Saddle thrombus is it death sentence?

Hello there,



I'm sorry to hear you're worried about saddle thrombus in your pet. Let's talk about what this means and what you can do. Saddle thrombus, also known as aortic thromboembolism, is a serious condition where a blood clot blocks the main artery at the back legs. This is most common in cats.



Unfortunately, it can be life-threatening, but it's not an automatic death sentence. Some pets with saddle thrombus can recover with intensive veterinary care, which may include pain management and medications to dissolve or manage the clot, and in some cases, surgery.



At home, you should keep your pet comfortable and try to minimize stress. You can help your pet by making sure they have easy access to food, water, and a litter box if they're a cat.



Watch out for signs like sudden pain and inability to use the back legs, crying or vocalizing due to discomfort, cold back limbs, and heavy or fast breathing. These signs mean that blood flow is restricted and immediate veterinary help is crucial.



For personalized advice, I'd really recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. They can give you a more detailed plan tailored to your pet's specific situation. Take care!