From:
Diane Burman
Date: 2001-04-05 15:56:00 UTC
Subject: [Ferret-Health-list] Kidney transplants, was:Does anyone
have info on Anemia
Dr. Murray, (or anyone else who might know the answer)
Dr. Murray's comments (below) got me to wondering, has a
kidney transplant ever been successfully done on a ferret? I
know that kidney transplants have been done successfully in
cats for a few years now but it is very expensive (about
$10,000) and some still don't survive.
Diane & the gang
Anemia as a result of kidney failure is a common problem.
Yes, you can do something about it! The product called
Epogen
can be given (200 units/kg) SQ 3 times a week to stimulate
the
bone marrow to make more red blood cells. (In kidney failure
the
kidneys no longer make enough erythropoietin to stimulate
the bone
marrow, so Epogen is given to stimulate the bone marrow.)
You can also
give SQ fluids at home to help the kidneys, and use a
vitamin/mineral
supplement like Pet Tinic to help increase the red blood
cells.
Besides a kidney transplant that is all we can do.
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM