Thrombosis

Pulmonary artery thrombus. Courtesy of A. Jefferies

Thrombosis may be due to:

Endothelial injury.
Altered blood flow E.g. abnormal stasis.
Hypercoagulability.

Often associated with other disease processes for example Disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Commonly see posterior paralysis of cats with cardiomyopathy.

Spontaneous venous thrombosis is rare. Seen in cattle with traumatic reticulo-peritonitis in the caudal vena cava.

Nasal thrombosis (dog). Courtesy of T. Scase

Sarcoma embolus (dog). Courtesy of T. Scase

DIC thrombus. Courtesy of A. Jefferies

Pulmonary artery thrombus. Courtesy of A. Jefferies

Description

Thrombosis is a localized or generalized intravascular clot formation. Thrombi form as the result of trauma or pathological processes affecting the blood vessel endothelium or disturbances to blood flow and/or blood composition. Some diseases such as infective endocarditis and heart worm increase the risk of thrombi formation.

Diagnosis

History & Clinical Signs

Signs depend on the area affected and the size of the blocked vessel.

Poor perfusion below affected area.

Malfunction and necrosis of affected organs

Laboratory Findings

Abnormalities associated with lack of blood perfusion and/or pathological conditions.

Ultrasonography

Blood stasis

Visualization of a thrombus

Angiography

May show lack of opacity in affected region

Treatment

-Treat underlying problem

-IV Fluids

-Anticoagulant (Heparin for short term treatment, Aspirin for long term treatment)

Prognosis

-Depends on underlying condition