I realized that some of you might not be familiar with the disease that brought Morgan to Tabby’s Place.
This seemed like a good time to review the pathophysiology (the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury) of this disease.
Morgan came to us after he had suffered a saddle thrombus, often considered the worst thing that can befall a cat.
This is a disease unique to cats that is caused by a blood clot that leaves the heart, travels the aorta and becomes lodged at the saddle.
You can see in the diagram that the saddle is where the aorta splits to become the left and right iliac arteries, which serve the rear legs.
The blood supply is cut off, and this leads to a cascade of problems, usually including partial or complete paralysis and severe shock.
In humans, blood clots are often treated with clot-busting drugs or surgery.
Unfortunately, these approaches do not work in cats and typically aggravate matters.
Supportive care and pain medications are the best that can be done.
Over the years, I have known of many cats that have suffered a saddle thrombus. Many have not survived the incident, and most of those that did had a poor quality of life for a while before being euthanized.
Morgan’s story is amazing.
He not only survived, he recovered complete use of his rear legs and gallivants around the Lobby and Community Room like a kitten.
Even more amazing, it has been over four years since the incident, and he continues to thrive.
I think of this often and how blessed we are to have had him for so long.
NOTE: I am not a veterinarian, and each case is different. If your cat suffers a saddle thrombus, please use your vet as your primary information source for making decisions.