Feline arterial thromboembolism in cats: Clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapeutic management

Abstract

Feline Arterial Thromboembolism (FATE), also known as saddle thrombus when the terminal aorta is involved, is a serious and potentially life-threatening vascular emergency in cats. This case report describes a 4-month-old male weighing 2kg that presented with a 5-day history of hindlimb paralysis, dragging of the hindlimbs. Clinical examination revealed cold hindlimbs, pale hind paw pads, and bilateral femoral pulse deficits. Colour Doppler ultrasonography revealed reduced aortic calibre, pulsation, and blood-flow velocity distal to the aortic bifurcation. Echocardiography showed increased left ventricular wall and interventricular septal thickness, along with increased ejection fraction and fractional shortening, consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Electrocardiography revealed an atrial premature complex and increased P-wave width. The cat was managed with antithrombotic and cardiac-directed therapy and showed clinical improvement following treatment. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of the characteristic clinical signs of FATE and the diagnostic value of Doppler ultrasonography and echocardiography in assessing vascular obstruction and underlying cardiac disease. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention may improve the clinical outcome in cats affected with arterial thromboembolism.