Saddle Thrombus

My 11 year-old FIV+ cat was diagnosed with a saddle thrombus yesterday morning when her back legs stopped working.  She's on pain meds and an anti-inflammatory but the vet says it is a wait-and-see game now.  She only recently (as in, Tuesday night; this happened Wed. morning) got a feeding tube removed after 5 weeks of dealing with a terrible bout of pancreatitis and resulting anorexia. She seems miserable but then perks up slightly, but her rear legs are cold and stiff. The CTscan also revealed a mass of some kind in her lungs, but we are not dealing with that until if/when she recovers from the clot.  I've read online that they can come back from this, but given her recent health problems I am wondering when is enough enough?  I don't want her to suffer unnecessarily but I also do not want to put her down before her time.  I am heartbroken.  Any advice?  Experience with saddle thrombus?

I'm so sorry!  I don't really have any advice except please listen to your Vet about this.  I've heard this can be excruciatingly painful.  It sounds like your girl has been thru the wringer and it's no wonder that she seems miserable at this point in time   How long did the Vet say she could go with her legs cold and stuff (in other words no blood is circulating to them, I'm thinking) until it is determined that it's irreversible?   

for your little one with her multiple issues.

She died a little more than an hour ago, thankfully at home and in my arms.  She was such a classy, sweet, and loving girl.  Thank you for taking the time to read and reply, I appreciate it.

I'm so sorry for your loss .   I hope it was a peaceful passing, and now she is running pain free at the Rainbow bridge. 

When you feel up to it, you can write a tribute to her in the Crossing The Bridge forum.

Rest In Peace, little one. 

I'm so sorry, this happened to my sister's cat on Thursday and he had to be put to sleep because he was suffering and fading away. The vet couldn't x-ray because he was too unstable but googling the symptoms, this sounds like what happened. Hugs. I also hope you post a tribute to him on Crossing the Bridge.

I found my 13-14 year old rescued FIV+ male down early last Thursday morning. He never showed any sign of pain or other distress except mild anxiety. His legs were lifeless but not very cold and they were pink. XRay showed the cardiomegaly and a little pulmonary edema but he has never been in any distress and after 2 days in the hospital I brought him home. His left leg has regained strength and sensation, the right is still pretty useless and sensitive but he doesn't seem unhappy. I have him a little area of his own with a litter tray he can drag himself into, his favorite blankies, toys, food, water. My 2 younger cats keep him company when I'm sleeping or at work. My main issue is that he isn't eating much and I worry about his kidneys although I'm giving sub-Q fluids.

Still, it sounds like Spot has once again been a lucky boy and didn't have as serious a clot as many kittehs, so I am grateful for that. I feel so much for those who have lost a beloved pet to this unexpected and painful event, take care. Anyone who did have a longer time caring for a cat following this any advice would be welcome.