Arterial thromboembolism in cats

Arterial thromboembolism is a rare disease in cats with an estimated prevalence of less than 0.57%. The outcome is often disastrous. The most commonly identified underlying cause is a form of cardiomyopathy. Thromboemboli usually tend to lodge near the aorta trifurcation, causing extreme pain, paralysis of the rear limbs, no palpable pulse wave, and cold rear limbs. Treatment is aimed at palliation, thrombolysis, and prevention of recurrence of thrombus formation. The prognosis is usually guarded and medical treatment tends not to influence the outcome markedly. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology, common clinical features, diagnostics, and treatment Of arterial thromboembolism in cats. We also summarize risk factors and new developments in prevention and treatment.