Saddle Thrombosis in Cats Treatment (and More)

An encouraging saddle thrombosis in cats treatment is medicinal leeching. Israeli borne veterinarian Dr. Sagiv Ben-Yakir has attained a 90 percent success rate in returning cats with FATE to a normal life using leech therapy.

In addition to clot management, the underlying heart disease must be addressed. Therefore, I advise that every cat who has survived an excessive blood clotting episode should be placed on life-long ubiquinol supplementation (ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10).

Prevention of the formation of added clots is also necessary. I recommend a supplement known as nattokinase for this purpose.

Most cats who survive a FATE episode will regain normal limb function within a few months. However, they generally require a great deal of nursing care until they can move freely independently. Recurrence of aortic thromboembolism is common, generally within a year or two of the first episode.

Partnering with an integrative veterinarian using holistic preventive strategies is a really good idea.

What Is Saddle Thrombus in Cats?

FATE happens when a blood clot forms, usually in the heart, then breaks loose. It enters the circulation but eventually gets stuck, causing a blockage. This may be a small, large clot or embolism, known as a thrombus.

The most witnessed blockage point is in the lower abdomen, where the aorta, the main blood vessel leaving the heart, forms two branches going back to the back legs.

This spot is called the saddle and it is common for the blood to come to rest at the top of that point, leading to the term cat blood clot or sale thrombus.

Once blood is blocked at the saddle, the nerves and muscles swell due to a lack of nutrients and oxygen. Also, the rear limbs grow cold.

The patient is suddenly paralyzed and in severe pain.

Who is at risk of aortic thromboembolism?

Cardiogenic arterial thromboembolic manifests mostly in cats with advanced heart disease and is rarely seen in dogs. Although certain breeds like Ragdoll, Abyssinian, Persian, Maine, and Coon are more prone to the disease, saddle thrombus can still occur in cats of any age or breed, although it is more seen in cats eight years and older.

Is Saddle Thrombosis Hereditary

Yes, it is believed to be hereditary in nature, and male cats are twice likely to suffer from this heart condition than females.

Why Do Blood Clots Form in Cats?

90% of domesticated cats with FATE have a pre-existing heart problem such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

HCM causes structural changes in the heart that promote blood clot formation. The ventricles, or lower heart chambers, particularly the left ventricle, won’t pump well when they get hit by HCM.

This cause blood to pool and stagnate in the left atrium, the top heart chamber. Where the flow of blood is stagnant, clots tend to form.

Ultimately, a fragments or clot breaks loose and enters the circulation. A big enough clot forms a classic saddle thrombus, although smaller fragments have been known to travel to the brain, kidney, or intestine.

Other causes of clot formation in the cat include certain cancers and hyperthyroidism, especially lung cancer.

Cat Breeds Most Likely to Be Affected by Excessive Blood Clots

Since FATE is often linked with heart disease, its prevalence shows the same pattern.

Since FATE is often associated with heart disease, its prevalence follows the same patterns. Abyssinians, Birmans, and ragdolls are over-represented in FATE cases, as are middle-aged males because HCM is more common in these patients.

Top Signs of FATE in Cats

The signs of FATE come on suddenly and may include:

• Screaming or Crying
• Dragging of one or both hind legs.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Open-mouthed breathing
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Your vet may also notice:

• Arrhythmia or heart murmur
• Abdominal lung sounds
• Abnormal lung sounds
• Heart murmur or arrhythmia.
• Lack of pulses in one or both hind legs.
• Nail beds and paw pads that appear cyanotic (blue-tinged).
• Rear legs that are cold to the touch.
• Leg muscles are hard and extremely painful.
• Abnormal lung sounds.

These signs indicate immediate saddle thrombosis in cats treatment.

These signs of aortic thromboembolism in kitties depend on which blocked and whether the blockage is a total or partial blockage. If the clot moves past the saddle and enters into just one iliac artery, only the hind leg will be involved. However, if it sits right at the split, both hind legs will be affected.

Once the circulation of blood is blocked at the saddle, the rear legs grow cold and hard as the nerves and muscles swell due to lack of nutrients and oxygen. The animal may both or one leg, scream in pain or cry out, and may pant or have open-mouthed breathing as well.

The pads or nails of the back feet may appear bluish due to lack of oxygen, and the cat may show signs of shock. Sudden paralysis is also a common symptom of this condition.

FATE is a serious medical emergency in the cat. Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if your cat is showing signs of FATE.

Diagnosis of Saddle Thrombus in Cats

FATE is diagnosed based on its distinctive clinical presentation. Diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, detect underlying heart failure or disease, and rule out other problems.

Diagnostic workup includes:

• Biochemistry profile to determine whether organ function is appropriate
• CBC (Complete blood count)to evaluate for infection, anaemia, and blood clotting factors.
• Chest x-rays to evaluate the character and size of the heart and its associated blood vessels and the state of the lungs.
• Doppler test to confirm the absence of blood flow in the legs.
• Echocardiogram to evaluate for heart disease.

The prognosis for aortic thromboembolism

Despite treatment, the prognosis is poor, and many cats are euthanized due to poor quality of life and recurrences. However, newer anti-thrombotic that with hope helps cats with aortic thromboembolisms live longer are currently being evaluated and may be available in the next five years.

Clinical trials

Many current studies are looking into different treatment options for saddle thrombi and ways to stop new clots from forming.

We hope that the works of these researchers will determine the most effective medications available to stop cats from developing blood clots and create better treatment option for cats that already have a “saddle thrombus” To find out about current clinical trials with your veterinarian.

Prevention

The best prevention for Aortic thromboembolism is to take your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year to screen for heart disease.

He/she will listen to your paw friends heart for abnormal sounds like irregular rhythms or murmurs and will search for other subtle signs of heart disease.

If your veterinarian suspects heart disease, they may measure NT-proBNP blood pressure or recommend more tests like x-rays, cardiac ultrasounds, or ECGs to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the cause so that saddle thrombosis in cats treatment can begin immediately.

Starting treatment for heart disease earlier can improve quality of life and extend life expectancy.

Recovery of Excessive Blood Clotting in Cats

Like other medical condition, it is important to keep all follow-up appointments for your pet. Your veterinarian will almost recommend strict cage rest for your cat for a certain period.

Depending on the seriousness of the blood clot, this may vary from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Nursing care may be needed until the cat can control its hind legs.

So can a cat recover from a blood clot?…. Yes, Absolutely!

Recovery depends on the severity of the obstruction and the health of the heart. For example, cats who only suffered a mild blockage with minor paralysis may experience a complete recovery if given the proper treatment.

Saddle Thrombus In Dogs

Now, it is core to note that cats are not the only ones facing blood clot problems. More dogs are getting recognized for more problematic blood clots.

However, the disease is more manageable than the feline variety. A few disorders you may have heard dog experience include but not limited to Cushing’s disease (an adrenal gland disorder), some cancers, immune-mediated hemolytic anaemia (IMHA), heartworm disease and the medical mouthful of glomerulonephritis (a kidney disorder).

If you think your cat friend has or had a saddle thrombus see your vet ASAP! Saddle thrombosis in cats treatment is easier once it has been identified earlier.