Diuretic and Saluretic Activity in Dogs

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE Dogs have been extensively used to study renal physiology and the action of diuretics. Renal physiology of the dog is claimed to be closer to man than that of rats. Oral absorbability of diuretic substances can appropriately be studied in dogs. Using catheters, interval collections of urine can be made with more reliability than in rats. Simultaneously, blood samples can be withdrawn to study pharmacokinetics. 

The collected urine is centrifuged to remove solid debris and analyzed by standard methods for sodium, potassium and chloride (Durst and Siggard-Andersen, 1999, Scott et al. 1999). Osmolality is also measured with an osmometer (the freezing point depression type of instrument is recommended (Scott et al. 1999). 

Urine volume, electrolyte concentrations and osmolality are averaged for each group. The values are plotted against time to allow comparison with pretreatment values as well as with water controls and standards. The non-parametric U-test is used for statistical analysis. 

Baer JE (1965) Animal techniques for evaluating diuretics. In Nodin HJ, Siegler PE (eds) Animal and Clinical Pharmacologic Techniques in Drug Evaluation. Year Book Medical Publ Inc Chicago, pp 231-236 Durst RA, Siggard-Andersen O (1999) Electrochemistry. In Burtis CA, Ashwood ER (eds) Hetz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry, 3rd edn. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, pp 133-163 

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