Effect of fenoldopam on renal function after nephrotomy in normal dogs.

Objective: To evaluate effects of fenoldopam on renal function in normal dogs subjected to bisection nephrotomy. In addition, effects of bisection nephrotomy on renal function in normal dogs were evaluated.

Study Design: Controlled, randomized, blinded experiment.

Sample Population: Sixteen mixed-breed adult dogs.

Methods: Dogs were paired for sex, body weight, and approximate age and assigned to 1 of 2 groups: fenoldopam (F) or placebo (P). Baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on quantitative renal scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-DTPA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), urinalysis, and urine culture were performed before surgery. Left nephrotomy was performed via median celiotomy. Group F dogs were administered intravenous (IV) fenoldopam (0.1 microg/kg/min) for 90 minutes, whereas group P dogs were administered an equivalent volume of saline (0.9 % NaCl) solution for 90 minutes. Temperature, heart rate, respiration, direct arterial blood pressure, and urine volume were recorded during anesthesia. Renal function was assessed by measuring SCr, BUN, and GFR at 1, 21, and 42 days after surgery.

Results: There was no significant difference between groups in measured physiologic variables. No significant difference in GFR, BUN, or SCr between groups or between operated or control kidneys was detected.

Conclusions: Bisection nephrotomy in normal dogs with renal arterial occlusion of 15 minutes and using a simple continuous capsular closure does not adversely affect renal function.

Clinical Relevance: Bisection nephrotomy, as described in this study, does not decrease renal function; perioperative administration of renoprotective agents is not necessary in normal dogs.