Use of continuous-flow peritoneal dialysis for the treatment of acute renal failure in an adult horse

A 15-year-old Paso Fino gelding was evaluated because of acute renal failure following an episode of exertional rhabdomyolysis. The horse was azotemic and treated conservatively at another referral practice with no improvement in the azotemia. With conservative treatment and intermittent peritoneal dialysis, the horse had minimal improvement. Continuous-flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD) was instituted on day 7 and continued for 3 consecutive days. Dramatic changes in the horse's attitude and serum creatinine concentration were detected within the first 24 hours of CFPD treatment. The horse remained hospitalized for 23 days; within 3 months of discharge, serum BUN and creatinine concentrations had returned to within the reference ranges and the horse had resumed normal activity. In adult horses, it appears that CFPD can be used to successfully treat acute renal failure that is refractory to conventional treatments.