FLUID THERAPY IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC-RENAL-FAILURE

Maintenance of hydration and excretion of various electrolytes and was te products of protein and metabolism are two important aspects of nor mal renal function. Renal failure is manifest by persistent urine conc entrating deficits in the face of azotemia and/or uremia. The inabilit y to concentrate urine coupled with gastrointesinal fluid loss often r esults in dehydration, and therefore fluid therapy to replace volume d eficits is a critical step in the initial management of dogs and cats in renal failure. Once the renal failure patient is rehydrated, induct ion or augmentation of a diuresis may be appropriate as it will facili tate excretion of solutes that are reabsorbed and secreted by renal tu bular cells. The response to rehydration and diuresis is an important determinant of the prognosis for the renal failure patient.