Hematological changes after intermittent hemodialysis in dogs with acute kidney injury are mild and transient.

Monitor platelet counts closely post-IHD in dogs, as moderate transient thrombocytopenia may increase bleeding risk.

This prospective observational study evaluated hematological changes in 30 client-owned dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), encompassing 82 total IHD sessions conducted between February 2021 and July 2025. Blood samples were collected at three time points: immediately before IHD (T0), immediately after IHD (T1), and 12–24 hours post-IHD (T2). Parameters assessed included hematocrit, RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, reticulocyte count, platelet count, and WBC count. Results demonstrated statistically significant but clinically mild decreases in RBC count and hemoglobin concentration immediately following IHD, with no notable recovery data reported at T2 for these parameters. WBC count decreased post-IHD and rebounded to near-baseline levels within 24 hours. The most clinically notable finding was a moderate decrease in platelet count following IHD (median 99 × 10⁹/L at T0 vs. 69 × 10⁹/L at T1), with partial recovery by T2 (84 × 10⁹/L). While most hematological alterations were transient and resolved within 24 hours, the moderate thrombocytopenia observed post-IHD raises concern for an elevated bleeding risk in affected patients. Clinicians should monitor platelet counts closely in dogs undergoing IHD, particularly those with pre-existing thrombocytopenia or concurrent coagulopathies. This study provides valuable prospective data supporting the relative hematological safety of IHD in canine AKI patients while highlighting platelet monitoring as an important aspect of post-IHD patient management.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.