Renal transplants in cats: 66 cases (1987-1996).
To document the morbidity and survival time after renal transplants in cats with end-stage renal failure. Retrospective case series. 66 cats that had renal transplants. Information regarding signalment, history, diagnostic testing, and postoperative morbidity and mortality was retrieved from medical records of cats with renal failure that had renal transplants at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine between 1987 and 1996. 47 of 66 (71%) cats that had renal transplants survived until discharge. Nineteen cats died in the perioperative period. Most common causes of death were seizure-related complications (7 cats) and renal pedicle complications (4). One discharged cat was unavailable for follow-up monitoring. Of the 46 cats discharged and available for follow-up monitoring, 28 died. Most common causes of death in these cats were renal complications (9 cats) and death related to immunosuppression (8; mean and median survival times, 15 and 12 months, respectively). Of the 18 cats that were still living at the time this report was written, mean and median survival times were 26 and 22 months, respectively. Renal transplantation resulted in long-term survival of many cats that would have otherwise died from, or have been euthanatized as a result of, renal failure. Problems with ureteral obstruction can be minimized. Postoperative CNS disorders were the most prevalent complication.