Aortic thromboembolism. A different predisposing disease in four dogs: a case report

Four dogs had signs of pelvic limb lameness, pain, and collapse resulting from an occlusion of the distal aorta or the iliac arteries by thrombi. The diagnosis of an aortic thromboembolism was based on the absence or weakness of a femoral pulse, and the two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonography of the abdominal aorta, iliac, and femoral arteries. Three dogs had a concurrent disease predisposing to thrombosis, including hyperadrenocorticism, protein losing nephropathy, neoplasia, and cardiac disease. Three dogs were treated with a tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in an attempt to lyse the thrombosis; two regained pelvic limb function. The other two dogs died shortly after the diagnosis of a thrombosis. A complete description of the history, clinical signs, laboratory analysis and imaging studies is included. Moreover, a review of the aortic thromboembolism, a diagnosis protocol and the options for its treatment are discussed.