Case 21 — Paralysis

Freckles, a ten-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair cat.
Freckles — 10-year-old MC domestic shorthair, 4.9 kg.

Primary clinician: Darcy Adin, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Supervising clinician: Mark D. Kittleson, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Signalment

  • Species: Feline
  • Breed: Domestic shorthair
  • Age: 10 years
  • Sex: Male castrated
  • Weight: 4.9 kg
  • Name: Freckles

Presenting Complaints

  • Paralyzed

Pertinent History

  • Owner noticed Freckles was not getting off the bed. His back paws felt cold and his gums appeared pale.
  • Taken to referring DVM where he was diagnosed with a saddle thrombus. Thoracic radiographs revealed an enlarged cardiac silhouette.
  • Indoor only cat with history of flea allergy dermatitis. Lives with one other cat. Eats Bumble Bee tuna. Owner inherited Freckles from her father.

Physical Examination

  • QAR-H. T = 98.7°F; P = 190; R = 30; Wt = 5.6 kg.
  • Full clear coat. Eyes clear. Ears clean. MM pale pink; CRT 2 sec. Mild tartar.
  • BCS 6/9. Contracture of gastrocnemius muscle bellies. Pelvic paws cold; nail beds and pads cyanotic. Paretic. Tail lacks voluntary movement; hind limbs do have some.
  • CV: Grade 2/6 heart murmur at left apex (sternum); gallop rhythm. No femoral pulses palpable bilaterally.
  • Respiratory: Mild tachypnea. Clear breath sounds bilaterally. Became more tachypneic and moderately dyspneic when stressed during examination.
  • GI/GU: Irregular surface to kidneys. No abdominal masses or organomegaly.
  • Neuro: Paraparetic. Decreased tail tone. No peripheral lymphadenopathy.

Problems

  • Grade 2/6 heart murmur; gallop sound; tachypnea/dyspnea
  • Rear limb paresis with absent femoral pulses, cold limbs, and cyanotic nail beds and pads (probable saddle thromboembolus)
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