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Feline aortic thromboembolism

A blood clot suddenly blocks the circulation to the cat's hind legs. It is an extremely serious and very painful complication of feline heart disease.

Veterinary emergency🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY: if your cat suffers sudden, painful paralysis of the hind legs, go to the vet IMMEDIATELY.

Symptoms to watch for

  • • SUDDEN paralysis of the hind legs
  • • Intense pain: the cat cries out and howls
  • • Cold hind legs with pale or bluish paw pads
  • • Rapid, laboured breathing
  • • The cat is distressed

Causes

A clot formed in a diseased heart (almost always due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) travels and blocks the artery that supplies the hind legs.

Diagnosis

The clinical picture is very characteristic. Echocardiography to confirm the underlying heart disease.

Treatment

EMERGENCY: pain control (the pain is extreme), anticoagulant therapy and treatment of the heart failure. The prognosis is guarded. Some cats regain function, others do not.

Prevention

Cardiac screening in breeds predisposed to cardiomyopathy. If a cat already has heart disease, its vet will assess clot prevention.

When should you see the vet?

ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY: if your cat suffers sudden, painful paralysis of the hind legs, go to the vet IMMEDIATELY.

Consult a vet24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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