I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Transplant Discussion => Topic started by: Sara on May 21, 2006, 07:03:18 PM
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There's very little information that I have been able to find online about pets after transplant. I've read, you definitely have to get rid of them, and I've also read, just don't clean the litterbox. Which is it? I'm very worried about it because we have several pets that are like our kids. If it came right down to it, either keep the pets or get a transplant, of course we would do what was best for Joe. But like I said, they are like our kids and we would both be devastated. :'(
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Unless things have changed recently, the dogs will have to be removed from your home.
When my cousin got his heart transplant that was a condition set during his work up. He had the geriatric one put down - at 12 years old w/ chronic health problems, she could never have adjusted to another home. The younger one he placed. His heart was so fragile that he lived in a special unit at Shands teaching hospin Gainesville, FL for several months before he got a heart. He went home about 8 weeks after the transplant to a cleaned and sterilized home. Over a year later he finally got clearance to visit the dog but he learned she had been recently put down due to health problems. He was upset, but was greatful the new owners had not let her suffer.
BTW, he always carries a bottle of hand sanitizer in his pocket and uses it frequently and it has been about 6 years now. When I asked him about getting a dog last year he said he could not have one and changed the subject.
I hope things have changed, and if not, maybe you could build them their own "playhouse" in the back yard?
Lorelle
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I have always had a cat and dog, even when I had my transplant, The only thing was I never let the dog are cat into the bedroom, plus I never emptied the litter tray. Even when I was on CAPD never let the animals into the bedrooms. Only ever got two infection while on CAPD. Both times I was in Hospital. Different country's different ideas.
Kevno
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What are they actually worried about as far as the pets? I guess if you mess with their feces and don't wash your hands that would be a problem. But what else?
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Have been told birds are not good either. I have a cockateil inside and now am looking for an aviary outside for him. I haven't had a transplant yet, but hoping one will come soon(not holding my breath). That way when I get one I won't have to worry about him. I have 2 dogs as well. Never been told to get rid of them. My sister had a transplant 2 years ago and still has her dog. Will chat with the nurses here to see if I am allowed pets at all. Hope so. Luv my puppies.. What pets do you have?? Liz ;D
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Dogs and cats.
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I think for the first 3 months or so, get them out of your house. I had a dog and a horse that I was around, but not for the first 3 months as I lived with my parents who were closer to the transplant center. When you get worked up for the transplant, ask them about it. My transplant center said I could have my dogs, but no sleeping with them. You immune system is wiped out for a good month or two so you don't need any extra bacteria gettin in your way.
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That will be a huge pain, since normally they're squeezed into every available inch on the bed, :D but a lot better than getting rid of them. I really hope you're right. As soon as we talk to transplant people at Shands (if ever, I should say ::)) I'll ask.
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Your pets are like part of the family. All you need to do is be a little more careful. After an Transplant, because of the drugs.
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I havent heard anything about this. We have a cat who is like a child to us. I think if you are hygenic about it, I dont see it being a problem. Our cat gets a bath, and he isnt allowed outside and I always scrub my hands after changing the litter tray.
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Hi I haven't been on line in a while, I've been busy helping my sister care for my father and he is a handfull. By the time I get to the computer I can't even keep my eyes open.
Any way I was told a dog was fine and even a cat as long it was a cat you already had before transplant. I was told not to get any new pets after transplant. If I understand right if you've had your pet for a while your immune system is kind of used to it as opposed to getting a new pet the your immune system is not used to.
My nice had a bone marrow transplant and was told she could not be around children for a few months after because her immune system was low and they have lots of germs. She was aloud near my children though because she had always been around them a lot before.
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Naggy, I think bone marrow transplants are a bit different than kidney transplants in regards to pets and germs.
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Get rid of my babies? Are you nuts? NFW on that one.
I kept my dogs and my 2 cats after the transplant. For the first year I was very careful about what I did though. I had my cat checked for toxoplasmosis (sp?) and he is clean. For the first year, you are careful with just about everything. I had a lot of help from my Mom and she cleaned the backyard and the litter box for me. I traded by doing a lot of her vaccuuming. After the first year I started doing the cleanup myself with gloves, and since then, I don't even bother with that. I just make sure I wash my hands on a regular basis.
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The fujisawa ( they make prograf anti rejection meds )transplant patient handbook I got says no cats and birds but they do say to use gloves with litter trays and such.
Since I got home from the transplant I don't let my dog under my blanket like she used to do in the morning .... I let her stay on top and she doesn't quite get it yet >:D
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There's very little information that I have been able to find online about pets after transplant. I've read, you definitely have to get rid of them, and I've also read, just don't clean the litterbox. Which is it? I'm very worried about it because we have several pets that are like our kids. If it came right down to it, either keep the pets or get a transplant, of course we would do what was best for Joe. But like I said, they are like our kids and we would both be devastated. :'(
from experience I will tell you .. I kept my cat but cleaning the cat litter box worried me since I live alone. But I wasn't gonna give up my cat sicne I fought over an hour with my apartment manager to keep my cat (I live alone and don't go out much even though I am young because all there is to do in my city is drink and gamble and I gave up drinking along with smoking 5 years ago and I don't gamble since I am too poor to bother). So what I did was I use gloves and I wear a mask (I have a lot of them from years of dialysis before they told me I no longer need to worry about masks). Also the cat litter box has a bag that has an easy drawstring. I lift and it draws closed and I put it into another bag and tie it up and toss. Sometimes my friend Dave will do it for me.
But it does seem like a real hassle at times. Basically ... it has to come down to trial and error and seeing what fits your health and family best.
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The majority here says they kept their pets and it seems that everything worked out for them, why are they still insisting that they get rid of them? Especially if they are like family members, i think that would put me in a depression and i wouldnt be able to cope with the fact that my dog, the one who has been faithful to me all these years has to leave my side because of me. I am sorry, i dont think i could do it
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We are all fine because the docs freaked out us and we try to be as careful as possible ;)
Don't you think ??? >:D
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ok I got this responce from Dialysis Joe at D&T City:
Cat litter is loaded with toxoplasmosis, which is a disease that lives in cat feces. Here's a fact sheet from the CDC on this nasty disease:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm
Additionally, transplant patients should avoid bird feces, as it contains histoplasmosis:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/histoplasmosis_g.htm
Normally, without immune suppression, the average person's immune system will fight off these diseases. However, the immune suppressed cannot.
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I didnt think all cats had it?
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I didnt think all cats had it?
This part from the links posted right before answer that:
* Keep your cat indoors and feed it dry or canned cat food rather than allowing it to have access to wild birds and rodents or to food scraps. A cat can become infected by eating infected prey or by eating raw or undercooked meat infected with the parasite. Do not bring a new cat into your house that might have spent time out of doors or might have been fed raw meat. Avoid stray cats and kittens and the area they have adopted as their "home." Your veterinarian can answer any other questions you may have regarding your cat and risk for toxoplasmosis.
* Have someone who is healthy and not pregnant change your cat's litter box daily. If this is not possible, wear gloves and clean the litter box every day, because the parasite found in cat feces needs one or more days after being passed to become infectious. Wash your hands well with soap and water afterwards.
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Once infected with Toxoplasma is my cat always able to spread the infection to me?
No, cats only spread Toxoplasma in their feces for a few weeks following infection with the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when first infected, so most people do not know if their cat has been infected. The infection will go away on its own; therefore it does not help to have your cat or your cat's feces tested for Toxoplasma.
So technically cats who may have toxoplasma never have it for long.
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I didnt think all cats had it?
This part from the links posted right before answer that:
* Keep your cat indoors and feed it dry or canned cat food rather than allowing it to have access to wild birds and rodents or to food scraps. A cat can become infected by eating infected prey or by eating raw or undercooked meat infected with the parasite. Do not bring a new cat into your house that might have spent time out of doors or might have been fed raw meat. Avoid stray cats and kittens and the area they have adopted as their "home." Your veterinarian can answer any other questions you may have regarding your cat and risk for toxoplasmosis.
* Have someone who is healthy and not pregnant change your cat's litter box daily. If this is not possible, wear gloves and clean the litter box every day, because the parasite found in cat feces needs one or more days after being passed to become infectious. Wash your hands well with soap and water afterwards.
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Once infected with Toxoplasma is my cat always able to spread the infection to me?
No, cats only spread Toxoplasma in their feces for a few weeks following infection with the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when first infected, so most people do not know if their cat has been infected. The infection will go away on its own; therefore it does not help to have your cat or your cat's feces tested for Toxoplasma.
So technically cats who may have toxoplasma never have it for long.
Oh good! That is good to know because I refuse to give up my cat! ;)
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When Joe went for his transplant evaluation at Mayo, they told him no contact with ANY pets (even ours we've had for years) for 2 months! Not sure how we're going to work that.
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We have had our cat since he was 6 weeks old and has always been an indoor cat. The only times he has been outside is if he accidentally got out, in which case we catch him and bring him back in. Nearly lost him one night :-\ We do take him outside occasionally just for some fresh air and sunshine and a nibble at the grass. He isn't allowed to roam free though, as he probably wouldn't come back.
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Awwwww, i miss my cat, he ran away the day we moved into our new home. Sneaky little critters arent they.. I admire you Amber and all those who love their pets. On behalf of the pets, i thank you....
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Oh no goofinya thats terrible. Our kitty knows exactly when you are going out the door, he knows the sounds, and he knows if you have shoes on and keys in your hand you are going outside. He is a very active cat in nature, unlike alot of cats Ive come across that are very placid and are happy to stay indoors. We are very very careful every time we go out the door. You get to know his moves and how quickly you need to get out the door. We are lucky because our front door goes into the garage (i know stupid eh? lol), and if he gets out, well its not hard to catch him. We do spoil him rotten, but I still feel bad about keeping him indoors. If he was capable of staying in or close to our yard I would be more than happy to let him have a stroll in the yard. But noooo that wouldn't happen.
I have a strong belief that animals are either in or out, not both. I don't mean you cant let them out at all, but I don't like seeing animals wandering around, especially dogs. Twice now I have been confronted by a bull terrier while I was walking or riding. The first time I was on my bike and this dog was about to bite me and I had to scream out, as the friggen owners obviously weren't bothered that their dog was barking at my feet. The next time I was walking and there was a dog wandering around (different dog) and he was coming towards me barking, thank god some dude was in the front yard and told it to piss off lol It cowered and ran away PHEW. Sorry I have gone off topic.
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People around here carry big sticks or bats or something similar for that reason. It's horrible. I can't walk my dogs in my neighborhood for fear the roaming nasty dog will get them.
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Hay wait a minute. I carry a big stick. But not when I am walking, just when I am talking. I am using it now, too. lol >:D
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I have been researching this because about 2 years ago a transplant surgeon said, regarding life after transplant, "No birds for pets."
A year ago my son was at a swim party and out of nowhere a cockateil tried to land on his head in the pool. He dodged her and she
began to sink so I grabbed her. I brought her home and ran ads in the newspapers and on Craiglist. We got about 12 calls, but no
one could identify the 2 very distinctive songs that Darla (that's what we named her) could whistle when we found her. So she is
still with us, and she is the sweetest pet, singing, muttering, loves her head scratched and is crazy about people. She has learned 4
more songs and is a really charming gal. I would love to find her owner, but it's been so long now I don't know if it will ever happen.
We could have her stay with another family for awhile if a transplant happens. Jenna would not be responsible to handle her cage or
food. Of course, if it's unsafe to keep her, we will find her a new home. Not sure what to do.
I found the following on the US Center for Disease Control site:
Diseases from Birds
Although birds can spread germs to people, illness caused by touching or owning birds is rare. To best protect yourself from getting sick, thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after contact with birds or their droppings.
Different types of birds can carry different diseases. For example, baby chicks and ducklings often carry the bacterium Salmonella. This germ causes salmonellosis (sal-MOhn-el-OH-sis) in people. Parakeets and parrots can carry the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci (kluh-MID-ee-ah si-TACH-ee). This germ causes the disease psittacosis (sit-a-koh-sis). Pigeon droppings can have germs that make people sick.
Some people are more likely than others to get diseases from birds. A person's age and health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. People who are more likely to get diseases from birds include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people being treated for cancer. Special advice is available for people who are at greater risk than others of getting diseases from animals.
Many organization support the health benefits of pets. These groups provide information on how pets can help people be healthy.
Learn more about bird-related diseases, below.
Chlamydia psittaci Infection (psittacosis): A bacterial disease associated with pet birds, including parrots and parakeets. Recommendations and Reports MMWR.
Cryptococcus Infection (cryptococcosis): A fungal disease associated with wild-bird droppings, including those from pigeons.
Salmonella Infection (salmonellosis): A bacterial disease associated with many birds, especially chickens, baby chicks, and ducklings.
Organ Transplant Patients
Pet Safety Tips
Patients who have received organ transplants are more likely than most people to get diseases from animals. However, simple tips can be followed to reduce their risk of getting sick after contact with animals. These recommendations were originally made for bone marrow transplant patients, but they also may be useful for other organ transplant patients. Although this section focuses on how to protect organ transplant patients from pet related diseases, many groups support the health benefits of pets.
Keep Clean!
Wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap after handling animals and their feces (stool). If possible, you should avoid direct contact with animal feces. Adults should supervise the hand washing of children.
Caring for Your Pet
If your pet is ill, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Any cat or dog that has diarrhea should be checked by a veterinarian for infection with Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
Caring for Birds: Bird cage linings should be cleaned daily. Wear gloves whenever handling items contaminated with bird droppings. Routine screening of healthy birds for zoonotic diseases is not recommended.
Caring for Fish: Avoid cleaning fish tanks by yourself; ask a family member or friend for assistance. If this task cannot be avoided, you should wear disposable gloves during such activities. Wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap afterwards.
Caring for Cats: If you have a cat try to have another person clean out litter on a regular (daily) basis. Do not place litter boxes in kitchens, dining rooms, or other areas where food is prepared and eaten. Keep your cat indoors. Avoid handling stray cats. Pet cats do not need to be tested for toxoplasmosis.
Feeding Your Pet
Just like people, pets can get diseases from eating contaminated food. By protecting your pet from foodborne diseases, you can protect your own health as well. Pets should be fed only high-quality commercial pet foods. If eggs, poultry, or meat products are given to your pet as supplements, they should be well-cooked. Any dairy products given to your pets should be pasteurized. Additionally, pets should be prevented from drinking toilet bowl water and from having access to garbage. Do not let your pet scavenge for food, hunt, or eat other animals' feces.
Getting A New Pet
When getting a new pet, avoid animals that are ill, stray, or young (cats and dogs less than 6 months old). These animals are more likely to carry diseases that can make you ill.
Animals to Avoid
The following animals are considered high-risk animals for immunocompromised people (including organ transplant patients):
* Reptiles, including lizards, snakes, and turtles.
* Baby chicks and ducklings.
* Exotic pets, including monkeys. Note: All persons should avoid direct contact with wild animals. Do not adopt wild animals as pets or bring them into your home.
Contact with these animals and their environments should be avoided by people with compromised immune systems. If you do touch these animals or their environment (their food or cage, for example), wash your hands thoroughly with running water and soap. Additionally, organ transplant patients should be extra cautious when visiting farms and when in contact with farm animals, including animals at petting zoos and fairs.
These pet safety guidelines for bone marrow transplant patients were developed from the following CDC resource: Guidelines for preventing opportunistic infections among hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, October 20, 2000; 49(RR10):1-128. {http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/bonemarrow_transplant.htm}
~Karol
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Great stuff karol! My current transplant has lived with cats, dogs, and birds and it's never been a problem. But then again, I stay away from the messy parts and let the ol ball and chain do that. I'll be extra careful when I get my new transplant and will make sure he reads this, so he's not passing on dirty germs to me :)
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OMG I read the topic header on this and nearly had a heart attack (I am sure my BP went to scary levels too!). I couldn't get rid of my beautiful cat! She is my best mate!!! I was feeling very sad when I read the topic header.. but then I feel a bit better after reading everyone's stories.
Like some here, I live alone, so have nobody else to do stuff like the litter etc. My cat is always indoors, but she was a stray for who knows how long before picked up, so not sure what she may or may not have picked up while out and about. These days she doesn't get out or try.. in fact one time recently she alerted me to the fact that I had left the front door wide open somehow by sitting in front of it and yelling at me till I came to see what was up! LOL
So I guess if I am super careful and super paranoid re washing etc it might be OK.
I want a transplant of course, but I would hate to lose the best thing that has happened to me in the past 3 years!
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Sandman was sooo nice to me and bought me an automated cat litter box that scoops cat crap automatically! But boy was my cat scared of it at first lol so we had to have the motor off while re-training my cat to use it :P
I also always wear gloves when cleaning it as I did the old one.
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What a thoughtful gift! I have a friend who had to get rid of her automated litter box because her cat liked it a little TOO much - she had it in her bedroom, and he'd sit by it all during the night and just step in and out of it to make it run so he could watch the movement, and the noise kept her from getting any sleep! I hope you don't have that problem!
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What a thoughtful gift! I have a friend who had to get rid of her automated litter box because her cat liked it a little TOO much - she had it in her bedroom, and he'd sit by it all during the night and just step in and out of it to make it run so he could watch the movement, and the noise kept her from getting any sleep! I hope you don't have that problem!
lol no but at first every time she heard it her ears would perk up and she would run to the door of the tiny room (storage closet) I have it in.
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Well I spoke to my doc today and brought up the question of transplants and pets and he said he couldn't see any reason why I couldn't keep my little sweet cat as long as I was careful with things like the litter tray and not kissing her etc. YAY!!!!
That took a bit of worry off me... of course the transplant team might say something else, but for now I am worrying less about that.. or rather there are other things to worry about more.. (sigh)
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I think we have pretty much worked out what we will do. Assuming Joe gets a transplant while we are in this house, we will set up the spare bedroom as a "no animal zone" so he can sleep without worrying about animals scratching him or bother his incision or whatever. We will also put up a baby gate in front of the dogs' room to keep them in there at night. During the day, while I am at work, he will either hang out with my mom or his sister, because to our understanding someone needs to physically be with him all the time while he's recovering. I will be the one responsible for all litterbox cleaning and pet interaction/care. It's going to be a long 3 months. :lol;
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I had my cat with my transplant, but he is a declawed indoor cat. I don't clean the litter box and he is not allowed to sleep in our bedroom. I did not have any problems.
I couldn't bear to get rid of him. He's my baby.
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Well I spoke to my doc today and brought up the question of transplants and pets and he said he couldn't see any reason why I couldn't keep my little sweet cat as long as I was careful with things like the litter tray and not kissing her etc. YAY!!!!
That took a bit of worry off me... of course the transplant team might say something else, but for now I am worrying less about that.. or rather there are other things to worry about more.. (sigh)
RichardMel, i love the relationship you have with your cat, i admire anyone who cherishes any animal as their "family member" and not just a pet. Your ace in my book amigo :2thumbsup;
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blush! thank you.
Well she really IS my family. I have no partner at the moment, and unlikely anytime soon, so she is who I come home to. She's the one that meets me at the door and meows since she has been sitting by the door for a while waiting.. and I *know* she is not waiting just for FOOD... she is so happy to see me she meows and runs to her little spot where she rolls around and wants a tummy rub and general "hello I am happy you are home time".. and she's the one who, as soon as I get in bed and turn out the light, rushes from wherever she is into the bedroom and jumps up on the bed to curl up against my leg (guess I will have to give that up if I get a transplant!). I definately know she is responsible for lowering my stress levels and blood pressure since I have had her, and possibly she has also been responsible for keeping me off dialysis for a little while...
she is way more than a pet to me... and she'll be my little girl I thin.. since I don't want kids.. so I can devote everything to her!
The thought of having to give her up, even for a few months, really upset me because I've grown so used to her.. heck even when I go away for a night I miss her not jumping up to curl up in "her" spot. (I am trained well!)..
so hoping that we can keep eachother company during a time when I know I'll need my best mate!
Coming up to 3 years together on valentine's day :)
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I had a cat who I think literally purred me into better health. I was having pains and fevers and chills after dialysis several years ago. I would pick up this cat we used to have and he would purr into my chest. I had enlarged lymph nodes at the time and I really think his loud purring on my chest helped me to heal those lymph nodes. I know I felt like I could breath better after a purr session. And he would sit with me and purr a loud purr into me. I think he knew. He went to a superb home where he is King Outdoor Cat now just like he wanted to be. He is well fed by the neighbors as well as by his owner. Quite a content happy cat now.
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The thought of having to give her up, even for a few months, really upset me because I've grown so used to her.. heck even when I go away for a night I miss her not jumping up to curl up in "her" spot. (I am trained well!)..
You know every doctor is different in what they recommend. The main thing is they don't want them biting/scratching you and they want you to be careful cleaning the litterbox. I know we'll have to keep our pets separate from Joe just because we have so many, and they are VERY playful/active. Yours may be just fine. :cuddle;
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Oh my Celeste never bites or scratches me... she does lick my hand from time to time but I can wash that :) she's never raised a paw in anger to me and i know she never would on purpose. So hopefully that will be good.
To KitKatz you know some believe a cats purr IS a healing power... as in they purr to mend their bones and other things.. something to do with the ultrasonics of the purr vibration or something being good for their bones etc... (I am dead serious on this). So it could well be that your kitty was indeed helping you quite seriously!! :) what a lovely story!
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I have heard the same thing RichardMel, damn, now i want a cat, maybe 2 or 3, ;) Me loves me kitties :)
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Having a pet is supposed to lower your stress level.
That might be true for mine if she didn't insist on waking me up in the middle of the night!
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Pets DO lower stress levels it is absolutely true. I think i already wrote that I feel my cat kept me off dialysis for a bit of time because after I got her my BP improved and I felt generally more relaxed about things, and there was a small, but noticable improvement in my test results... I think just the feeling of that unconditional love helps a lot. I know that she won't ever play emotional games with me or screw me over in some way or hurt me on purpose.. and I think that is one of the key things, along with having someone to come home to who is actually happy to see me ("aha! dinner time!" :) ).
Luckily I am blessed with a cat who does NOT bug me in the middle of the night for stuff. Somehow she has figured out I need my sleep and she is happy to snuggle on the bed and sit quietly until I get out of it and get up! She also seems to be able to sense when I am feeling low, or down about stuff, or just extra tired and again, is happy to sit quietly with me (or on me!) and be a companion.
that's why she means the world to me (I write this looking at her sitting on the floor near my legs). I am definitely a believer that pets (dogs and cats) are much more perceptive and smarter than most give them credit for. Some of the things my cat has done have just amazed me. I hope there is more to come :)
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I kept all my babies post-transplant. I had someone clean the litter box for me for a while but since then I do it myself. The funny thing is that my kitty drove me nuts for the first couple of months after the surgery. I had a rough time at first (doing great now) and the silly cat kept wanting to sit in my lap to comfort me. Needless to say the poor little guy kept getting shoved onto my shoulder or off me entirely. Luckily I didn't traumatize him for life and here we are 4 years later and he still loves me. He's 17 yo btw and he is still going strong. At night he still snuggles under the covers with me and purrs me to sleep. Once in a while a dog will lie on top of him, but he doesn't seem to mind too much.
I think the purpose of a transplant is to give you a better life and if you are a pet owner getting rid of your babies will certainly not do that.
Cora
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I would never give up my dog. He is loyal to me and I to him. He is my buddy for life.
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Y'all are absolutely right about pets lowering blood pressure. My 88-year-old mother has high blood pressure, and she lives in an apartment complex that used to allow cats but stopped just before she moved in (she wouldn't have moved there had she known they quit allowing cats). She actually got a letter from her doctor saying she would benefit medically from having a companion pet to help keep her calm and lower her blood pressure, and they went for it! She's the envy of all her neighbors, needless to say!
As for me, there are times I think I wouldn't even get up out of bed if I didn't have my two girls, and they are absolutely necessary for my well being! They ask so little, and they give so much. Besides - they're way funnier than anything on TV!
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I think you hit the nail on the head - they ask for so little and give so much. That is so true!!!
And it doesnt even have to be conscious giving.. for example this morning I was watching my cat lying on her side with her paws spread out relaxing (it is hot here!) and she was in just sucha gorgeous position.. so totally relaxed and not worried about anything it just made me smile
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I just had a transplant 3 weeks ago, and I was told that pets are fine. The said to not let your cats or dogs lick you in the face, and to always wash your hands after petting and/or handling them. Best not to let them sleep on your bed. Have someone else clean the kitty litter. If that is not possible, use gloves and a mask. If you have birds, definitely have someone else clean the cage and do not handle the birds. Clean fish tanks with gloves on.
That was all they had to say at Mayo Clinic about transplant patients having pets. FYI - they had way more to say about food preparation than pets! ;)
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This thread has been so encouraging!! I'm on the transplant list after 18 yrs on dialysis and I have 2 cats. (Had 3 but my 20 lb Jerry died 2005) I've been agonizing over what to do with them immediately post transplant as I live alone. Do any cat owners her have any experience with those "self cleaning" litterboxes, the ones that motorized? I'd be willing to spend that kind of money if they really work. I have no problem masking/gloving and my 2 NEVER go outside. They haven't been outside in over 10 yrs. Other than the obvious little nasties that are present in any species feces, it is my understanding that the risk with dogs & cats is fungus that they pick up from the dirt outdoors. No outdoors, no dirt, low fungus risk??? I've thought that maybe I should find a temp home for them for the 1st 3 months of immunosuppression, but now I'm wondering if that's actually necessary as it would be very difficult.
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We have 2 cats, both are indoor cats. They are my dialysis pals. They say next to me everyday (really...NEXT, with their heads on my other arm...), 4 hours, while on dialysis...I could never get rid of them...they are like family!
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This thread has been so encouraging!! I'm on the transplant list after 18 yrs on dialysis and I have 2 cats. (Had 3 but my 20 lb Jerry died 2005) I've been agonizing over what to do with them immediately post transplant as I live alone. Do any cat owners her have any experience with those "self cleaning" litterboxes, the ones that motorized? I'd be willing to spend that kind of money if they really work. I have no problem masking/gloving and my 2 NEVER go outside. They haven't been outside in over 10 yrs. Other than the obvious little nasties that are present in any species feces, it is my understanding that the risk with dogs & cats is fungus that they pick up from the dirt outdoors. No outdoors, no dirt, low fungus risk??? I've thought that maybe I should find a temp home for them for the 1st 3 months of immunosuppression, but now I'm wondering if that's actually necessary as it would be very difficult.
I've never heard of a "fungus" but toxoplasmosis is a worry if your cat goes outside. If your cat never goes outside, you shouldn't have to worry. The CDC website has some good info on toxoplasmosis, it can put your mind at ease. As far as the litterbox, we had one a few years ago, and I wasn't very impressed with it. Stuff can get stuck in the many intricate moving parts and it's a huge pain to try to pick all that out.
If it's an option, I would just hire somebody to come over once a day or every other day to clean the litterboxes for you. Pet sitters could do that, and if you explained why you needed it, they might even work out a special deal for you. :thumbup;
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I've never heard of a "fungus" but toxoplasmosis is a worry if your cat goes outside. If your cat never goes outside, you shouldn't have to worry. The CDC website has some good info on toxoplasmosis, it can put your mind at ease. As far as the litterbox, we had one a few years ago, and I wasn't very impressed with it.
Thank you Sara, i always wanted to get one of those but now i am glad i never did, i am seriously thinking of getting me a cat, now that hubby's at work i need one to cuddle with ;)
If it's an option, I would just hire somebody to come over once a day or every other day to clean the litterboxes for you. Pet sitters could do that, and if you explained why you needed it, they might even work out a special deal for you. :thumbup;
This is an excellent suggestion, i am sure there are many kids that would do that for a couple of extra bucks, good advice Sara :2thumbsup;
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I asked again about pets - and they said the cockateil has to go - there is
just too much airborne bacteria in bird droppings to take a risk. So now I
have to find a home for our sweet bird Darla. It makes us all sad, but of
course Jenna's health is the most important thing.
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I asked again about pets - and they said the cockateil has to go - there is
just too much airborne bacteria in bird droppings to take a risk. So now I
have to find a home for our sweet bird Darla. It makes us all sad, but of
course Jenna's health is the most important thing.
Wish I lived close -- I'd take the bird for a year or so, until she could take it back. I love birds but haven't had one in years because Mike got tired of the squawking -- peachfaced lovebirds are very loud and long lived. I loved hand feeding the babies -- they were so cute. Knowing it was a "loaner", and the circumstances, he'd probably tolerate it. Maybe you can find someone near you to do that.
Check this out http://www.juliusbergh.com/cocky/ it's about a onewinged bird and her family. The pictures are wonderful -- click through from page to page and read the whole story in the notes with each picture.
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Black, that was awesome :2thumbsup; It is amazing how up close and personal they got with these beautiful birds, AMAZING, thank you for sharing :clap;
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Wow that was sweet! Loved seeing the Cockatoo love story!
My mom said she might take Darla - but I am worried because
her boyfriend smokes all the time.
So you think Darla could come back someday? The hospital's
transplant coordinator said "Never" but I am praying that's not
the case.
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Black, what a lovely link - THANKS!
okarol, maybe your mom's boyfriend would consent to smoking outdoors only? After all, it would be such a blessing for you and Jenna, not to mention Darla!