Hemodialysis

Abstract

Hemodialysis is a therapeutic procedure that uses the extracorporeal circulation of a patient's blood to ameliorate the azotemia, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base abnormalities characteristic of the uremic syndrome. Hemodialysis is principally used for the management of acute and chronic renal failure that is refractory to conventional medical therapy. Additional applications include acute intoxications (e.g., ethylene glycol poisoning) and preoperative conditioning of renal transplant recipients. Hemodialysis is a technically demanding procedure that requires an extensive array of sophisticated delivery equipment and specifically trained and dedicated staff to perform, monitor, and ensure the integrity and safety of the procedure in critically ill patients. The advent of neonatal dialysis delivery equipment has ensured that hemodialysis is a feasible, efficacious, safe, and indispensable therapy for dogs and cats with life-threatening renal failure. Increased awareness and acceptance of hemodialysis as an effective renal replacement therapy coupled with increased owner demand guarantee a bright future for hemodialysis as a viable therapeutic modality.