Feline Arterial Thromboembolism (FATE) is a life-threatening condition that affects cats of all ages. It occurs when a clot or embolus becomes lodged in an artery, leading to a sudden lack of blood supply to the affected area. FATE can occur in any part of their body, but it’s most commonly seen in their hind limbs.
The signs and symptoms of FATE can vary depending on where the clot is located, but can include sudden paralysis or weakness of the affected limb, panting, loss of appetite, pain or discomfort, and pale gums. If left untreated, FATE can be fatal.
Symptoms of Feline Arterial Thromboembolism
The symptoms of Feline Arterial Thromboembolism depend on where the clot is located. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden paralysis or weakness of the affected limb
- Panting
- Appetite loss
- Pain or discomfort
- Pale gums
In some cases, cats can be in shock due to a lack of oxygen supply. Other symptoms can include difficulty breathing, coughing, or labored breathing.
Diagnosing Feline Arterial Thromboembolism
The diagnosis of Feline Arterial Thromboembolism is usually made based on clinical signs, physical examination, and radiographs. In some cases, an echocardiogram will be performed to check for underlying heart disease. To confirm their diagnosis, a blood clot might need to be extracted from the affected artery.
Stages of Feline Arterial Thromboembolism
Feline Arterial Thromboembolism can be split into three stages:
Stage 1
The clot is initially formed and an embolus is created. This stage usually doesn’t have any visible symptoms, but it can still cause tissue damage in the affected area.
Stage 2
The embolus becomes lodged in the artery, leading to a lack of blood supply to the affected area. This is when the symptoms start to become visible, including sudden paralysis or weakness of the affected limb, panting, loss of appetite, pain or discomfort, and pale gums.
Stage 3
If left untreated, FATE can be fatal as the tissue damage becomes more severe and irreversible.
Treating Feline Arterial Thromboembolism
Treating Arterial Thromboembolism depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Treatment usually consists of medication to reduce inflammation, pain relief, fluid therapy, and oxygen supplementation. In some cases, surgery could be necessary to remove the clot.
It’s important to seek prompt medical attention for Feline Arterial Thromboembolism because it can be a life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to a successful outcome.
Preventing Feline Arterial Thromboembolism
Preventing Feline Arterial Thromboembolism can be achieved by following certain steps. One of the most important is to ensure your cat has regular veterinary check-ups. This will allow your vet to detect any underlying health conditions which could increase their risk of FATE. It’s important to keep your cat’s weight under control, as obesity can be a risk factor for FATE. It’s important to minimize your cat’s stress and ensure they get enough exercise.