Effect of Fenoldopam Continuous Infusion on Glomerular Filtration Rate and Fractional Excretion of Sodium in Healthy Dogs

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common problem in small‐animal patients and carries a guarded prognosis with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in oligoanuric dogs. Fenoldopam, a selective dopamine agonist, has been shown to increase urine output in healthy dogs and cats; however, the mechanism of action is unknown. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of fenoldopam infusion on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Ten healthy, privately owned dogs. METHODS: Randomized, crossover design with negative control. Ten healthy dogs were given fenoldopam diluted in 5% dextrose (D5W) as a continuous IV infusion of 0.8 μg/kg/min for 5 hours and a control infusion of D5W alone, 7 days apart. Glomerular filtration rate was measured by exogenous iohexol clearance, beginning 1 hour after the start of the fenoldopam infusion. Fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) was measured before and after the infusion. Glomerular filtration rate and change in FeNa were compared between treatment days. RESULTS: Fenoldopam infusion resulted in a significantly increased (P = .0166) GFR (median GFR, 3.33 mL/min/kg) in healthy dogs compared with D5W infusion (median GFR, 2.71 mL/kg/min). Fenoldopam also resulted in a significantly increased (P = .0148) FeNa (mean change, 0.106), whereas infusion of D5W alone did not (mean change, 0.016). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In healthy dogs, fenoldopam significantly increased GFR and FeNa compared with infusion of D5W alone. No adverse effects were seen.