Why do cats die suddenly from clots after seemingly successful surgery?

Hi, I am really sorry to hear this. It is difficult to understand what could have happened, I think maybe a blood clot ? As these can cause sudden death. However without having checked her over and without a full clinical history it is difficult to understand exactly what could have happened. Sending you lots of sympathy from the other side of the world.

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Coco. Generally when cats throw blood clots the prognosis is very very poor. The blood clots can be treated and the cat may pull through but it's highly likely to throw another blood clot even with medications so in general, it is most humane to let these cats pass peacefully and painlessly. It sounds like Coco had a very bad heart and it would have been unlikely that she would have tolerated the fluid therapy needed to help break a clot. It is hard to loose a pet but sometimes euthanizing them is the kindest action we can provide our beloved companions. My condolences.

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.

I am so sorry that your kitty died. The fact that he had a heart murmur means that he likely died of a blood clot in the lungs which then actually killed him. There would have been no way to save him and you would not have been able to prevent it. It is just one of those terrible things that happen. But he had 5 great years with you and that is something you can be proud of.

She may have thrown a clot. Without a necropsy, it will be hard to say what definitely caused her death. What your veterinarian is saying can absolutely be the case. I am so sorry you lost Baby. It is never easy to lose a member of your family and I wish you peace during this time. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss of Caster. There are many different things that can cause death after a surgery, ranging from infection, unknown cardiac (heart) issues, aspiration pneumonia, adverse/allergic reaction to drugs used during anesthesia, and more. The only way to truly determine the cause of death would be a necropsy. I am very sorry for your sudden loss, I am sure you are heartbroken and frustrated.

Hello and I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your kitty. It is so heart breaking to lose them. Without an autopsy, one can't be certain, but most often in a cat without any other clinical signs, it's usually a bad heart that will cause sudden death. One of the most most common heart diseases in cats is called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. It often has no symptoms. It is often not detectable on a physical exam. Sometimes there will be fluid in the lungs from congestion in the lungs that can leak out after passing. I hope this helps to provide some closure and with time, I hope your heart heals. My condolences, Dr. Elizabeth