SADDLE THROMBUS / ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM

 FELINE AORTIC THROMBOEMBOLISM

-An emergent condition

 Can occur to cats with or without history of cardiac problems. 

The origin of the the clots are from the aorta.

Thrombus.  Defined as a large blood clot.

Embolism. Defined as a blockage to the circulation

Sudden onset, insidious disease condition of cats that causes both lameness of hind legs due to a blood clot along the distal part of the aorta supplying the limbs.  

DIFFERENTIATE FROM OTHER CONDITIONS THAT SHOW PAINFUL HINDLEG PARALYSIS 

SPINAL TRAUMA / SPONDYLOSIS

HIP DYSPLASIA / FEMORAL HEAD INJURIES 

SOFT TISSUE INJURES

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

Paralysis of hindlegs, can be one leg affected or both.

Weak femoral pulse.

Cool foot pads when touched compared to normal limbs.

Affected cat is in pain - vocalization.

Veterinarians will correlate using clinical signs observed and with laboratory testing to arrive at a diagnosis.  Often recommended are radiographs, complete blood counts and blood chemistry panel.  Veterinary cardiologist use Echocardiography to diagnose presence of clots at the atrial chambers.

TREATMENT

Supportive. 

Address the pain associated with the condition

Treatment for clearing the thrombus

Treatment of the cardiovascular problem associated with the condition

CLIENT EDUCATION

Prognosis: Poor due to presence of  advanced cardiovascular issues and re-embolization.  

Other organs can be affected as well, intestinal tracts, kidneys, liver and the brain 

Selected tertiary veterinary hospitals for the risky surgical options 

Long term medication that needs to be monitored closely.

More than 50 percent of pets are euthanized.

Quality of life versus Quantity

Dogs can also experience this insidious condition

This blog is written to spread awareness regarding this devastating condition that can affect our pets to fur parents. 

SOURCE:

Mazzafero, EM. MS.DVM. PhD. DACVECC. Arterial Thromboembolism. SMALL ANIMAL EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE.  Blackwell's Five Minute Veterinary Consult. Clinical Companion