Effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) was evaluated, using continuous-infusion p-aminohippurate clearance (CLPAH) and single-injection plasma clearance of technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc-MAG3; CLMAG3) methods. Simultaneous clearance determinations were made in 6 dogs: 2 determinations for each dog before, and 1 determination after renal failure was induced by administration of amphotericin B. Linear regression analysis was used to derive an equation to estimate ERPF from CLMAG3 after the single IV injection. A Student's t-test was used to compare pharmacokinetics between the dogs when they were healthy and when they were in renal failure. An F-test was used to determine the appropriate Student's t-test. Results indicated that CLMAG3 correlated reasonably well (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001) with ERPF obtained from the CLPAH value. The volume of distribution and elimination of 99mTc-MAG3 decreased during renal failure. Although there was minimal binding of 99mTc-MAG3 to erythrocytes, it was significantly (P = 0.0008) lower during renal failure. Protein binding was not significantly different during renal failure. All dogs had signs of nausea and emesis at variable times after injection of 99mTc-MAG3. Determination of CLMAG3 after a single injection provides an adequate means to rapidly assess ERPF in dogs. The technique could easily be performed in dogs with renal disease, thus providing valuable information regarding progression of naturally acquired renal failure.