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  #1  
Old January 20th, 2008, 11:54 PM
monster monster is offline
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Cat with blood clot/ paralysed hind legs

Hi,

My 3 yo male cat injured his paw five days ago and the prognosis was a dislocated toe. The vet anaesthetised him and reset the toe and he seemed to be recovering fine after that. Approximately 36 hours after his procedure he became restless, began crying out in pain, breathing rapidly and dragging his back legs. We thought it must be his toe causing pain so took him back to the vet the next morning. Unfortunately he has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his spine and is paralysed in the back legs. It is very painful for him.

The vet has suggested we can try treatment to attempt to remove the clot. However, the likelihood of recovery is slim (about 10%) and the chance of blood clot reoccurence is high within weeks or months. The vet also said that it is not likely a complication from the anaesthesia but more likely due to a previously undiagnosed heart condition. This is apparently quite common in young cats.

Can anybody offer me any advice about what course I should take? Either expensive treatment or euthanasia. Obviously I am devastated and do not want him to die, but don't want to prolong his pain if it is something that can't be fixed. Has anybody else had a cat that has experienced these problems? What did you do? Is there a vet online who might be able to give me their opinion on his chances of recovery and response to treatment? Is this something that was likely aggravated by the anaesthetic or the stress of his paw injury?

He is currently at the vet on painkillers and I need to decide what to do in the next few hours

So sad....
monster
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  #2  
Old January 21st, 2008, 12:03 AM
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luckypenny luckypenny is offline
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I'm sorry, I don't have any advice to offer :sad: . But I would like to say that I'm sending prayers your way for strength and courage in whatever it is you may decide to do.
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Old January 21st, 2008, 12:08 AM
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http://www.bobmckee.com/Client%20Inf...icThrombi.html

http://home.online.no/~colmar/hcm_eng.html

I am so sorry you are going through all this... the above articles may be helpful. My prayers are with you and your cat.
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Old January 21st, 2008, 01:19 AM
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I'm so sorry :sad:. I don't have any advice either but wanted to send some hugs of support and good wishes for you.
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  #5  
Old January 21st, 2008, 01:35 AM
snoopymjm snoopymjm is offline
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Blood Clots

We had a Katrina stray show up after the storm sometime around October 2005. We named him Pumpkin. He was an orange tabby. Soooo sweet. We took him in, and naturally we had no idea about his history or health. He had the same problem. (paralysis) Our vet told us he had Feline Thromboembolic disease. He was throwing clots to the saddle area where the aorta separates to the femoral arteries. He at times would get such cold little paws. It was frightening. He eventually died of renal failure. We lost him in May of last year. It was traumatic for us. The vet recommended heparin or another drug, which I don't recall. He also recomended a baby aspirin every other day. I would ask about the blood thinners, but you should watch this closely as it could possibly lead to kidney failure also.

Hoping and ing the best for your precious one.
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  #6  
Old January 21st, 2008, 07:12 AM
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Love4himies Love4himies is offline
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I am so sorry you are going through this. Please let us know what you decide. and I am praying for a positive outcome.
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  #7  
Old January 21st, 2008, 08:14 AM
cheribob cheribob is offline
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Many years ago I lost my beloved 13 year old female Siamese, Toka Lin, this way. We came home to find her paralyzed. Took her to the vet only to have her pass away within 24 hours.

I am so sorry for you. Your cat is so young!
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  #8  
Old January 21st, 2008, 03:11 PM
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I'm very sorry to hear what you and your kitty are going through. :sad: Just wanted to send some support and good luck your way.
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  #9  
Old January 21st, 2008, 06:43 PM
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Yesterday we had reached the awful decision to get our boy euthanased and went into the vet prepared to say goodbye. However we got a glimmer of hope when the vet told us that the paralysis is not as severe as is normally seen in these cases, and he still has movement and warmth in the tops of his legs. She had been unable to detect any serious heart conditions or other complications and he had not deteriorated. He was alert and while a bit uncomfortable, was not in any pain.

Kimba is still at the vet now and we have decided to try heparin treatment. This will prevent the clot from getting worse and hopefully it will dissolve. If a pulse returns to his feet and they begin to get warmer, that is a good sign. Obviously if he does not improve the humane option is to put him to sleep. We have our fingers crossed.

I have been reading about other peoples experiences with saddle thrombosis (blood clot blocking the hind legs) online and unfortunately the outcome is not very good. Most cats that survive this first experience are dead within a year. Although I have also heard that this can very rarely but sometimes be a one-off freakish occurence and not a consequence of a serious underlying heart condition. Please, please, please I am hoping this is the case.
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  #10  
Old January 21st, 2008, 11:58 PM
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krdahmer krdahmer is offline
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it's just a freakish occurence and this med will work!
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  #11  
Old January 22nd, 2008, 01:13 AM
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Oh dear I am so sorry for what is happening. Can you discuss with the vet the possibility of seeing a specialist who may have some more tricks up their sleeve. It would be a good idea to consult a specialist if need be before making that horrible decision.
Sending you pawsitive thoughts and prayers.
Be well soon Kimba everyone is working hard to make you well again.
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  #12  
Old January 22nd, 2008, 09:58 AM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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and that the heparin does the trick for Kimba with no relapses! Did the vet know about how long it might be before you see results, monster?
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  #13  
Old January 22nd, 2008, 12:03 PM
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Love4himies Love4himies is offline
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I hope this was an isolated incident and Kimba makes a full recovery. I can just imagine how difficult this must be on you.
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Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
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In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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  #14  
Old January 22nd, 2008, 02:00 PM
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I hope the heparin treatment works for Kimba and the clot dissolves. Does he need to stay at the vet until it does? Hugs for you.
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  #15  
Old January 23rd, 2008, 09:37 AM
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Any updates? How is Kimba doing?
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Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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  #16  
Old January 23rd, 2008, 10:17 PM
monster monster is offline
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Smile

Thanks for all your kind wishes!! They might have worked

Kimba has been at the vet since Monday and tomorrow I get to bring him home! His condition has improved with the heparin treatment and he is alert, eating, going to the toilet and trying his best to get around. Unfortunately he is still just dragging his back legs, but his left paw is warm again meaning that blood is flowing through. While his right paw is still cold to the touch, it is not ice cold which is a good sign that he is still getting a small amount of blood through to the toes. This is a great sign! Obviously the whole process of regaining nerve function and recovering the use of his limbs is going to take several weeks, but the vet is confident that he will improve.

We are still not sure what exactly caused this incident, whether it is from a heart condition or other ailment. A few tests such as a heart ultrasound and urine test will hopefully answer some of these questions. Then it is a matter of putting him on the right treatment to prevent or delay another blood clot. I've heard a lot of cats will still go on to experience more blood clots following a succesful recovery, despite medication, but if it means he gets to enjoy another year or two of life then I am happy.
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  #17  
Old January 24th, 2008, 12:00 AM
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krdahmer krdahmer is offline
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He is staying in my s! I hope he only gets better from here and that he has many many years left!
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  #18  
Old January 24th, 2008, 07:06 AM
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Love4himies Love4himies is offline
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Glad to hear he is still hanging on and thank you for keeping us updated. Any idea when he will be going for the ultrasound??
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Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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  #19  
Old January 26th, 2008, 06:41 PM
rcw7585 rcw7585 is offline
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presently having the very same issue

When I left the house this morning to go to school, everything was fine with our family cat Winston; However, when I returned, I was told that something had happened shortly after I left (about 30 minutes later) and Winnie was found dragging himself around by his front legs. Mom and Dad took him to the vet, and apparently he was given an antibiotic shot, a shot of vitamin B-12, and some Amoxicylin drops to administer over the weekend and instruction to call on Monday.

Monster, my Dad is absolutely beside himself about "his boy". Can you send me contact info so he can email you his questions offline? I don't want to post his email address on here, but I have a "spam bucket email" I'll be checking for yours. my email is rcw7585 at njit dot edu.


Rod
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  #20  
Old January 26th, 2008, 06:54 PM
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I'm so happy to hear of Kimba's progress, I hope it continues and things will improve as days go on. She'll be so happy to be home snuggling on the sofa with you.

rcw I'm so sorry to read this about Winston. The vet felt he was okay to be at home over the weekend? Is your dad okay with the treatment so far?
I think if were me I'd get to a animal hospital 24hr one who may have seen this situation before.


These poor kitties this breaks my heart. May you both get well
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Old January 29th, 2008, 12:56 PM
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Love4himies Love4himies is offline
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Monster, how is kimba doing?
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Rose semi feral, a cpietra rescue, female tabby (approx 13 yrs)

Jasper RIP (2001-2018)
Sweet Pea RIP (2004?-2014)
Puddles RIP (1996-2014)
Snowball RIP (1991-2005)

In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.-English Proverb

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.” Stephen R. Covey
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  #22  
Old September 19th, 2011, 10:37 PM
gwynn.rice gwynn.rice is offline
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Hi, I came across this old thread when browsing online. I'm 'monster' but have changed my username because I can't remember how to log in with the old account.

Anyway thought I would update anybody who was interested or who was having a similar issue with their cat more recently. Kimba made a full recovery from his thrombosis. He dragged both legs for a few weeks and had sores on the tops of his paws where they dragged. One got infected and we had to put antibiotic cream on it for a while, and he had to wear a bucket so he didn't lick the wounds. He looked a pretty sorry state. But he started using one leg after a few weeks, and then the second a few weeks after that. Despite the vet saying he would never fully recover or be able to run or jump again, he did. Now (4 years later) he is completely healthy and back to normal and has had no further blood clots.

So hopefully this will give others hope who experience a similar problem.
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Old October 24th, 2011, 09:07 PM
pheniox pheniox is offline
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Hello Monster aka Gwynn.rice. Thank you so much for your posts and updates! I am going through the exact same thing with my 4 yr old Pheniox right now and we are 24hrs in the incident right now, and before I read your post I lacked hope. I just came back from the vet where he seemed to be improving but they were leaning twards euthanasia and I said hell no. I would love to know what you did to help make a full recovery from his thrombosis? what dosages for his heparin treatment? frequency etc? what did you do to regulate his potassium levels and pain? And what did you do for his rehabilitation at home treatment? I am very desperate and in need of some help for Pheniox. i just pray you get this as soon as possible. Thanks.

Last edited by hazelrunpack; October 24th, 2011 at 10:50 PM. Reason: No personal emails, pls.
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  #24  
Old October 24th, 2011, 10:58 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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pheniox, I've asked Marko to give you Private Messaging capabilities a little early so you can PM gwynn.rice directly. you'll be able to send a PM tomorrow. Best wishes for your kitty.
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  #25  
Old October 25th, 2011, 03:09 PM
Jim Hall Jim Hall is offline
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hi i see by that e mail rcw that u might be in new jersey I have a great vet to talk to message me if u want the details
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  #26  
Old December 30th, 2011, 06:37 PM
Ajeffers Ajeffers is offline
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HELP please-

I have a 5 yr old female cat who has just experienced the same symptoms as your kitty monster. She has lost the use of her hind left leg last Friday night. I took her to vet Christmas Eve and they gave her an antibiotic and fluid as well as a pain injection and antibiotic. The Xray showed a heart murmmor and cloudiness around her heart which reflects a heart infection. The infection is causing her to throw blood clots & that is why she cannot use her left hind leg. It has now been a week and she seems to be doing a LITTLE bit better. Eating a little bit more, drinking etc. She urinates fine, and seems to be putting a little more pressure on her back leg but not alot. I am taking her back to the vet on Monday for a follow up Xray to see if the infection is clearing up or not. I am at a crossroad currently because this weekend they are closed and I do not know if I need to keep her there with the vets supervision this weekend and have her on fluid again, or if she is better off at home with me unstressed. If her body does throw another clot this weekend there is the emergency vet however they are very expensive and an hour away. Should I keep her at the vet this weekend as a precaution or would she be better off at home w/ me and if another clot does form she would have to wait until Monday when the vet opens? What are the chances of her body throwing another one even though it has not in a week and she is on an antibiotic? Can anyone offer any advice?
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  #27  
Old December 31st, 2011, 01:08 PM
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sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ajeffers View Post
Should I keep her at the vet this weekend as a precaution or would she be better off at home w/ me

Is there a vet or vet tech at your clinic 24 hrs? Otherwise, she should stay with you. Has she been prescribed anything to help prevent her blood from clotting (small doses of aspirin are sometimes used, but only under direction of a vet as it can also be toxic)?
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  #28  
Old December 29th, 2013, 02:11 AM
peaceonearth peaceonearth is offline
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Monster, Gwynn.rice if you see this could you tell me what your vet did?

Quote:
Originally Posted by gwynn.rice View Post
Hi, I came across this old thread when browsing online. I'm 'monster' but have changed my username because I can't remember how to log in with the old account.

Anyway thought I would update anybody who was interested or who was having a similar issue with their cat more recently. Kimba made a full recovery from his thrombosis. He dragged both legs for a few weeks and had sores on the tops of his paws where they dragged. One got infected and we had to put antibiotic cream on it for a while, and he had to wear a bucket so he didn't lick the wounds. He looked a pretty sorry state. But he started using one leg after a few weeks, and then the second a few weeks after that. Despite the vet saying he would never fully recover or be able to run or jump again, he did. Now (4 years later) he is completely healthy and back to normal and has had no further blood clots.

So hopefully this will give others hope who experience a similar problem.



Hi hopefully if you see this, could you message me with what treatment your
vet gave kimba to get her on the mend? I have a dear cat
with the same thing have happened.
thanks

Last edited by hazelrunpack; December 29th, 2013 at 11:03 AM. Reason: removed personal email addy; pls PM or post any replies
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