Canine Kidney Transplant

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| Print | By | September 22, 2008 4:23 PM

It is getting extremely hard to keep up with the progress of our rapidly growing Veterinary medical science. New life-saving procedures, once thought to be impossible, are now becoming a reality with the potential to save our beloved pets' lives.

The University of Pennsylvania's Veterinary School, Penn Veterinary Medicine, is at the forefront in the treatment of kidney disease Their Feline Renal Transplantation Program, located in the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is only one of the pioneering options they offer. Heading the Transplantation program is the founder, Dr. Lillian Aronson.

Two local veterinarians told Jennifer O’Brien of Tampa, Florida that there was nothing further they could do to help her 14 month-old Bull Terrier pup, Zansi. Refusing to accept their assessment, Ms. O'Brien began researching possible treatment options and after learning about the Transplantation Program, called to inquire if they could give Zansi, a canine, a kidney transplant. Their answer was “yes.”

Bull terrier

Flying with Toni, Zansi’s twin sister, from Florida to Pennsylvania, on September 4, a team of Veterinary surgeons, led by Dr. Heidi Phillips, was able to perform successfully, the rare kidney- transplant surgery. Penn Vet is the only facility on the East Coast and one of the only ones in the country, equipped to perform this surgery. This procedure is so rare, that it was only the second time that it was performed.

Penn Vet has successfully transplanted over 100 cats in their program. However, the procedure in dogs affected with kidney disease is more complicated as dogs require transplants from a healthy directly related donor to minimize side effects. While the recipient dog must remain on immunosuppressant drugs for a lifetime in order to prevent organ rejection, the donor dog is not affected, requiring care only post operatively until recovery is completed. With prudent care following directions concerning medications, if the recipient does not develop an infection or rejection of the transplanted organ develops within the first six months, long-term survival is expected.

The post-operative recovery for both Toni and Zansi went so smoothly, they were both released in less than a week from the Ryan Veterinary Hospital on September 10. The three returned to their Florida home, where they are doing well. Jennifer is very thankful for this opportunity to save Zansi, and commented about the veterinary staff, "Everyone here at Penn was so wonderful, they treated us so well."

Moreover, it is safe to say that both Zansi and her sister, Toni feel the same way.

Read more about the events happening at Penn Vet, by visiting: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/PennVet/News/PennVetExtra.aspx

Stories like this give me great hope that in the near future, surgeries such as these will become more commonplace, and accessible as more specialized veterinary hospital staff are trained to perform these procedures. This will save untold numbers of beloved pets from premature death. Their future will be brightened as they can once again enjoy a normal, happy life, sharing it with their adoring human companions.

Would you consider organ transplantation to save the life of your pet? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

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Heather Brand September 23, 2008 9:35 AM

What an interesting article! Thanks for sharing.

Kathryn Kvarda September 23, 2008 9:36 AM

This was very interesting article because I have an 18 1/2 year old cat that is in the early stages of old age kidney failure. My vet explained to me several years ago that there was no cure but, that with treatment; she could live for several years with a good quality of life. I hydrate her every 72 hours, she is on a special diet, and takes a variety of meds. She did suffer a weight loss this summer, but, while she has not really regained the weight, has stabilized. She is alert and interactive and is clearly in no discomfort. She does not even seem to mind being hydrated because she feels so good afterwards. At her age, I would not really consider a transplant. If she were younger, I would probably at least consider it.

Kathy

Vicki September 23, 2008 9:52 AM

What an amazing accomplishment. Penn Vet has a great reputation with all animals and have a wonderful staff that is dedicated to their patients. I would think that this procedure would be costly, but very well worth it.

Rani September 23, 2008 1:47 PM

I can't imagine how many thousands of dollars this must cost. Now I love my children and if one of them needed a kidney transplant to save his/her life, I'd be right up there ready to donate one of mine and I'd find a way to get the money ($35-150K, plus drugs). Now Jo know me and my cats, and knows how much I love my cats, but my love is invested dfferently in my children...I'm sorry, I could not spend that kind of money on my beloved cat.

Amy September 23, 2008 4:09 PM

What an amazing story. With continued research and testing who knows what the future holds for our beloved animals.

Donna September 23, 2008 7:07 PM

What amazing things can be done these days... it's just sad that the 'normal' income folks can't afford such luxuries. =( Nevertheless, I am thrilled for those that can spend that amount of money to save their pet.