Early detection of problems in the postoperative period, especially for signs of rejection, can be instrumental in successfully reversing the rejection episode and salvaging the transplanted kidney. The first signs of a rejection episode will most likely be a behavioral change in your cat. Loss of appetite, depressed attitude, malaise, loss of energy, vomiting, etc. It is possible that early rejection may be picked up on a routine monitoring visit by an increase in serum creatinine or decreased urine specific gravity. In particular, it is important that the cyclosporine A level is closely monitored.
Monitoring is done daily while the cat is in the hospital.
After discharge it is usually done weekly for a month. Then the intervals are increased to biweekly and then monthly. Eventually, depending on the individual cat the monitoring may be done every 2-3 months. It is vital that the blood tests are drawn just before the next dose of cyclosporine to get an accurate assessment of the drug levels. Immunosuppressive Drug Dosing.