ABSTRACT
Peritoneal dialysis has become increasingly utilized for the treatment of acute and chronic renal failure in humans. This increase in popularity has been primarily due to the development of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD.) Chronic peritoneal access has been the major impediment to successful maintenance of dogs in peritoneal dialysis. The peritoneal dialysis animal model has been used to develop techniques for measuring transport of various size water-soluble molecules across the peritoneal membrane. The development of an adequate access to the peritoneal cavity for long-term dialysis in dogs has allowed research protocols to determine techniques for maintenance of uremic animals for both experimental and clinical purposes. Growth and development of the animals was measured by activity observation, skin fold measurement, body length and height, and head circumference. CAPD has improved the technique and possibility of management of patients with end-stage renal disease and is increasing in both popularity and application.
