My cat has a blood clot. Will his back legs need to be amputated?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

  I'm sorry to hear about Hugo. It sounds like you are referring to an aortic thrombus or more commonly known as "saddle thrombus." Amputation is not a treatment for this as the underlying cause for this is not the function of the legs but points to more serious conditions, usually an underlying heart condition. Unfortunately, with these cases prognosis is based on certain signs on presentation (i.e. temperature, etc) and becomes more of a quality of life discussion. Together you and your veterinarian will have to see how Hugo responds to treatment and then make the best decision for both Hugo and yourself. I hope this helps a little and that Hugo makes a full recovery.

  

  0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  I'm sorry Hugo has a suspected embolism, but he's at the best place possible. No, the back legs are not amputated if a cat doesn't fully recover from a saddle thrombus (when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the hind limbs). Unfortunately if a cat doesn't recover from it, letting them go peacefully is the recommended option. Even with treatment, the damage to the tissues, blood vessels, and nerves of the rear limbs is often too severe and irreversible for treatment to offer a return quality of life and euthanasia is usually recommended in this case. It's very serious when this occurs, and the prognosis is poor. I know this is not something you want to hear, and I'm sorry this is happening to you and Hugo :-(

  

  0Pet Parents found this answer helpful