My cat was put to sleep for a blood clot. Was it the right decision?

That is sad news. It's always difficult when you have to make a euthanasia decision. The blood clot was the result of a heart condition. In my experience these cats don't recover the use of their legs and they die shortly after a blood clot episode, from the heart disease. Therefore I believe you did make the right decision since Jill would not have had a good quality of life and may have suffered if you had kept her alive with such a serious medical problem. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

I'm so sorry to hear of your cat's passing. Heart failure is very common in older kitties. When the heart isn't pumping efficiently and/or when a clot moves to other areas of the body, the brain doesn't get the oxygen it needs. This causes disorientation and is likely why your cat was meowing loudly on the way to the vet. I doubt he was in any pain. And you did the right thing by taking him to a vet immediately. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Hi, I am sorry to hear that your cat suddenly passed away. Since her death was sudden and her clinical signs had resolved with treatment of chylothorax, I am also inclined to think a clot caused the sad outcome. I am sorry, it is very sad and unexpected. I have come across this before with trauma, heart failure patients and also in a dog post gastric torsion surgery. I send you all my sympathy.

A stroke, vestibular disease, aortic thrombus clot, and brain tumors are all possible. I know you did not make that decision lightly. At 15 1/2 if she had started to have strokes then she probably also had heart disease and possibly hypertension. IF she had recovered then it is very likely that she would continue to have events in the future. While the “what if’s” can never be answered I think that you should be confident that you made the decision that you felt was best for her and what she was going through. The decision is never easy. I likely would have made the same choice. Take care and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi, I am sorry to hear of Hugo's problem. i think what you are referring to is a blood clot which is making his back legs useless. Unfortunately, this is a very serious condition and cannot be surgically fixed. It is also very painful, so euthanasia is an option most people choose. Some cats can recover from this with blood thinners but are prone to it happening again. Please discuss your options with your vet, as he or she will be the best one to guide your through Hugo's diagnosis. Again, I am sorry to hear of his problem and wish you the best of luck.

Poor Sutry. It is never an easy decision to euthanize a loved one. From what you are telling me, it sounds like he was likely suffering from intestinal lymphoma which is a type of cancer they get in the intestines. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do for these cats. If he were my cat, I would have made the same decision. Please take comfort in knowing you made the right decision for Sutry and that he was lucky to have such an amazing family. Please know I am thinking of you all during this time.

Goodness, I am so sorry for your loss. Based on this bloodwork and on what you’re telling me, I think that euthanasia was a very reasonable and humane decision. Not only were the red cells low, but the white blood cells and platelets as well, and there isn’t any evidence of the body trying to “regenerate” these cells on the bloodwork you’ve attached. A transfusion may have given a temporary “Bandaid” to the situation, but I’m afraid that a cure was likely impossible. I know how difficult these decisions are. Please rest assured that you did the best thing for your kitty. I’m afraid continuing to treat would likely have only prolonged your cat’s suffering. You have my sincere sympathy for your loss. Please let us know if you have any other questions we can help you with.