Summary Femoral vein (FV) pressure-volume relationships were measured in vitro in 14 dogs with chronic (more than 4 weeks), one-kidney perinephritic hypertension and in 13 unilaterally nephrectomized normotensive control dogs. Segments of FV were also examined histologically and analyzed for their water and electrolyte contents. Compared to controls: (i) the FV pressure-volume curves of hypertensive dogs were shifted toward the pressure axis (P < 0.05); (ii) calculated venous compliance in the pressure range of 0-15 mm Hg was decreased (P < 0.05); and (iii) the water and sodium contents of veins from hypertensive dogs were increased (P < 0.05). Histological examination of the FV from hypertensive and control dogs did not reveal significant differences. The findings indicate that the decreases in venous compliance that we have previously observed in the early stages (less than 4 weeks) of perinephritic hypertension in dogs persist into the chronic stage of hypertension. Venous wall “edema” may account for the decreased venous compliance in this form of hypertension.