Organ Transplants are no Longer Just for Humans.

Organ transplantation is no longer headlining the evening news. Hearts, livers, kidneys, corneas, and lungs are now routinely donated from one person to another. Thanks to advances in human medicine, veterinarians are now able to extend the life of cats afflicted with one of their most common diseases, kidney failure.

Kidney failure in cats can be due to many different reasons. A kitten may be born with weak kidneys; exposure to toxins, bacteria or viruses can also damage them. Old age is the most common reason for this organ to fail.

The purpose of the kidneys is to filter the blood and remove toxins in the form of urine. The signs you may notice when this body system is not functioning properly are increased water intake, copious urine output, plus losing weight and condition. The onset can be very gradual.

Medications and dialysis are often the first line of defense. But when an ailurophile wants the to provide the ultimate care, kidney transplantation is just what the doctor ordered. There are at least nine veterinary hospitals in the United States presently performing this surgery. Not all cats with kidney disease are good candidates for this rigorous surgery and long-term postoperative care. The cost of the surgery can range from 4 to 5 thousand dollars. They also need to be willing to adopt the donor cat. This procedure according the Dr. Claire Gregory, of the University of California at Davis, one of the pioneers in this field," saves two cats lives, the ill and the shelter cat who would have been euthanized."

If you suspect your cat may be suffering from kidney disease, see your veterinarian because it is "Your Pet…Health Matters."