About Feline Aortic Thromboembolism

If your pet cat forms blood clots near the heart, the condition can be damaging or fatal. Blood clots are known as the medical condition aortic thromboembolism, and are characterized by the passing of a blood clot from the left side of the heart into the general circulation. When the clot starts to move, it can sometimes become stuck in an artery, essentially clogging that blood path. This can cause the artery to clot, which can eventually lead to a very serious health emergency. Most often the cats who receive this condition suffer blockage of the abdominal aorta. This is right where the artery branches into the main arteries that supply the rear legs.

In other cases, the cat’s kidneys may be affected by the blood clot. If you notice that your cat’s rear limbs are slowly becoming paralyzed, then your cat may be suffering from a blood clot like this won. Also, if your cat has swollen muscles or blue nails, these can be signs. Sometimes the blood clot will block the renal arteries, which will result in acute kidney failure. When the cerebral artery is blocked, your cat may suffer from seizures. Cats with thrombi can suffer serious pain. About half of all cats that suffer from cardiomyopathy will contract these blood clots.

If your pet’s back legs are cold, or move slowly, then you may want to take the animal in to get checked for this condition. Your veterinarian may be able to prescribe a blood thinner that can dissolve the clot. Heparin is the most useful drug for this condition, but some vets will prescribe pet Aspirin or Fragmin. Chances are that if your cat has this illness, he or she also has other cardiac problems that need to be addressed. You will want your pet to be closely monitored by a veterinarian to make sure that everything is under control. Contact a local vet today to get your cat checked out is you start noticing signs of this illness.