Objective:To describe the frequency of renal tubular vacuolization (RTV) as a surrogate of osmotic nephrosis and assess hyperosmolar agents as predictors of RTV severity.Design: Retrospective study (February 2004-October 2014.
Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital.Animals: Fifty-three client-owned, critically ill dogs that had a postmortem examination.
Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: The frequency, severity, and location of RTV were determined in small group of critically ill dogs postmortem. Logistic regression was performed to assess cumulative 6% HES (670/0.75) and mannitol dose as predictors for RTV severity with presenting serum creatinine concentration, cumulative furosemide dose, and duration of hospitalization as covariates. RTV was noted in 45 (85%) of 53 critically ill dogs and was most commonly located to the medullary rays (68%). Cumulative 6% HES (670/0.75) dose (P = 0.009) and presenting serum creatinine concentration (P = 0.027) were significant predictors of RTV severity. For every 1 mL/kg increase in 6% HES (670/0.75) dose that a dog received, there was 1.6% increased chance of having more severe RTV (OR 1.016; 95% CI 1.004-1.029). In addition, for every 88.4 mol/L (1 mg/dL) increase in presenting serum creatinine, there was a 22.7% increased chance of having more severe RTV (OR 1.227; 95% CI 1.023-1.472). Cumulative mannitol (P = 0.548) and furosemide (P = 0.136) doses were not significant predictors of RTV severity.
Conclusion:In a small group of critically ill dogs, there was a high frequency of RTV identified on postmortem examination. Administration of 6% HES (670/0.75) and presenting serum creatinine concentration were significant predictors of RTV severity. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine the etiology and significance of RTV in dogs. K E Y W O R D S canine, hydroxyethyl starch, osmotic nephrosis, vacuolization 1930s following intravenous administration of hypertonic sucrose in the treatment of increased intracranial pressure. 3 Since then, several hyperosmolar agents including intravenous immunoglobulins, mannitol, low-molecular-weight dextran, glucose, hydroxyethyl starches (HES; 6% HES [200/0.5], 6% HES [200/0.62]), and iodine-containing J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2019;29:279-287. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/vec 279