Evaluation of three peripheral arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis access in dogs

Surgical management of a cat with hepatic arterioportal fistula

A 9-month-old domestic short-haired cat presented with stunted growth and chronic gastrointestinal signs. Tachypnoea, a heart murmur and cranial abdominal bruit were detected on physical examination. Echocardiography revealed volume overload in all heart chambers. CT angiography identified an abnormal communication between the hepatic arterial circulation and the portal vein, along with multiple acquired shunts. The abnormal vascular communication was surgically ligated. Echocardiography documented improvement in cardiac parameters following surgery and the cat continues to have no clinical signs 39 months after surgery. This report describes successful surgical management of feline hepatic arterioportal fistula for the first time.

Vascular access for extracorporeal renal replacement therapy in veterinary patients

Vascular access is the first and most basic requirement for successful extracorporeal renal replacement therapy (ERRT). Dual-lumen catheters are the most commonly used method of vascular access for ERRT in veterinary patients. An adequately functioning dialysis catheter allows for smooth and efficient patient management, whereas a poorly functioning catheter frustrates the technician, doctor, and patient. These catheters are fairly quick to place but require meticulous care for optimal function. The most common complications are thrombosis and infection. Monitoring catheter performance should be a routine part of dialysis patient care.

Veterinary hemodialysis: advances in management and technology

Hemodialysis (HD) is a renal replacement therapy that can enable recovery of patients in acute kidney failure and prolong survival for patients with end-stage kidney failure. HD is also uniquely suited for management of refractory volume overload and removal of certain toxins from the bloodstream. Over the last decade, veterinary experience with HD has deepened and refined and its geographic availability has increased. As awareness of the usefulness and availability of dialytic therapy increases among veterinarians and pet owners and the number of veterinary dialysis facilities increases, dialytic management will become the standard of advanced care for animals with severe intractable uremia.