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Old September 12th, 2012, 05:34 PM
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MOOSEDRY MOOSEDRY is offline
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Puppy with malformed/undersized kidneys

Hi all.

A lady I work with has a puppy that is a few months old, Husky/Rottie mix, that has been diagnosed with malformed/undersized kidneys. The lady was advised that there is nothing that can be done, that the puppy will likely decline and die within the first year of life. This is so sad. The puppy is a little doll - such a sweet disposition, everyone falls in love with her. And this lady adopted the puppy to help heal her own heart after having to put down her beloved 15 year old husky a few months ago because she had suffered brain damage due to severe seizures. It's heartbreaking!

We tried calling the vet college in PEI, but they know of no one who performs transplants (which would seem to be the only hope at this point). Does anyone have any ideas? They are going to try to keep the puppy going as long as possible with meds and diet, but other than that, the prognosis is bleak.

Hoping y'all may have some advice. The lady does have pet insurance, so money is not so much an issue.

Thanks
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Old September 13th, 2012, 11:41 AM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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I've got no advice, MOOSEDRY, but I did want to say how sorry I am about your coworker's puppy. Has she tried contacting any vet colleges in the States? I think Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine has a renal transplant team. I suspect some others might, as well.
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Old September 13th, 2012, 06:41 PM
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MOOSEDRY MOOSEDRY is offline
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Thanks!

Thanks, Hazelrunpack, for responding. I'm so glad that someone did! I kind of figured it wasn't good (the vet has told my friend as much), but thought I'd put it out there just in case someone had some goodly advice. I don't know if she will take it so far as to investigate American Universities that have transplant programs. She may just choose to let nature take its course. So sad, such a sweet puppy!

Thanks again.
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Old September 13th, 2012, 07:25 PM
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I suspect it would be quite pricey even if she could find a program. Insurance may not cover something like a transplant since it's not done very commonly with dogs.
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Old September 14th, 2012, 01:02 AM
MaxaLisa MaxaLisa is offline
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As far as I know, kidney transplants don't work very well in dogs. Cats yes, dogs no, I'm so sorry

I guess the question is what the status of the kidney function is now, and I would go for a kidney friendly diet - personally I would not feed commercial food, but would feed a homecooked diet put together by someone like Monica Segal or Sabine Contreras.

Best of luck to you, this is so difficult.
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