HEMODIALYSIS OF THE NORMAL GOAT

Abstract

Pre-clinical studies of hemodialysis equipment is increasingly requested by governments. We studied the suitability of normal goats to test a dialysis machine with 10 hemodialyses using 1.8 m2 polysulfone dialyzers. Methods: Blood-access was by per-cutaneous jugular vein catheters, (CV-C), normal chemistries and deficiencies checked by pre-dialysis electrolyte tests, hemolysis by free Hgb, clearances by arterio-venous BUN differences and urea-volume (V-U) and urea dynamics and transport by pre-and post- and rebound BUN and total dialysate collection. Results: The goats weighed 61 and 51 kg. Prominent jugular veins made CV-C easy to place, the long, mobile neck made them difficult to position. Anti-coagulation was with sc. Heparin, oral aspirin and warfarin. The latter is useless in ruminants. No goat bled from the amicoagulation. 4 CV-Cs were needed the first 15 days before CV-C success. There was no evidence of clinically important hemolysis. Urea- or PO4 deficits did not develop. V-U was 55% ± 19% SD. of body-weight, rebound difficult to estimate at low BUN values, achieved clearances in agreement with predicted and achieved/prescribed Kt/V was 1.0±0.24 SD. Hematology, liver-enzymes and electrolytes remained stable. The goats were easy to handle. Conclusion: Goats are ideal animals for dialysis experiments. They are docile, friendly and easy to handle. Have weight in line with humans, favorable venous anatomy but require x-ray for catheter position. They do not develop deficiencies by intense dialysis. For maximum precision urea-determinations should be calibrated for low values.