in the anephric animals, technical problems with the disc column catheter, the need for maintenance of strict aseptic technique when performing dialysis exchanges, and difficulties maintaining adequate nutrition.