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Post transplant and Pets...

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Posted 6/17/2014 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
How many people who are post transplant have a pet? Specifically a dog. My mom is almost 14 months post transplant. My parents have a Yorkie, and it has been staying with a family member the last 14 months, since my mom had her transplant. Now, the family member can no longer take care of the dog and wants to give it back to my parents. I am not sure that it's a good idea especially since my mom is immunosupressed, etc. And, I feel that no matter how much you groom and clean your dog, it still carries lots of germs. In my opinion, fleas and ticks (something that dogs are prone to) are reason for concern for someone who's immunosupressed. Plus cleaning up after the dog...not something that I feel is " safe" for my mom. Any advice? Please help.
Thanks in advance.
Posted 6/17/2014 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
Is it house trained? A former moderator here took a cat in after her transplant. She took precautions like dust mask and rubber gloves cleaning the cat box. To me cats are far more dangerous for someone in that position. Seems like her doctors told her to get rid of the cat but she couldn't bare to let it go to a shelter. Our dogs are trained to go outside and notify us when they have to go. Wife had a Yorkie up until a few months back and they are relatively clean animals. Not much on shedding or dander. I'd ask the doc if it's o.k first though.


Ziff
Posted 6/17/2014 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Ziff...Yes, the animal is trained to go outside. It does let them know when he needs to be walked. My concern is more so the animal borne diseases or fleas and ticks and the fact that my mom is immunosupressed and prone to infection. I would prefer them to NOT have the dog come back home. I don't feel that at this stage (post transplant) my mom should be living with a pet, again just my opinion. But would love to know what advice others can share to help me.
Thank you.
Posted 6/17/2014 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi WD! As always, ask your mom's coordinator/doctor, but a pet should really be no problem. Cats are more of an issue, due to something called toxoplasmosis, which can be found in their litter and can cause some serious problems for the immunosuppressed. However, we have 4 cats and there was never an issue with Robert. Whether a cat or dog, just some simple precautions are needed - not letting the pets lick the person's face or sleep with them in bed, washing hands after petting, and if a cat - no changing litter boxes or if they do, not without using gloves and a mask. So unless your mom's doctor says no pets, no way - your mom should be able to have her pup. A lot of transplant recipients have pets.
Posted 6/17/2014 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Splashdancer.
Her transplant coordinator said the dog is fine. The coordinator wants my mom to live her life and not live in a bubble. However, on the other hand, I feel that my mom has had sooo many bumps since transplant such as frequent infections and she has other issues pre-transplant that it would not be in her best interest to have the dog come back to live with them. Also, in regards to any animal borne diseases, that's another fear that I have. I know it's not my decision, however, I am my mother's caregiver so anytime she's sick or needs to be rushed to the ER, it's me that needs to be there. I guess I really want to try and avoid any unnecessary infections or illness and trips to the hospital due to something a pet dog passed along. Is it that I am being overly concerned/cautious ?
Posted 6/17/2014 5:56 AM (GMT 0)
Well...yes - but totally understandable. I think your mom's dog will bring her comfort and make her happy. Simple precautions, that's all. There are very few diseases that can be transmitted from dog to human - and the ones that can be are usually through feces.
Posted 6/17/2014 11:54 AM (GMT 0)
My docs said the only thing to worry about with a dog is getting bitten by them. That goes for cats, too. Also with cats, scratches and changing litter boxes aren't good. The joy of having her dog back is good for both animal and owner.
Posted 6/17/2014 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
Time to let Mom make her own decisions, give her breathing room. If the doc okays it, so be it.

WD you need to start living your own life and relax, I feel you are teepee and wigwam.....too tense :) She needs not live in a bubble, there are lots of good bacteria out there.

Take a Sandia breather
Posted 6/18/2014 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
My husband is 3 years post-transplant and we have 3 Boxers.  Also, I completely understand the micro-managing; it took me almost a year to stop checking everything he did, he ate, and his medications.  It's hard to let go.  Most scary for the the caregiver - that's for sure.  :-)
Posted 6/18/2014 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Actually my brother bought himself a golden doodle 6 months ago which he named Bella....now there is ONE female that is happy to see him walk thru the door!

Hope is wife doesn't follow this forum :)

Post Edited (Mae be here) : 6/17/2014 7:22:28 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/18/2014 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Oh dear. I had no idea of the potential pet problems. I guess that means that there is no more hugging my chickens, which is sad...or cleaning their coop, which is fine with me.

Pets, generally speaking, are such good therapy! I love my dog, and my chickens!!
Susan
Posted 6/18/2014 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Susan, The lady next door to us chain smokes cigarettes, cusses like a sailor, walks bare foot cleaning out her chicken coop all the while holding lengthy conversations with each chicken she may disturb. She's 68 and will likely survive a nuclear holocaust. Must be something in the chicken poop. Sure it has nothing to do with senility tongue




Ziff
Posted 6/18/2014 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
Ziff,

Cleaning the coop barefoot? Ew. Just Ew.

Talking to the chickens is vital. Especially if you cluck like they do and tell them how wonderful they are. Vain creatures, really.

But, I mean, ugh. Wear shoes.
Posted 6/19/2014 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
I have not had a transplant, rather I have AIH and am immunosupressed. Even at the highest doses of prednisone I looked after my animals. Cats, dogs, chickens, horses, pigs...cleaned litterboxes, coops, pens and stalls and never had an issue. My doctors just told me to wash up well afterwards and wear gloves. Now, just being on an immunosupressant (no pred) I often forget the gloves.

I realize everyone is different and some may be more prone to infection, however if her doctor said the dog was okay I would be inclined to have it come home.
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