Feline Kidney Transplants

~~Leslie

Expert Reply

Hi Leslie,

Your veterinarian is the only person qualified to predict how well your senior cat might pull through such a serious operation based on its unique health history.

That said, a report from The University of Wisconsin Renal Transplant Center states cats that actually survive through kidney transplant surgery have about a seventy percent chance of living an additional six months, and a fifty percent chance of making it another three years. Your cat's overall health and age greatly affects the prognosis.

The procedure is definitely expensive. I don't have an exact figure for you, but the University estimates it in the several thousand dollar range; this includes the cost of after care and medication.

The Feline CRF Center provides a list of transplant centers, and more in-depth information about the actual procedure. I suggest you do some research there, and discuss your options with your vet.

Best wishes for your cat's health.

~~Kelly