Study of renal resistive index and renal pulsatility index in non-azotaemic healthy dogs segmented by age group.

Age-specific RRI and RPI reference values improve early kidney disease detection accuracy in dogs.

This prospective study established age-specific reference values for renal resistive index (RRI) and renal pulsatility index (RPI) in healthy, non-azotemic dogs. Eighty-five client-owned dogs were stratified into five age groups (juvenile through geriatric), with 17 dogs per group. All dogs underwent physical examinations and blood work confirming normal renal function. Using standardized Doppler ultrasound protocol, a single operator measured RRI and RPI values. Results demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between age and both indices (RRI ρ=0.41, RPI ρ=0.40, both p<0.001). Overall mean values were RRI 0.613±0.062 and RPI 1.144±0.236. Geriatric dogs (≥11 years) showed significantly elevated values: RRI 0.663±0.064 and RPI 1.305±0.263 (p=0.0004 and p=0.0007, respectively). The authors propose age-specific reference thresholds: RRI 0.71 and RPI 1.51 for dogs <11 years; RRI 0.79 and RPI 1.83 for geriatric dogs. These findings highlight the critical importance of age-adjusted interpretation of renal hemodynamic parameters in clinical practice.

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