Kitty kidney transplant

[kuhio98]

IMOM.org has an interesting case right now. Walter is a 5 year old cat who was adopted from the shelter 3 years ago by his loving owners. Walter is now suffering from acute renal failure, and his only chance at living is a kidney transplant.

I didn't even know they performed kidney transplants on cats. I thought you guys might be interested in following Walter's story. Hopefully it will have a good outcome.

Walter's purrrents have spent a lot of money to save their baby. IMOM is trying to help them raise the final $3000.

If you are in a position to donate, please see this thread: http://www.imom.org/community/index.php?showtopic=8277
No amount is too small.

Additional background for Walter is here: http://www.imom.org/community/index.php?showtopic=8254
Walter's family has flown with him to Gainsville, Florida where he is awaiting treatment -- if funds can be raised in time.

Please cross-post Walter's story. Please donate if you can. And let's all wish him well. He sure hit the jackpot when he chose his family. They are really going the extra mile to keep their baby happy and healthy.

[Karen]

I have never heard of a kitty kidney transplant! Is he on dialysis now? Just curious!

[Grace]

I've heard of kidney transplants between cats. I think there have been a few done in Colorado. University of Wisconsin also does them.

The cat who donates the kidney has to have a home to go to after the surgery - I think that is a requirement at reputable transplant centers. I remember reading about a transplant done out West - the donor cat was found in a Shelter and was subsequently adopted by the recipients family.

Happy story all around :)

[phesina]

Gretchen, do you know if Michigan State does them?

Pat

[Grace]

Gretchen, do you know if Michigan State does them?

Pat

Yes, MSU has done them. Here is a list of facilities in the USA that participate -

University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA

Angell-Memorial Animal Hospital, 350 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

Animal Medical Center, 510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY

Michigan State University, Veterinarian Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lansing, MI

Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center, 3507 Orchard Park Road, Orchard Park, NY

Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, West Madison, WI

Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Companion Animal Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Small Animal Hospital, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

All-Care Animal Referral Center, Fountain Valley, CA

[Barbara]

I've heard about kidney transplants in cats before but I have my doubts. You know that my Filou survived renal disease for 5 years- and he was only 14 when he left for Rainbow Bridge but I would have never considered to put him through a kidney transplant surgery. Plus there is another thing: in humans you talk about "donating" because the person donating a kidney can decide whether he or she wants to do that- it is a risk even for the donator but he can willingly take the risk to help another person.
A cat does not have that decision and I feel it would not be ok if I decided that this cat has to "donate".
We cannot fix everything that will lead to death finally and we have to live with it. It is sad but it is life.

[Cataholic]

Barbara, my sister donated a kidney to her daughter, Sam. While I would never downplay the significance of a major surgery, her recovery was pretty 'easy', so to speak. She was restricted on physical activity for 6 weeks, takes no medications, and is 'normal' as she ever will be...he he he...that is just in case she or my mom is reading this.

[AvaJoy]

I've heard about kidney transplants in cats before but I have my doubts. You know that my Filou survived renal disease for 5 years- and he was only 14 when he left for Rainbow Bridge but I would have never considered to put him through a kidney transplant surgery. Plus there is another thing: in humans you talk about "donating" because the person donating a kidney can decide whether he or she wants to do that- it is a risk even for the donator but he can willingly take the risk to help another person.
A cat does not have that decision and I feel it would not be ok if I decided that this cat has to "donate".
We cannot fix everything that will lead to death finally and we have to live with it. It is sad but it is life.

I agree. Celebrity Robin Quivers of Howard Stern radio fame in New York had a kidney transplant (cost was around fifteen grand!:eek:) performed on one of her cats, and it was part of the deal that she adopt the donor cat. Both cats are doing well. My Schuyler is going through CRF (chronic renal failure) and if I had the means to afford such a surgery I would not put him (and a donor cat) through it, partly because cancer is also suspected in Schuyler.

My brother-in-law donated a kidney to his sister several years ago and they both doing fine.

[kuhio98]

News: $915 raise for Walter! Money dance is happening. Come on IMOM Angels, keep spreading the word.

A movie (if I've done this right)of sweet Walter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7a7Oa0lKTg&feature=player_detailpage

BTW: Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, and if it doesn't happen he has to undergo another dialysis treatment costing $500!

[kuhio98]

An updated post from Walter's family says that they will be adopting the donor cat also.

Though, I hope to never have need for this treatment, it is interesting to know that it is available.

[kuhio98]

FUND UPDATE

<drum roll>

Walter has $1425 - almost HALF WAY THERE!!!

IMOM members have been issuing matching challenges. They will match your donation up to $100. Turn your $1 into $2.

Please cross-post Walter's story.

[Barbara]

Barbara, my sister donated a kidney to her daughter, Sam. While I would never downplay the significance of a major surgery, her recovery was pretty 'easy', so to speak. She was restricted on physical activity for 6 weeks, takes no medications, and is 'normal' as she ever will be...he he he...that is just in case she or my mom is reading this.

I just meant to say that living with one kidney is a risk which we all would be happy to take if we could help a person whom we love, especially a kid. But the donor kitty has no chance to say no- just philosophically speaking....

[pomtzu]

As much as I love my 2 dogs, and now matter how devastated I would be if something like this happened to them, i could NEVER put either of them, or a donor, thru such an ordeal. Too many times our heart overrules our head, and I personally feel that it needs to stop somewhere. And the money involved in something like this could be put to use doing research for better animal health, or go to shelters to help feed and find homes for so many healthy, but less fortunate critters. IMO - for what it's worth.

[kuhio98]

News from IMOM:


Ronit sends her thanks for everyone's energy, love, support & donations. She is on her way to sign the adoption papers for the donor cat right now. They call him "Gizmo", but Ronit is partial to "Orville Paws". She is just trying to stay busy instead of sitting in the waiting room biting her nails.

Our journey is just beginning, with surgery, recovery, Orville's acclimation & the reunion of our family after being apart for so long. I am so grateful to have all of you to be a part of it.

IMOM is amazing. All of you are incredible human beings. We need more like you. I hope you will all teach me to acquire some of your kindness & compassion. It has been an honor getting to know all of you.


ALL FUNDS RAISED!!! ALL FUNDS RAISED!!! ALL FUNDS RAISED!!!

Walter just hit $3000! So we're moving the thread, and bringing out as many bananas as we can manage:

http://www.imom.org/community/public/style_emoticons/default/banana.gifhttp://www.imom.org/community/public/style_emoticons/default/banana.gifhttp://www.imom.org/community/public/style_emoticons/default/banana.gifhttp://www.imom.org/community/public/style_emoticons/default/banana.gifhttp://www.imom.org/community/public/style_emoticons/default/banana.gifhttp://www.imom.org/community/public/style_emoticons/default/banana.gif

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, you wonderful angels!!! I am doing the happy dance here!! You never fail to amaze me.

I can't wait for James to come by.....please lets all send good thoughts and prayers for Walter. He should be on his way to surgery as we speak.

Cindy/IMOM

BTW ~ Dancing bananas on IMOM is a way of remembering a kitty named Teddy who fought a good battle for years. Her favorite toy in the world was a fabric banana.

[Lizzie]

That's truly wonderful news. I'm very pleased for the family and for Walter, and for the donor cat who is getting a new home. It's also wonderful that IMOM has been able to keep going with 99% of people feeling the economic pinch.

I don't understand the concern for a donor cat, beyond worrying that he will do well with the surgery. The cats selected to be donors are all shelter cats and let's remember that 70% of all cats in shelters end up being euthanized. It's true we can't give a cat the choice of dying or losing a kidney and being adopted, but I know what my choice would be as a human. My concern for animals being used without choice is for those in labs being used in their thousands for testing so we can have the latest glue, or caulk, or injectable foam insulation, or medication, or cleaning product.

Just my take on this.

[kuhio98]

Surgery was a success.

Walter http://www.imom.org/community/uploads/monthly_02_2012/post-8827-0-83326400-1330555634_thumb.jpg is already producing urine out of Hero Donor Cat Orville/Gizmo's http://www.imom.org/community/uploads/monthly_02_2012/post-8827-0-69336100-1330555663_thumb.jpg donated kidney.

Both are recovering well.

[Grace]

That's truly wonderful news. I'm very pleased for the family and for Walter, and for the donor cat who is getting a new home. It's also wonderful that IMOM has been able to keep going with 99% of people feeling the economic pinch.

I don't understand the concern for a donor cat, beyond worrying that he will do well with the surgery. The cats selected to be donors are all shelter cats and let's remember that 70% of all cats in shelters end up being euthanized. It's true we can't give a cat the choice of dying or losing a kidney and being adopted, but I know what my choice would be as a human. My concern for animals being used without choice is for those in labs being used in their thousands for testing so we can have the latest glue, or caulk, or injectable foam insulation, or medication, or cleaning product.

Just my take on this.

I hope I'm misunderstanding you. You seem to have no concern for the donor cat - am I reading that right. It's all right with you if he remains a shelter cat and perhaps one day is euthanized? Please tell me I'm wrong.

[Karen]

I hope I'm misunderstanding you. You seem to have no concern for the donor cat - am I reading that right. It's all right with you if he remains a shelter cat and perhaps one day is euthanized? Please tell me I'm wrong.

You must not have read everything - the donor cat is being adopted by the recipient cat's family, as has happened before.

[Grace]

You must not have read everything - the donor cat is being adopted by the recipient cat's family, as has happened before.

I did read everything. My question was about these remarks -


I don't understand the concern for a donor cat, beyond worrying that he will do well with the surgery. The cats selected to be donors are all shelter cats and let's remember that 70% of all cats in shelters end up being euthanized. It's true we can't give a cat the choice of dying or losing a kidney and being adopted, but I know what my choice would be as a human. My concern for animals being used without choice is for those in labs being used in their thousands for testing so we can have the latest glue, or caulk, or injectable foam insulation, or medication, or cleaning product.

She seems not to care about the fate of the donor cat?

[Karen]

I did read everything. My question was about these remarks -



She seems not to care about the fate of the donor cat?

I'm sure she does care about the fate of the donor cat, and is thinking it will usually get adopted by the recipient's family as well. I know humans who have lived a good long time with one good kidney, and have no doubt a kitty can as well.

[snakemama]

I'm so glad things went smoothly. I would have opted for surgery too. I hope both kitties do well, and that Giz enjoys his new home!

[Lizzie]

I'm sure she does care about the fate of the donor cat, and is thinking it will usually get adopted by the recipient's family as well. I know humans who have lived a good long time with one good kidney, and have no doubt a kitty can as well.

Of course I care, that's why I put in my first sentence "and for the donor cat who is getting a new home". I knew the family had adopted him, and I know it's always been part of the deal for a pet kidney transplant. The transplant centers won't do the procedure unless the donor is going to a good home as soon as they recover. I once looked into it at U.C. Davies for one of my cats and knew I'd be adopting the donor cat. Unfortunately, the cost was far more than I could cover and I hadn't heard of IMOM then. My thought is that it's better for a cat to lose a kidney but get a home than stay in the shelter and risk euthanasia. We all know that even young, friendly and beautiful cats are euthanized every day.

I subjected one of my foster cats (with the shelter's approval) to donating blood for a transfusion to another foster cat last year. Cordelia breezed through the procedure (the only real risk was anesthesia) and literally saved Sam's life. I knew if Cordelia had a bad reaction to the anesthesia that it would haunt me all my life.

[Lizzie]

Surgery was a success.

Walter http://www.imom.org/community/uploads/monthly_02_2012/post-8827-0-83326400-1330555634_thumb.jpg is already producing urine out of Hero Donor Cat Orville/Gizmo's http://www.imom.org/community/uploads/monthly_02_2012/post-8827-0-69336100-1330555663_thumb.jpg donated kidney.

Both are recovering well.

That's wonderful news and thank you for updating us. That family is going to dote on Orville/Gizmo for the rest of his long life.

[kuhio98]

Walter had some bleeding and the poor boy had to undergo surgery again. But, he is doing well. Orville is doing fantastic.

You can follow their recovery in this thread: http://www.imom.org/community/index.php?showforum=15

I probably won't have time to post additional updates. Our son-in-law passed away yesterday from viral pneumonia and we will be busy making arrangements and flying to the funeral. It is sad, but not unexpected as he has been ill for many years.

[Catty1]

I am sorry to hear about your son-in-law. However expected it is, it is very sad. Sending condolences and good thoughts to you, your husband and daughter, and all who loved him.:love:

[Cataholic]

Lisa,
I am so saddened to hear about your son-in law. Prayers of comfort to all who knew and loved him.

[phesina]

Lisa, I am so very sorry to learn about your son-in-law. That is so heartbreaking even if not unexpected.

My very deepest sympathy to you and all who love him so much. God be with you.

[carole]

Oh Lisa, my heart goes out to you, i am so sorry to hear this tragic news, even though expected, it is a terrible loss for your daughter and your family, my heart felt condolences to you at this difficult and very sad time.:love::love:

[mrspunkysmom]

I am so sorry to hear about your son-in-law. My sympathies for you and your family.

[kuhio98]

Sweet Walter left the hospital in Florida and made it to his home in Boston. He got to sleep on his favorite red couch again, but had to be released from his tired body.

http://www.imom.org/community/index.php?showtopic=8277

His family is deeply grieving his loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

[phesina]

I am so sorry. Deepest sympathy for Walter's family and all who love him so much.

Rest in peace, Walter, whole and healthy again at the Rainbow Bridge, awaiting the grand reunion..

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[pomtzu]

That's so sad, after all they went thru. :(

RIP Sir Walter.

[Catty1]

Oh NO! :(:( Many tight hugs for Walter's family. Rest peacefully, Walter.

Are they still going to keep the donor kitty? I hope so!

[kuhio98]

Oh NO! :(:( Many tight hugs for Walter's family. Rest peacefully, Walter.

Are they still going to keep the donor kitty? I hope so!

Oh yes, Orville isn't going anywhere. He is already made friends with Mickey who was really missing Walter while he was in Florida.
Orville and Mickey are becoming brothers and Orville is helping Mickey through his grieving. I think he's helping James and Ronit also.

[maerlyn]

I came late to Walter's story but read each and every one of James' posts. I've just now read his latest one, and tears ran down my cheeks. What a heart-rending journey they've all been on! It is good that Walter got to go home and be with his family, and we all know that he's at the Bridge and will welcome his family as they come, one by one. May Walter's Creator bless James and Ronit with peace.

[kuhio98]

Attention Boston!

Walter's family is holding the second annual Walter-Aid concert on June 20th to raise funds for IMOM.org Please cross-post and wish them much success.


Greetings, angels, friends & family of Walter -

I know I haven't reported in very much over the last few months, but you are all in my heart every day. I continue to watch and re-post imom tweets and things regularly, and also continue to be so very grateful for the love & support you show to our furry, feathered & scaled friends every day.

I am reporting in to announce that the second annual Walter Aid benefit concert is underway!!

https://www.facebook...01782666556371/

...so please tell all of your Boston peeps!

The venue in Somerville has been very, very gracious, and is waiving all room fees, as well as dip into the bar & tips to help us raise money for IMOM and all the families you help. I'm thinking this year will be a much larger success than last year. It is our goal to get better every year, as well as promote awareness for pets, spaying/neutering, and encourage all artists everywhere to stand up for a cause greater than themselves. For all of us at Walter Aid, animals are our cause.

If anyone wants to join the group for future events, you can find us here:

https://www.facebook...43473132405308/

Below is all the information on the show, more of a cut & paste from what I've been sending out to the press.

I just wanted to let all of you know that you are in our hearts. I hope that wherever Walter is, he is proud of us. He is such a special little boy, and I miss him so dearly every day.

Love,

- James



June 20th, 2013

"Walter-Aid" : Benefiting Pets-in-Need via IMOM.org

Featuring:
Bent Knee (Boston)
Symmetry (Providence)
Licious (Boston)
Ben Hehn (of Why Wolves) & Robert Plumb (of Silent Century) (Boston; Acoustic)

*(All funds generated will go to imom.org, an organization dedicated to providing financial aid for families who need life-saving veterinary care. imom.org is also a strong advocate for creating awareness of the benefits of spaying/neutering.)

Raffle prizes to be given away in between bands include:

12-hours of studio time at Dirty Water Sound (engineered by James Willetts), courtesy of East Left Productions
gift certificate from Shag of Boston
Tattoo time at Good Mojo Tattoo
Dog training/walking by Alicia Posell, KPA CTP
A grab bag of merch and/or music from the artists at the showcase

Complimentary gift bags will be provided to spectators, courtesy of Allston's Unleashed by PetCo.

Emcee'd by Nash DeVille of the Boston League of Women Wrestlers.


@ Radio, 381 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA 02143
21+. $8 adv., $10 at the door (aka, day of show, or "dos".)
7pm doors, 8pm show

Here's a link to the facebook event: https://www.facebook...01782666556371/

This will be the second year in a row we've held this benefit, so it would be great to get your support in promoting this charitable tradition. We are all very excited, as I have personally worked with all of these artists in the recording studio and can assure everyone that this show will be a real treat!

Also, all of these artists have either just released studio material or will be releasing more later this year.

Thanks so much for your time!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g206/jameswilletts/walteraid_2013.jpg