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

Population characteristics and outcome of cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) managed in general practice (GP) have been poorly described.

Cats with ATE presenting to GP are usually euthanized at presentation, but survival times >1 year are possible.

Cats with ATE managed by 3 GP clinics in the United Kingdom.

Records of cases presenting to GP over a 98-month period (2004-2012) were reviewed. Cats with an antemortem diagnosis of limb ATE were included. Outcome information was obtained.

Over 98 months, 250 cats were identified with ATE. Prevalence was approximately 0.3%. At presentation, 153 cats (61.2%) were euthanized, with 68/97 (70.1%) of the remaining cats (27.2% of the total population) surviving >24 hours after presentation. Of these, 30/68 (44.1%) survived for at least 7 days. Hypothermia (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.002-2.07; P = .049) and management by Clinic 2 (HR, 5.53; 95% CI, 1.23-24.8; P = .026) were independent predictors of 24-hour euthanasia or death. For cats surviving >24 hours, hypothermia (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.12-4.48; P = .021) and failure to receive aspirin, clopidogrel, or both (HR, 8.26; 95% CI, 1.39-50; P = .001) were independent predictors of euthanasia or death within 7 days. For cats that survived ≥7 days, median survival time was 94 (95% CI, 42-164) days, with 6 cats alive 1 year after presentation.

Although 153/250 cats were euthanized at presentation, 6 cats survived >12 months. No factors were identified that predicted euthanasia on presentation.