Staff of BAH Blog

Blog Series: Medical Emergencies for Pets

PT 12: Feline Aortic Thromboembolism

Euraysia Duhaime: BA, Veterinary Assistant BAH

“Be honest and be kind.”

Pets are prone to a wide variety of illnesses, and it can be difficult to sort out which symptoms are emergencies. I’ve written a series of short blogs to help you determine when your fur-baby needs immediate medical attention. Today, we’re discussing feline aortic thromboembolism.

Feline aortic thromboembolism, AKA Saddle Cat: The Aorta is the major artery in the body from which nearly all other arteries arise. It stems from the heart itself, where it arches back and runs down the length of the back, ultimately splitting into the arteries supplying the back legs. The split where the aorta becomes the left and right external iliac arteries is called the saddle which is why this condition is termed “Saddle cat”. In cats who develop a thrombus, 72% have both hind legs affected. Having a thrombus cutting off circulation to the legs can involve some very serious tissue damage, and is life-threatening in and of itself.

Symptoms include: vocalization (crying), hiding, panting or breathing rapidly, and/or lameness or inability to use the hind limbs.

If you observe your cat displaying any of these symptoms please take your pet to the ER immediately. This condition carries a very poor prognosis. NOTE: If your cat has heart disease or a heart murmur, they may be at higher risk for saddle thrombus. Speak to your veterinarian about this risk and the possibility of a cardiac ultrasound to help better characterize this risk.

If you have any questions, or would like to book an appointment, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours. If you have a possible emergency during our hours of operation, please call the clinic at 519-648-9738. If you have an after hours emergency, please contact Campus Estates Animal Hospital at 519-837-1212.