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Thromboembolism Thromboembolic disease is the dissemination of particles of clotted blood throughout the vascular system. This frequently occurs secondary to heart disease, especially hypertrophic cardiomyopathy since that can create stasis and pooling of blood and it increases its likelihood to clot. Blood clots can settle anywhere throughout the circulation but by far the most common site is the aortic trifurcation (saddle thrombus). The significance of this site is that the blood supply to the hindlimbs and tail is occluded. This leads to sudden onset paralysis of the hind limbs, which are cold to the touch and have no pulse. The treatment is based on management of the underlying heart failure and attempting to promote collateral circulation within the affected limbs. The prognosis is guarded, around half of affected cats will survive the initial crisis, thereafter they need to show significant improvement in hind limb function over the next 24-72 hours. If this is not achieved then the prognosis is grave. Those animals which recover are at risk of the condition recurring. |
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