No cat parent wants to even think about all the life threatening feline diseases their beloved pet could be stricken with. Feline heart disease is one cat disease that has the power to strike fear into the hearts of cat lovers everywhere. Learn how a Plavix prescription from your veterinarian, could save the life of your cat.
Saddle Thrombus in Cats — Cat Symptoms
It may come as a surprise to many cat parents, but felines, like people, can suffer the very same types of heart related illnesses. Saddle thrombus, also known as Thromboembolism, is an extremely painful cat illness that can result in paralysis. Cats that have a thromboembolic episode generally lose blood flow and feeling in the hind legs and tail areas of their bodies.
A thromboembolic episode in cats is when a blood clot forms in the left atrium of the cat’s heart. Once the formed clot moves, it makes its way through the bloodstream until it finally reaches the aorta. In felines, the aorta resembles a Y intersection; blood flows to the aorta, and then Y’s down into each leg. If a clot reaches the Y intersection, it can block the flow of blood to the legs, causing pain, paralysis, and kidney failure.
Cats who have suffered, or are suffering from Saddle Thrombus, normally have cold legs and feet, are terrified, and are usually in great pain. They do not know or understand what is happening to them, or why they hurt so bad, so like people they may panic, scream, and even cry.
In many cases, saddle thrombus is fatal to cats. Often the paralysis that results from a thromboembolic episode causes irreversible damage; however, some cats do regain at least partial function of their legs, if they receive immediate medical attention.
Cat Health Questions — Thrombus Treatment: Plavix for Cats?
In some cases, where a cat has already suffered a thromboembolic episode, or when a veterinarian feels a cat may be at high risk of an occurrence, Plavix medication may be prescribed. In cats who are recovering from saddle thrombus, Plavix may reduce the likelihood of another clot formation. If a veterinarian thinks a cat is at high risk for blood clots, Plavix tablets could be prescribed as a preventative.
Plavix Medication: Cost of Plavix, Plavix and Side-effects, Plavix Warning
In a nutshell, Plavix is a medication that prevents blood from forming clots.
The beneficial use of Plavix medication for people, is highly debatable. Plavix heart medication is being blamed for countless deaths, resulting in a class-action lawsuit, and new warning labels. Many people now believe that aspirin, taken daily, is just as effective as Plavix, with much less risk of deadly side-effects.
In cats; however, aspirin is not a viable option as an anticoagulant, because to much aspirin can make a cat very sick. Therefore, for cats, Plavix seems to a good choice for blood clot prevention.
The cost of Plavix medication for cats will vary depending on weather it is ordered online, or from a local vet. In general, online pet pharmacies are charging about seven dollars, for a thirty tablets.
Plavix Medication, Saddle Thrombus, and the Health and Well-being of Your Cat
Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate), is a medication prescribed to both people and cats, in order to prevent the formation of blood clots.
If your cat appears to be in pain, is having difficulty moving its hind legs, or if its back feet and legs feel cold, take them to the veterinarian immediately, as these symptoms could be an indication of Saddle Thrombus.
Sources:
Kelly Dupree, “Plavix Heart Medication – Do the Risks Outweigh the Benefits?” October 2, 2010
The Petside Team, “Arterial Thromboembolic disease (Feline)” October 18, 2007
Kelly Dupree - My love of animals, especially cats, and my interest in science has led to a serious passion to write well researched articles.
