Our question this week was:

My 9 yr. old dog has severe kidney problems. She has only 1 functioning kidney, which is inflamed, and not working well. Her other kidney is the size of a pea and not working. She is being treated with 2,500 cc intravenous fluid for 3 days and being put on ace inhibitors plus a diet and kidney supplements (herbal). Any other suggestions?

Is it possible to do kidney transplants in dogs? I would gladly adopt another dog and love him and use him as a donor. My Vet (in RI) did not know of any transplants being done--but why not? I will do anything to save my dog. I am not ready to lose her.

Lisa Hassett


Answer


Hi – thanks for your email. I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Kidney failure is a very frustrating disease. It sounds like your veterinarian is maximizing the treatment options for your dog. It is possible to do transplant but they are uncommonly done in dogs and only done at a few centers. It is my understanding they do the procedure at Veterinary Schools University of California Davis, Auburn University, Wisconsin, and Guelph (Canada). Below are the links to the vet school websites that has contact information for the schools. They should be able give you the contact information that will allow you to determine if your dog will qualify for the procedure.

http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/vmth/clientinfo/info/sasurg/k9rentrans.html

http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu

http://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/home

http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca

An article that might be helpful to you is on our Petplace.com is "Chronic Renal Failure"


Best of luck!


Dr. Jon






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