Arterial thromboembolism in cats: acute crisis in 127 cases (1992-2001) and long-term management with low-dose aspirin in 24 cases.

Abstract

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 nonsurvivors 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 CHE A logistic regression model based on rectal temperature predicted a 50% probability of survival at 98.9 degrees F (37.2 degrees 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 (> or = 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.

• Authors: Stephanie A Smith, Anthony H Tobias, Kristin A Jacob, Deborah M Fine, Pamela L Grumbles
• Journal: Journal of veterinary internal medicine (J Vet Intern Med) 2003 Jan-Feb Vol. 17 Issue 1 Pg. 73-83 ISSN: 0891-6640 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12564730 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
• Aspirin

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Animals
• Aspirin (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Cat Diseases (diagnosis, drug therapy, mortality, physiopathology)
• Cats
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Male
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Prognosis
• Recurrence
• Survival Analysis
• Thromboembolism (drug therapy, mortality, physiopathology, veterinary)
• Time Factors