Acute renal failure (ARF) induced by therapeutic agents that are nephr
otoxic (e.g., gentamicin, cisplatin, amphotericin, and nonsteroidal an
ti-inflammatory drugs) or hypotension associated with anesthesia and s
urgery unfortunately occur with some regularity in small animal practi
ce. Several clinical conditions have been identified that can increase
the risk of hospital-acquired ARF in dogs. Recognition of these risk
factors allows the clinician to assess the risk/benefit ratio for vari
ous drugs and/or procedures. Additionally, initiating protective measu
res and increasing the monitoring of renal function in those patients
that require potentially harmful treatment may decrease the incidence
of hospital-acquired ARF.