Determination of renal blood flow with Doppler ultrasound and the hypertension prevalence and acid-base level in dogs with chronic renal failure

Chronic renal failure  (CRF) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. The aim of this study is to investigate the renal Doppler measurements, blood hypertension and acid-base levels in dogs with chronic renal failure. Twenty-six dogs previously diagnosed with chronic renal failure were compared with twenty healthy dogs. A complete blood cell, biochemical profile, urinalysis, blood gasses, blood pressure were analyzed and changes in renal blood flow were measured by renal Doppler ultrasonography. The dogs with CRF had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorus concentration, significantly lower packed cell volume, and urine specific gravity than control dogs. Positive correlation was determined between serum creatinine levels and renal Doppler indices. There were significant decreases in blood pH and bicarbonate. Indirect blood pressure measurements were slightly increased in CRF dogs. Renal Doppler measurement was observed as a helpful tool in diagnosing the CRF in dogs. Identification of acidosis and hypertension may help in developing treatments that slow the rate of progression of chronic renal failure.