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A retrospective study of 100 cases of feline distal aortic thromboembolism: 1977-1993
1Department of Cardiology, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02131, USA.
Insights
Distal aortic thromboembolism in cats is often linked to hypertrophic feline cardiomyopathy. Survival rates are low, with many cats succumbing to the condition or requiring euthanasia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Distal aortic thromboembolism (DAT) is a serious complication in cats.
- Hypertrophic feline cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common underlying cause of DAT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medical records of cats diagnosed with DAT.
- To identify common signalments, clinical findings, laboratory abnormalities, and underlying causes.
- To determine survival rates and prognostic factors for cats with DAT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 100 feline medical records with DAT.
- Analysis of signalment, clinical signs, laboratory results, and diagnostic imaging.
- Identification of underlying cardiac disease, particularly HCM.
Main Results:
- The average age of affected cats was 7.7 years; neutered males were most common (63%).
- Preexisting cardiac disease was present in 11%, with murmurs/arrhythmias in 57%.
- HCM was the most frequent underlying cause (58%), often associated with increased left atrial size.
Conclusions:
- DAT in cats is frequently associated with HCM and carries a poor long-term prognosis.
- Survival rates are low, with a significant portion of cats dying or being euthanized.
- Early identification of cardiac abnormalities is crucial for managing cats at risk for DAT.
Abstract:
The medical records of 100 cats with distal aortic thromboembolism were reviewed. The average age was 7.7 years, with the neutered male being the most common signalment (63%). Evidence of preexisting cardiac disease was noted in 11% of the cases. A murmur or arrhythmia was noted in 57% of the cases on presentation. Frequent laboratory abnormalities included elevations in blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Radiographic and electrocardiographic abnormalities were common (89% and 85%, respectively). The most frequent, underlying disease was hypertrophic feline cardiomyopathy (58%), with the left atrial size (as measured by M-mode) significantly increased in the majority of cases (mean left atrial-to-aortic ratio, 2.08). The average, long-term survival in the 37% of cases which survived the initial thromboembolic episode was 11.5 months. The remaining cases either died (28%) or were euthanized (35%).