Peritoneal dialysis in the cat with acute kidney injury
3-year-old domestic shorthair cat with anuric acute kidney injury after eating lilies. No haemodialysis centre is accessible and peritoneal dialysis is being considered.
Which statement about peritoneal dialysis is correct?
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A. It is contraindicated in cats because of their small body size
On the contrary: it has been used successfully in cats and small dogs, in which the extracorporeal circuit of haemodialysis is more difficult.
B. It removes urea and potassium as quickly as haemodialysis, within a few hours
It is less efficient than haemodialysis: it needs repeated exchanges over several days to control azotaemia and electrolytes.
C. Its most frequent complication is haemorrhage at the catheter insertion site
Haemorrhage is possible but not the most common problem. Typical issues are poor catheter drainage, peritonitis, hypoalbuminaemia and leaks.
D. It demands strict asepsis, and its usual complications are poor catheter drainage, peritonitis, hypoalbuminaemia and leaks
Correct. Omentum and fibrin often block the catheter (which is why partial omentectomy is usually performed at placement), repeated handling favours peritonitis and the dialysate removes protein.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Peritoneal dialysis is a real alternative when haemodialysis is unavailable, especially in small patients. Glucose-containing dialysate allows fluid removal; monitor blood glucose, albumin, electrolytes and the appearance of the effluent (turbidity = suspected peritonitis).
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.