Saddle thrombus in cats – signs and what to do
See a vet nowThis is an emergency – contact your vet or the nearest emergency vet right now. A saddle thrombus is a blood clot that blocks blood supply to a cat’s back legs.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet or the nearest emergency vet right now.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Let your cat rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
A saddle thrombus is a blood clot that blocks blood supply to the back legs.[1] Saddle thrombus is a life-threatening emergency.[1]
Signs
sudden
Causes and risk factors
How vets treat it
- Pain relief
- Hospitalisation
- Medication
What the experts say
“Severe pain ; Dragging one or both back legs, or being unable to stand ; Licking/chewing the affected leg(s) ; Stiff or firm muscles in the affected leg(s) ; Affected leg(s) may be cold to the touch ; Pale paw pads on the affected leg(s)”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What is a saddle thrombus?
It is a blood clot that blocks blood supply to the back legs. [1][1]
What signs can a saddle thrombus cause?
Signs include severe pain, dragging one or both back legs or being unable to stand, and pale paw pads on the affected legs. [1][1]
Why is it urgent?
It is a life-threatening emergency, so contact your vet immediately if your cat shows symptoms. [1][1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Ticks
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