Kidney Transplants Offer New Life to Cats

Chronic renal disease, or kidney failure, is a leading cause of death in cats. It is usually a progressive disease for which there are few effective treatments. But kidney transplants, now available at Angell Memorial Hospital in Boston, MA, can bring new hope to some cat owners faced with losing their beloved companions.

While not a cure, a kidney transplant can provide a good quality of life for up to several years for some cats. Although medical and dietary management can prolong a cat's life, a transplant may be the only treatment that offers long-term survival.

The feline kidney transplant technique was developed over the past 12 years at the University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Angell Memorial, a leader in veterinary care, is committed to offering this new treatment option to cat owners and their pets in the Northeast.

Most feline kidney transplants involve a healthy, living donor cat belonging to the recipient cat's owner or to a close friend or relative. In some cases, the donor cat may come from a shelter, provided the recipient cat's owner adopts the donor cat and agrees to give it a loving home and responsible care for the rest of its life.

Donor and recipient cats must meet a number of medical requirements.

The health risk to the donor cat is very low. Each recipient cat has a different recovery rate, depending on its age, condition, and other factors. There is always the chance that the donor organ will be rejected. Medication has consistently proven to be very effective at helping the cat accept the new kidney.

The cost for the entire procedure, including tests for the donor cat, are $5,000 to $7,000, depending on the recipient cat's pre-operative condition and the complexity of post-operative care. For more information about the Feline Kidney Transplant Program, contact Drs. James Boulay, Alicia Flagella, or Barbara Gores at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital , (617) 522-7282.

Please note: The information provided here is meant to supplement that provided by your veterinarian. Nothing can replace a complete history and physical examination performed by your veterinarian. - Dr. Jeff

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Last modified at 10:17 PM on 1/5/98.