PREVENTION OF ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE

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.