Kitty kidney transplant

[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.

[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.

[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.

[size]I agree. Celebrity Robin Quivers of Howard Stern radio fame in New York had a kidney transplant (cost was around fifteen grand!) 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.[/SIZE]

[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=a7a7O...yer_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.

[mrspunkysmom]

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