title: Current techniques in peritoneal dialysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a current overview of the technique of peritoneal dialysis in dogs and cats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Peritoneal dialysis is the process by which water and solutes move between blood in the peritoneal capillaries and fluid (dialysate) instilled into the peritoneal cavity, across the semipermeable membrane of the peritoneum. The primary indication for peritoneal dialysis (PD) in animals is for treatment of renal failure to correct water, solute, and acid-base abnormalities and to remove uremic toxins.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Peritoneal dialysis is a modality of renal replacement therapy commonly used in human medicine for the treatment of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure. Peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneum as a membrane across which fluids and uremic solutes are exchanged. Dialysate is instilled into the peritoneal cavity and, through the process of diffusion and osmosis, water, toxins, electrolytes, and other small molecules are allowed to equilibrate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
authors.forename: Linda A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Mary Anna
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Labato
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000662:veterinary*; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*