Aortic Thromboembolism
Systemic arterial thromboembolism
Nota anche come: FATE, Feline Aortic Thromboembolism, Saddle Thrombus, Saddle Embolus, Systemic Arterial Thromboembolism
In breve
Aortic thromboembolism, or saddle thrombus, is a sudden, life-threatening emergency in dogs and cats where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the hind limbs. This guide explains the causes, critical warning signs, diagnostic process, and intensive treatment options for this severe cardiovascular condition.

TL;DR. Trombo a sella: emergenza improvvisa che blocca il flusso agli arti posteriori; dolore estremo e paralisi.
Il trombo si ferma alla triforcazione aortica.
Cos'è?
Saddle thrombus: cardiac embolus lodges at the aortic trifurcation, cutting hind-limb flow. Ischemia leads to rhabdomyolysis, nerve injury, paresis/paralysis, and extreme pain.
Cause e fattori di rischio
Cat: usually HCM with enlarged left atrium. Dog: hypercoagulable states (Cushing, protein-losing nephropathy, IMHA, neoplasia, sepsis, pancreatitis, etc.).
Segni da osservare
- Severe pain, hind paresis/paralysis, absent femoral pulses (cardinal)
- Cold limbs, pale/cyanotic pads, tachypnea, hypothermia (common)
- Muscle contracture, murmur/arrhythmia (occasional)

Cuscinetti pallidi o bluastri e zampe fredde sono classici.
Come diagnosticano i veterinari
Clinical five Ps (pain, paresis, pulselessness, pallor, poikilothermia). Echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound/Doppler, thoracic radiographs before diuretics, CK/AST, TEG if available.

L'eco mostra dilatazione atriale e spesso trombo o smoke.
Opzioni di trattamento
Opioid analgesia. Anticoagulation: heparin, LMWH; long-term clopidogrel, sometimes aspirin. Oxygen; cautious fluids. Monitor reperfusion injury (hyperkalemia).
Prognosi
Poor: high acute mortality/euthanasia; recurrences common.
Prevenzione
Early cardiac screening; clopidogrel if marked LA enlargement. Treat underlying disease in dogs.
Quando chiamare il veterinario
Category-5 emergency: sudden hind-limb paralysis, crying in pain, cold pale paws, severe dyspnea.
Fonti
- Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition, p. 253
- Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 5th Edition, pp. 235, 236, 244
My highlights & notes
Segni e sintomi
Razze a rischio più alto
Come si diagnostica
- Abdominal Ultrasonography
- Angiography
- Doppler studies
- Echocardiography
- Measurement of muscle enzymes
- Thoracic radiography
- Thromboelastography
Approcci di trattamento
Il trattamento deve essere prescritto da un veterinario abilitato in base al vostro animale. Le dosi specifiche non sono mostrate di proposito.
Domande frequenti
What is Aortic Thromboembolism?
Aortic thromboembolism, or saddle thrombus, is a sudden, life-threatening emergency in dogs and cats where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the hind limbs. This guide explains the causes, critical warning signs, diagnostic process, and intensive treatment options for this severe cardiovascular condition.
What are the symptoms of Aortic Thromboembolism?
Absent arterial pulse、Acute limb paresis、Pain、Posterior paresis、Azotemia (high kidney waste in the blood)、Cool distal limbs、Cyanotic nailbeds、Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
How is Aortic Thromboembolism diagnosed?
Abdominal Ultrasonography、Angiography、Doppler studies、Echocardiography、Measurement of muscle enzymes、Thoracic radiography
How is Aortic Thromboembolism treated?
Il trattamento deve essere prescritto da un veterinario abilitato in base al vostro animale. Le dosi specifiche non sono mostrate di proposito.
Fonti
- Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition (VetBooks.ir) · p. 253
- Internal Medicine 5th · p. 236
- Internal Medicine 5th · p. 244
- Internal Medicine 5th · p. 235
- Internal Medicine 5th · p. 236
Questo articolo è informativo e non sostituisce il parere veterinario. Se l’animale sta male, consultate un veterinario.
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