Comparison of haemoperfusion and haemodialysis in the therapy of barbiturate intoxication in dogs

Dogs were given large doses of barbiturates. The effect of either haemoperfusion or haemodialysis was assessed and compared to treatment with supportive measures alone. Haemodialysis removed significant amounts of phenobarbitone, amylobarbitone and pentobarbitone, but haemoperfusion proved to be quantitatively superior both for these drugs and also for quinalbarbitone. This was also reflected by the clinical status of all three groups. Little or no disturbances in blood chemistry were observed, although platelet and leucocyte counts were diminished during haemoperfusion.