Revista de salud animal y ciencias del comportamiento

Feline Arterial Thromboembolism: prognostic factors and treatment

Abstract

Laurent Locquet

Feline arterial thromboembolism, or ‘ATE’, is one of the most distressing emergency conditions in feline practice. Given the sudden onset of paralysis or paraparesis of the hindquarters, the most common clinical sign correlated with this condition, with concomitant severe pain, this is a distressing event for the affected animal, pet owner and often treating veterinarian. Especially because a significant share of these cats shows no prior clinical signs. An often asymptomatic cardiomyopathy predisposing to thrombogenesis in the left atrium with subsequently partial or complete occlusion of a distal systemic artery by the generated clot is the most important and prevalent underlying cause. Although the vast majority of affected cats is currently euthanized, recent publications have shown that a subpopulation may have a long-term survival, sometimes of over one year, with satisfying quality of life.  The identification of divergent prognostic factors in each individual affected cat with according treatment and follow-up are pivotal for initiation and adjustment of the patient management as well as owner communication.