Dog owners and liver transplant

[Lilyrosemarie]

Does anyone know if having a dog will stop someone getting on the transplant list?

[AyrshireK]

Was never a question we were asked (we have a cat) and certainly there are members on the forum who are on the list and have dogs.

What makes you think that? Obviously you'd need to make plans as to arrangements where pooch goes and who cares for it at the point you get the call and whilst you are in having the op and post recovery.

As I say pets never came into our discussions with t/p unit.

Katie

[Lilyrosemarie in reply to AyrshireK]

I just read something on line about it because of transplant patients being susceptible to infections and started worrying about having to get rid of our dog!

[AyrshireK in reply to Lilyrosemarie]

As I say it never came up during hubbies t/p assessment and they know we have a cat. Can not see it - yes you will be on immune suppressants and will need to take hygiene and infection control serious but no can't see you having to get rid of your dog.

Parents with young kids don't get rid of their kids post transplant and they are real little germ magnets plus there are teachers, carers, nurses, doctors etc. who are post transplant and continue working in germ filled environments.

Providing you practise good hygiene when dealing with dog mess etc. it shouldn't be an issue. We have members with Auto-Immune Hepatitis who are on similar meds to post transplant and they work with and own dogs and just have to exercise caution re. dog mess etc.

[Oliviaamyprice in reply to AyrshireK]

I asked my consultant prior to getting a puppy. He said that’s no problem at all.

[jojokarak]

It's definitely not a problem I wouldn't of got through it without my Zena .. the worry is more afterwards but as long as you get the yearly boosters then it's fine. I just wouldn't have a cat I know a couple of people who have been scratched after transplant and ended up with some quite serious infections ..

[bobbycat in reply to jojokarak]

I certainly couldn't get rid of my dog, he is too precious!

[Denise15]

No had no problem with my dogs post transplant the positives definitely outweigh the negatives you just have to be sensible re hygiene but no worse than grandchildren xxx

[Kimlescam]

Hi

We were told to keep my husband away from our dogs for a while immediately post op but they are all together now.

Good luck xx

[Hidden]

Hi never Hurd this before

[cazer]

no as far as I was aware pets are no problem. however under no circumstances should you clean up cat litter trays or dog presents!!!

that is deemed too dodgy for transplant patients... so your lucky other gets that joy!!!

i found my cats a great comfort after transplant....

just couldn't stand them sat on my stomach... so they sat on my shoulders instead. xx

best wishes cazer

[Daveangel]

Not unless you go out on the beer with him! 😀

[25laval]

I do know liver transplant pets are advised to avoid cleaning a cat's litter box. OK to keep the cat, just have someone else clean the litter box.

[Danisleigh]

We have a dog and 4 cats and our son is a year post tomorrow. We were told that existing vaccinated pets were fine but to avoid getting any new pets for the first 6 months. Also the cats stopped sleeping on his bed and he doesn’t handle litter or pick up after the dog.