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Posted on 03/24/2026 11:12:02 AM PDT by Responsibility2nd
My daughter discovered Buddy yesterday unable to move and in apparent pain.
An emergency trip to the vet this morning resulted in a diagnoses of saddle thrombus.
Here is what Perplexity says about saddle thrombus...
What this diagnosis means A clot in the vessels to the back legs (often called a saddle thrombus or aortic thromboembolism) suddenly cuts off blood flow, causing paralysis and very severe pain. Prognosis is generally described as guarded to poor, and many cats either do not survive or are euthanized because of pain, cost, and risk of recurrence.
Options to discuss with the vet Hospital treatment: Strong opioid pain relief, blood thinners, oxygen if there is heart disease, monitoring for complications, and several days of hospitalization are typical if you pursue treatment.
Chance of recovery: Some cats that survive the first 48–72 hours can slowly regain some or even full use of their back legs over days to weeks, with average recovery starting in about 4–7 days, but not all will do so.
Long‑term issues: Even if she improves, she may need lifelong blood thinners and heart medication, with a significant risk of another painful clot later.
Euthanasia: Because this condition is extremely painful and the outcome uncertain, humane euthanasia is considered a reasonable, and often recommended, option in many cases.
Simple decision frame to ask your vet Ask your vet directly:
How much pain is she in even with medication right now?
Does she have underlying heart failure or trouble breathing (which worsens prognosis)?
Realistically, what are her chances of walking again and how long might that take?
What would at‑home care involve for the next few weeks (helping with bathroom needs, turning her, physical therapy, medications)?
If you are trying treatment Follow your vet’s instructions closely. Typical at‑home priorities after discharge are:
Pain control: Give pain meds exactly as prescribed; uncontrolled pain is a reason to call the vet or reconsider euthanasia.
Nursing care: Keep her on soft, dry bedding; turn her regularly; keep her clean and dry if she urinates or defecates where she lies; use pee pads or diapers only if you can keep her skin very clean.
Helping with bathroom needs: She may need help getting to the litter box or even manual bladder expression; your vet can show you how or arrange rechecks.
Gentle limb movement: Once your vet confirms it is safe and pain is well-controlled, you may be taught gentle passive range‑of‑motion exercises to reduce stiffness and help circulation.
Watch for emergencies: Rapid breathing, open‑mouth breathing, collapse, sudden worsening pain, or cold/blue paws are reasons for immediate emergency care.
If you are considering euthanasia Veterinary sources emphasize that choosing euthanasia for a cat with a painful aortic clot is a valid, compassionate choice, not a failure. Many owners opt for euthanasia at the first event because of the intense pain, poor prognosis, and risk of repeat clots even if the cat initially improves.
You might ask for:
Time to sit with her, say goodbye, and ask all remaining questions.
Strong pain medication or sedation while you decide, if she is suffering but you are still talking it through with the vet.
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My daughter and her husband made the right call. Even though Buddy was a healthy male cat about 3 years old - he died this morning.
I’m so sorry. I had a beloved cat that passed from the same thing.
Condolences.
RIP, pretty kitty. My condolences to you.
Oh, no. So sorry to hear this. We had our Bobbo for 13 years and took him to vet on 2/18. I knew that would be our last trip together. I was devastated, sobbing almost full time the first few days.
Then decided, I just turned 69, I don’t want to be looking back and choking down tears every day. So we got another cat (young one from a rescue; he’s about 13 months now. I know it seemed very soon, but already we are loving him to pieces and glad we didn’t wait to get a new baby that needed a home.
Hoping your family finds comfort and hope, soon.
I had never heard of this happening. AI says 0.1–0.3% of cats develop this.
Very rare.
When we took Bobbo to the vet, she explained the various options for care, how that might extend or improve his life.
She went through everything, then I asked, “What would you do if he was your cat for the past 13 years?” Then she recommended that we let him go. He laid in the bottom of his carrier with my brother and I both petting him, before they took him for sedation. At some point, he stretched out, took a big sigh, then relaxed. It was like he kind of knew and was saying he was ready.
Animals don’t understand you are trying to help them. They only think they have done something wrong. Everyone is not meant to live a long time. Let animals die when its their time.
I read about a guy who had multiple yellow labs he used for hunting. When the dog was put down he got another yellow lab(all females). The funny thing is he called them all by the same name. I guess it was his answer to continuity.
So sorry for your loss.
Condolences. I’ve never heard of that affliction.
My wife just informed me that one of our cats died of the same. She’s pretty sure his name was buddy. We’ve enjoyed 19 cats over the years. The most we’ve had at one time is three. We currently have two (and a dog). During the work she did before, she found a 3-legged cat around an abandoned house. She took her in and named her Isabella. Izzy lived many good years at our house. It’s a sad day when pets die.
What a handsome young tom.
So sorry for the loss, FRiend.
Losing pets, is hard. We have lost older animals, and one quite young. It is never easy.
Godspeed Buddy,
Tatt
He looks like a sweetheart. I hope you can find peace. I know it is difficult, but always remember the good times and times of affection you shared with Buddy.
I had a Hemingway cat who had a saddle thrombus, but eventually survived on Plavix. A few years later, he developed a more serious one, he had heart failure, and lots of cardiac dysrhythmias with an accelerated heart rate. He died at about 13 years old.
He suffered for about 1 day, and eventually succumbed. He was on pain meds, so I assume he had some relief.
It was very difficult to lose him, and we had been through a lot of trips to the vet as he had lots of medical conditions
but I enjoyed his company for a long time.
I hope that you can have solace in that he was still loyal to you but had a difficult diagnosis to treat. God Bless you .
I have three cats, all rescues, all in the 12-15 year old range, and all indoor cats. All are in good health, but they are old. I dread the day.
So sorry to hear this about your beloved kitty.
A sad loss. The little fur balls have a way of winning our hearts. I was not a cat person, but a couple of years ago, out of pity, I put food and water out for and eventually tamed and took in a near feral black and white stray cat. Now a pampered house cat, Buddy is a sweet tempered and devoted companion. I dread the day when age or illness take him.
I thought I had found homes for them all, but one by one they all fell through. Long story short...I ended up keeping three feral kittens.
I never thought of myself as much of a cat person bur I have become attached to these little guys. I'm so sorry about Buddy. Your daughter and SIL did right by him. Anybody who is kind to God's creature's is keeping the faith
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