Arterial Thromboembolism in 250 Cats in General Practice: 2004–2012

BACKGROUND: Population characteristics and outcome of cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) managed in general practice (GP) have been poorly described. HYPOTHESIS: Cats with ATE presenting to GP are usually euthanized at presentation, but survival times >1 year are possible. ANIMALS: Cats with ATE managed by 3 GP clinics in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Records of cases presenting to GP over a 98‐month period (2004–2012) were reviewed. Cats with an antemortem diagnosis of limb ATE were included. Outcome information was obtained. RESULTS: Over 98 months, 250 cats were identified with ATE. Prevalence was approximately 0.3%. At presentation, 153 cats (61.2%) were euthanized, with 68/97 (70.1%) of the remaining cats (27.2% of the total population) surviving >24 hours after presentation. Of these, 30/68 (44.1%) survived for at least 7 days. Hypothermia (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.002–2.07; P = .049) and management by Clinic 2 (HR, 5.53; 95% CI, 1.23–24.8; P = .026) were independent predictors of 24‐hour euthanasia or death. For cats surviving >24 hours, hypothermia (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.12–4.48; P = .021) and failure to receive aspirin, clopidogrel, or both (HR, 8.26; 95% CI, 1.39–50; P = .001) were independent predictors of euthanasia or death within 7 days. For cats that survived ≥7 days, median survival time was 94 (95% CI, 42–164) days, with 6 cats alive 1 year after presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Although 153/250 cats were euthanized at presentation, 6 cats survived >12 months. No factors were identified that predicted euthanasia on presentation.