Aortic thromboembolism in cats, a vital veterinary emergency!

What are the symptoms of aortic thromboembolism in cats?

Aortic thromboembolism is an obstruction of the aorta, most often at its bifurcation towards the hind legs. Consequently, the nature and extent of the symptoms depend on the degree of obstruction.

In the event of total obstruction, the symptoms you may observe are as follows:

1. Paralysis of one or both hind limbs: both limbs are affected in 75% of cases of thromboembolism in cats,
2. Moderate to severe pain, with hoarse complaints,
3. Cold paw extremities, associated with a drop in body temperature (below 99°F)
4. Dyspnoea, with your cat breathing with its mouth open.
5. Vomiting in the hours preceding the thromboembolism episode.

In consultation, our vet at home will be able to complete the clinical picture following a close examination, and highlight the following signs:

1. Cardiac problems such as a heart murmur, rhythm abnormalities
2. Absence of femoral pulse on the side of the paralysed leg
3. Reduction in profound sensitivity in the hind legs: when you pinch the pads, your cat feels nothing and does not withdraw its paw.

What should I do if my cat has aortic thromboembolism?

What to do in the event of aortic thromboembolism in your cat depends on the symptoms observed.

Here is some practical advice from our out of hours vets:

1. Avoid handling or moving your cat. The pain is acute and the slightest movement can aggravate it and cause your cat to react violently and involuntarily.
2. To limit handling, try to place your cat in the best conditions of calm: a low-noise, low-light environment.
3. Contact us as soon as possible on 033 0027 0670so that we can send a vet to your home. Having the vet come to your home means you don't have to make unnecessary trips in the first place.

On arrival, our vet will confirm the diagnosis and start pain relief treatment as soon as possible.
Once stabilised, your cat can be transferred to a veterinary hospital in London. Dissolution of the clot can then be attempted.

Causes of aortic thromboembolism in cats

There is no single cause of aortic thromboembolism in cats. The appearance of the clot and its embolisation are due to favourable factors. One of these factors is your cat's age. Except in exceptional cases, older cats are more at risk.

Here are the main factors favouring thrombosis:

• Diseases of the heart muscle, such as hypertrophic heart disease in cats. This disease favours the formation of blood clots in contact with the heart wall.
• Hyperthyroidism, a disease of the thyroid gland, which affects heart function. At the same time, the overproduction of thyroid hormones is in itself a risk factor in cats.
• Tumours, mainly lung cancers, which encourage the formation of emboli.

All of the above causes can lead to the formation of a blood clot, clinging to the wall of the heart or large vessels.
The disease occurs when the clot breaks loose and enters the general bloodstream, ending up at the end of the aorta. No triggering factor has yet been identified.

Preventing aortic thromboembolism in cats

To prevent thromboembolism in your cat, you can act on the factors that encourage it:

• An annual visit to the vet can reveal heart health problems, hormonal problems and tumours at a very early stage.
• If one of these favourable conditions is diagnosed, follow the treatment carefully and keep to the scheduled check-ups.
• A healthy cat is one that eats a suitable, high-quality diet. Be sure to seek advice from your vet.

From the age of 8 upwards, we would remind you that a full blood test is strongly recommended to highlight any organ abnormalities.