Ailing Dog Undergoes Kidney Transplant At UPenn

[okarol]

Sep 4, 2008 3:00 pm US/Eastern
Ailing Dog Undergoes Kidney Transplant At UPenn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania are performing a kidney transplant that is anything but routine as the recipient walks on four legs.

The University of Pennsylvania is the only location on the east coast, and one of the few in the country, that can perform the extremely rare procedure.

Zanzi, a boxer terrier from Tampa, Florida suffering from a diseased kidney flew in to Philadelphia in order to undergo surgery at Penn Veterinary Hospital Thursday. The surgery began at 9 a.m. and was scheduled to conclude by 5 p.m.

The ailing terrier and the donor, her 14-month-old twin sister, will be in the hands of primary surgeon Dr. Heidi Phillips. It is only the second time the surgery has been performed at the facility.

"We're only able to do dogs that are related to each other. We need a related donor in order to give a kidney to the recipient in order to minimize the amount of side effects," said primary surgeon Dr. Heidi Phillips.

Owner Jennifer O'Brien is spending over $10,000 to save the life of her beloved pet.

"I find it well worth it. No matter what happens, it's important to try, especially when your dog has a potential for a good outcome," she said.

O'Brien and doctors are optimistic of the outcome. If all goes well and the transplanted kidney is not rejected, both dogs and their owner could be back in Florida next week.

http://cbs3.com/local/kidney.transplant.dog.2.809812.html

[paris]

I am glad for the dog  --- but, I need a twin to give me a kidney!  I bet the donor didn't have to go through testing and evaluation, nor sign any consent forms.    I can't afford my medical bills, let alone $10,000 for my dog (although I love my dog dearly). 

[Wallyz]

No comment.

[petey]

If Hop-Sing (my six-year-old Pug/Peke mix) needed a transplant and I could afford it, I'd do this for him.  Thank goodness he doesn't need this because I can't afford it.  But, I would if I could go to these extremes to save/improve his life.  I love him very much, and I'm not ashamed of it.