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Aortic Thromboembolism
FATE, also called saddle thrombus, occurs when a blood clot from the heart lodges at the aortic bifurcation, cutting off blood supply to the rear legs. It is a dramatic, painful emergency almost exclusively seen in cats with heart disease.
Key Facts
- 89% of affected cats have underlying heart-disease (usually cardiomyopathy)
- In 76% of cases, the FATE episode is the FIRST sign of heart disease
- Signs: sudden rear leg paralysis, extreme pain, cold/pale hind paws, rapid breathing
- Rear leg muscles become hard; foot pads turn bluish
- Prognosis is guarded; ~30-40% survival to discharge with aggressive treatment
- Treatment: pain management, blood thinners (heparin/clopidogrel), supportive care
- Cats that survive first episode have high risk of recurrence
- Long-term prevention: clopidogrel to reduce clot formation
- "Smoke" visible on echocardiogram suggests increased clot risk
- Species: cats