Evaluation of erythropoiesis and changes in serum erythropoietin concentration in cats after renal transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinicopathologic patterns of the erythropoietic response after renal transplantation in cats with chronic renal failure (CRF).


METHODS
14 cats with CRF undergoing renal transplantation.


METHODS
Before and at intervals during a 6-month period after transplantation, serum creatinine and erythropoietin concentrations, Hct, erythrocyte indices, aggregate reticulocyte percentage, and iron variables were measured. Additionally, the number of transfusions administered to and any complications that developed in each cat were recorded.


RESULTS
In all cats, preoperative azotemia resolved within 6 days after renal transplantation. Two cats had a temporary increase in serum creatinine concentration secondary to an acute graft rejection episode. Anemia (defined as Hct < 28%) resolved in 10 cats 3 to 49 days after surgery. Resolution of anemia was delayed in 2 cats that had acute rejection episodes. Serum erythropoietin concentration and reticulocyte percentage were low preoperatively; values after surgery were highly variable. Compared with preoperative values, serum erythropoietin concentration increased 1 to 4 days after surgery in 11 cats; between days 5 and 58, another increase was detected in 9 cats. Serum iron concentrations were generally low before and 14 days after transplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
The erythropoietic response was highly variable in cats after renal transplantation, but anemia typically resolved within 1 month after surgery. A delay in resolution of anemia in cats may indicate poor graft function and inadequate iron stores, suggesting the need for further evaluation for concurrent illness.
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010, USA.
Lillian R
LR
Aronson
Alicia
A
Preston
Dilip P
DP
Bhalerao
Kenneth J
KJ
Drobatz
Urs
U
Giger
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004920:Erythropoiesis / Q000502:physiology*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000502:physiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy; D010052:Ovariectomy; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004921:Erythropoietin; D003404:Creatinine