Pets and Lung Transplantation

Question

I have a question:

Currently, I am in a difficult situation. I am about to get myself a dog because I always wanted to have one and now I am a house-wife and finally do have a lot of time for the animal. Furthermore, I am widowed and very lonely since December. My psychologist recommended me to get myself a pet. I would like to get myself a little dog from the animal shelter. However, I have been listed for transplantation for approximately half a year now!

Is it a problem to have a pet (for example a dog) after a lung transplantation?
My (transplantation-) doctor in charge has never said anything against the "risky sport" of horse back riding, that I am practicing as well. But I am just not sure as far as pets are concerned!

Please help me!

Answer

Hello,
Concerning pets and lung transplantation, we find different views and recommendations from Tx-center to Tx-center. Furthermore, the recommendations differ for each kind of pet, therefore we will focus the dogs here now. The advice given from different Tx-centers vary from "no concern under special hygenic measures" to "no contact advisable especially in the early time after Tx". However, there is lack of scientific data which proves the rightness of the one or the other advice.
There is a study from 2006 in Zurich which compared a two groups of lung-transplaned patients, one with pet and one without pets, the result showed no increased rate of complications in the pet-group but a better quality of life compared to the no-pet-group.
Generally speaking healthy pets, especially dogs, that are vaccinated are not a particular risk, therefore my point of view is: no concerns; but when I hear that you live alone, then it has to be clarified, of course, who will take care of the dog when you have to go to the hospital for an inpatient treatment when it comes to the transplantation and afterwards, if problems have to be treated. We always expect an advantageous process but we also have to be prepared if complications occur.
Regarding a dog from the animal shelter I have to note that in most cases the previous history is unclear so that the vaccination status might not be known. Please discuss this with the veterinarian at the animal shelter.

Best regards,
Prof. Dr. TOF Wagner

25.09.2008