Arterial thromboembolism in 250 cats in general practice: 2004-2012

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in cats managed in general practice (GP) lacks detailed population data.
• Most cats with ATE presenting to GP are euthanized, despite potential for long-term survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the population characteristics and outcomes of cats with ATE managed in UK general practice.
• To identify predictors of short-term survival and long-term outcomes in feline ATE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 250 feline ATE cases diagnosed antemortem across 3 UK GP clinics from 2004-2012.
• Outcome data, including survival times and euthanasia decisions, were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of ATE was approximately 0.3%.
• 61.2% of cats were euthanized at presentation; 70.1% of survivors lived >24 hours.
• Hypothermia and lack of antiplatelet therapy (aspirin/clopidogrel) were independent predictors of mortality within 7 days for cats surviving >24 hours.

Conclusions:

• While many cats with ATE are euthanized initially, long-term survival (>1 year) is possible for a small percentage.
• No factors predicted euthanasia at presentation, but hypothermia and absence of antiplatelet drugs impacted short-term survival.