Open AccessArterial Thromboembolism in Cats: Acute Crisis in 127 Cases (1992–2001) and Long‐Term Management with Low‐Dose Aspirin in 24 Cases
Author(s) -
Smith Stephanie A.,
Tobias Anthony H.,
Jacob Kristin A.,
Fine Deborah M.,
Grumbles Pamela L.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb01326.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cats , azotemia , tachypnea , aspirin , heart failure , cardiology , tachycardia , anesthesia , gastroenterology , renal function
Records of 127 cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) were reviewed. Abyssinian, Birman, Ragdoll, and male cats were overrepresented. Tachypnea (91%), hypothermia (66%), and absent limb motor function (66%) were common. Of 90 cats with diagnostics performed, underlying diseases were hyperthyroidism (12), cardiomyopathy (dilated [8], unclassified [33], hypertrophic obstructive [5], hypertrophic [19]), neoplasia (6), other (4), and none (3). Common abnormalities were left atrial enlargement (93%), congestive heart failure (CHF, 44%), and arrhythmias (44%). Of cats without CHF, 89% were tachypneic. Common biochemical abnormalities were hyperglycemia, azotemia, and abnormally high serum concentrations of muscle enzymes. Of 87 cats treated for acute limb ATE, 39 (45%) survived to be discharged. Significant differences were found between survivors and non‐survivors for temperature (P < .00001), heart rate (P = .038), serum phosphorus concentration (P = .024), motor function (P = .008), and number of limbs affected (P = .001). No significant difference was found between survivors and nonsurvivors when compared by age, respiratory rate, other biochemical analytes, or concurrent CHF. A logistic regression model based on rectal temperature predicted a 50% probability of survival at 98.9 o F (37.2 o C). Median survival time (MST) for discharged cats was 117 days. Eleven cats had ATE recurrences, and 5 cats developed limb problems. Cats with CHF (MST: 77 days) had significantly shorter survival than cats without CHF (MST: 223 days; P = .016). No significant difference was found in survival or recurrence rate between cats receiving high‐dose aspirin (>40 mg/cat q72h) and cats receiving low‐dose aspirin (5 mg/cat q72h). Adverse effects were less frequent and milder for the lower dosage.