Squirt... need advice for feline aortic thromboemblolism

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Cindy and Patches

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My heart is aching. Squirt, my beloved furbaby, has had a saddle thrombus. It occurred middle of the day on Tuesday and my husband and I thought it was just her artritis. I feel like an idiot. Squirt has horrible arthritis, asthma, and of course diabetes... diet controlled x 5 years. Of course, we have snow and very cold weather in Tennessee right now. I was scheuduled to be at the hospital on call Tuesday night and didn't come home until Wednesday. So John and I were just treating her for pain... bupernex and rest. When I got home Wednesday night... I immediately realized it was more then her arthritis. But she could stand, walk short distances, and had pulses in both rear legs. I took her to the vet this morning.

Thankfully, it was a mild case of saddle thrombus. She has survived the critical 48 hours and will be started on a regiment of baby asprin every 3 days and pain meds as needed until she is better. Recheck will be in 2 weeks and sooner if needed. According to what I read online the outlook is not good long term.... does anyone have any experience with this? Squirt is 13 and my baby.... well you know.

Please let know what you have to say... good or bad. Thanks Cindy and of course, John too!
 
Thanks for the prayers and support.... we are taking those too!!!! I just came here because ya'll sometimes have more ideas then I can ever think of.... ;-)
 
You are right! I have learned a lot on this board about other things besides diabetes. Someone who knows about your question will be along soon. Hang in there.
 
First of all, sending prayers for your beloved Squirt that this is a one time thing and never happens again. Next up.......she needs a thorough cardiologist check on her heart, not just a regular vet listening to her heart. Please let us know how she does, Cindy.
 
Thanks Hope... That was one of the first things our vet suggested. John and I are faced with some serious decision here about what is best for Squirt. But she is currently in pain and requiring pain meds daily....she is better today then yesterday. So we will give it thru the weekend and make some decisions... as long as we can manage the pain. Sigh...
 
Cindy, I'm sorry to hear this. Are you sure it's a saddle thrombus and not a spinal injury? A saddle thrombus cuts off blood supply to the hind limbs. Did she have chest x-rays, and is she having any trouble breathing? Besides having trouble with her hind legs, what is the evidence of ATE? Is she peeing and pooping on her own ok?

You should get to a cardiologist pronto. Don't wait. If there is nothing wrong with the heart, there is something wrong with her brain or spine and that changes the picture. I would not throw in the towel on a saddle thrombus cat, either, so no matter what you need more info. First step is a cardiologist ASAP. Please don't wait on this.
 
Yes... did xrays and blood work. Legs are uncordinated and painful. Xray show severe arthritis, but no spinal problems. WBC and glucose were elevated. So treating for possible UTI. NO cardiac signs currently, but the research I has found show this could be a first sign. She is sleeping on the 3rd step of our stairs... so she can climb, but then doesn't move. She is walking and eating, but not really active. Will call my vet again tomarrow to update...
 
Hi Cindy

This doesn't sound like ATE based on what you're telling me. As you know, spinal disease isn't always evidenced on x-rays and subtle changes can be hard to detect. Did they do chest and spinal rads? Can they submit them to a radiologist?

Definitely, ATE can be the first sign of heart disease in cats. Ataxia and pain can be signs of spinal injury as well. If you are near a facility with a cardiologist and a neurologist, I'd go there. You can check out ACVIM.org for specialist in your city. Steroids may help some cats with back injuries but are absolutely contraindicated for cats with severe heart disease so the distinction is important. I hope you can get her in tomorrow or Saturday at the latest. If you tell them the sudden nature of Squirt's problem, they'll fit you in.

I hate to harp on it, but just as we wouldn't wait to see a specialist if we suddenly became painful and ataxic, we shouldn't wait on our kitties if at all possible. If she was down, and had cold paws, no pulses, etc. I'd say ok, ATE, confirm with cardiologist within the next week or so and watch out for congestive heart failure (and use Plavix). Since she's not, I'm worried there is something happening that may be reversible or better treated.
 
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((CINDY and JOHN)))))))))))))))))))))))

Wrapping you and Squirt in cyber hugs.. I hope you can get things ruled out and I hope Squirt is ok soonest!
 
Hi Cindy - keeping you and John and our baby Squirt in our thoughts and prayers. I knew when you called me so early today that something was wrong. Sorry I had to go later in the day when you called, but had a hungry neighbor in my kitchen and had promised dinner. It was also so noisy that I could barely hear.

Keep me posted - will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hope this is something that Squirt can once again (as per her previous illnesses and accidents) overcome.

Hugs and love,

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)
 
Oh Cindy,

I am so sorry to hear this happened to sweet Squirt! My prayers are with you and John, and of course dear Squirt. Sending you many, many hugs...(((((((((((((((((CINDY and JOHN)))))))))))))))
 
((((((Cindy, Squirt and John))))))

I'm so glad Jess was able to weigh in on what's going on. She put my mind at ease when I lost Brooke two and a half years ago which allowed me to know I had done the right things for both Brooke and myself.

Sending lots of white healing light to Squirt for her pain to go away and give you time to figure things out.
 
(((Cindy, John & Squirt))) I have no experience with that at all, but wrapping you in prayers and hugs. Squirt is a darling girl. She charmed me completely when I met her. I know she couldn't be in better hands.
 
((((((Cindy, John, & Squirt))))))

No real advice just tons of prayers and purrs for your darling Squirt.

Mel, Max & The Fur Gang
 
Thanks Jess.... Will definately talk with vet and keep ya'll posted. Squirt is better today. Definately still painful, but laying in her favorite position and moving better. Started fighting on the medication... good sign! Thanks for the prayers and good wishes...
 
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