Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Aortic Thromboembolism Using Stent-Retriever Thrombectomy Device in a Dog

A 12 yr old, 6.11 kg, neutered male spitz dog was referred for acute hind limb paralysis. The dog had a history of inflammatory bowel disease and hyperadrenocorticism. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large thrombus at the aortic trifurcation, involving both iliac arteries. Therefore, the dog underwent mechanical thrombectomy using a stent-retriever thrombectomy device via the carotid artery. The procedure involved three cycles of thrombus retrieval, successfully capturing dark red thromboembolic material in the device. Successful recanalization of the aortic trifurcation and external iliac arteries was confirmed on the angiogram. After the procedure, the dog's neurological deficits resolved, and normal motor function in both hind limbs was maintained during follow-up. This case demonstrates that mechanical thrombectomy using a stent-retriever thrombectomy device is a viable and effective alternative to traditional treatments for dogs in the acute stage of aortic thromboembolism.