Anaesthesia of the patient with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is common, particularly in geriatric animals. General anaesthesia is usually required for routine procedures (dental prophylaxis, ovariohysterectomy or castration) and emergency procedures, which may have profound effects on the body, especially on cardiac output, subsequent blood pressure and on the perfusion of different vital organs. It is essential to understand the effects of renal dysfunction on the patient, as well as the effects that anaesthesia and surgery may have on the kidneys. The understanding of renal physiology, along with the effect of drug choices, is key to successful management of chronic renal failure.